If you are one of the many Americans who kiss their pets on the mouth, you may want to think twice. Most people think it is cute to snuggle up with their four legged companions, but you may be putting yourself at risk for getting sick.  Some studies in oral biology have found that is it possible for disease-causing oral bacteria to be exchanged between dogs/cats and their owners.

In one Japanese study, researchers examined dental plaque from 66 dogs, as well as dental plaque from 81 people from Japan who visited a dog-training school or animal clinic during 2011. They conducted analysis to find the presence of 11 disease-causing oral bacteria, called "periodontopathic" species, in the plaque. The results suggest that several periodontopathic species could be transmitted between humans and their companion dogs, though the distribution of periodontopathic species in both is generally different, the researchers wrote in the study.

Although many of the bacteria in dogs' and cats' mouths are similar to that in humans' mouths, this doesn’t not mean there is no harm in smooching your pooch.  There are several species of bacteria in the mouths of dogs that are transmitted to humans by kissing that may be harmful.

Here are some other ways your pet can get you sick:

1. Ticks and worms: Pets that roam outdoors are always at risk for bringing critters like ticks or parasitic worms back inside. This means, you, the owner is at risk for Lyme disease, rocky mountain spotted fever, ringworm, hookworm, or roundworm.  If you notice a new rash, or skin changes, make sure to contact your doctor.

2. Cat scratch fever: This common cat germ is caused by the spread of Bartonella henselae bacteria after being licked, bitten or scratched by a cat.  Symptoms follow that of a typical infection, which means fever, headache, and fatigue.

3. Parrot fever: psittacosis is a bacterial illness that’s transmitted by contact with bird feces. It may cause fever, headache and a cough that could lead to pneumonia.  It’s rare illness, but can happen from cleaning your bird’s cage especially. It can be treated with antibiotics if you happen to catch it.

4. Salmonella: Reptiles like turtles, snakes and lizards can spread the salmonella bacteria to the people who own and handle them.  Reptiles are known to shed salmonella in their feces so it can be easy to catch this infection of you are touching the skin, cage and other surfaces.