Assessing the color of a sick dog’s gums can be daunting, especially if you have concerns about what each color means. While some color of gums is normal, others suggest life-threatening conditions. And, as a doting pet parent, you want to know the signs of illness in your pup so that you can provide them with treatment as soon as possible.
Sick dog gum colors vary depending on the condition of your dog. A dog with an underlying health problem may have blue, bright red, pale, white, or yellow gums. In contrast, a healthy dog should have pink gums or dark gums as set by their breed’s standard. Ready to find out more about your dog’s gum color? Read on with us!
What Color Should My Dog’s Gums Be
Normal dog gums should be a bubblegum pink-like color. When you press on the gums with your index finger, they should lighten to a pale pink or white color, and then return to normal within two seconds once you remove your finger.
However, it’s important to note that not all dogs have pink gums! Some breeds, such as Dalmatians, Mastiffs, Australian Shepherds, and Irish Setters, have distinct, dark spots on their tongues and gums, which is completely normal. In fact, some breeds are even known for having dark, black-blue pigmentation in their mouths, such as Shar-Peis, Chow Chows, and Black Mouth Curs. For example, Black Mouth Curs may have gums that are brownish-pink to dark grey.
If you’re unsure about what is normal for your dog’s gums, it’s always a good idea to check with other owners of the same breed, as well as your veterinarian. They can help you determine what’s normal for your dog and identify any potential health issues.
How Do I Check For Unhealthy Dog Gums
To check your dog’s health, you can observe their capillary refill time, which is how long it takes for their gums to return to their original color after you press on them. To do this, lift your dog’s upper lip and press your index finger to their gums. If your dog has dark gums, you can still perform the test by looking for a pink spot or checking the color of their eye tissue instead.
Normally, it takes 1 to 2 seconds for the gums to refill with blood. If your dog’s gums take longer to refill, it could mean they are in shock or have a heart condition. If the gums refill in less than a second, it could indicate high blood pressure, fever, heatstroke, or early hypovolemic shock.
Overall, observing capillary refill time can be a helpful way to assess your dog’s health. If you have any concerns or notice abnormal results, consult with a veterinarian for further evaluation and care.
Dog Gum Color Chart
The color of a dog’s gums can be an indicator of their health status. If your dog’s gums are not their normal color, it’s important to speak to your vet as soon as possible. Colors like blue, bright red, yellow, or white can suggest severe health conditions in dogs.
Blue Gums
If your dog’s gums appear blue or purple, this may be a sign of “cyanosis,” which means they don’t have enough oxygen in their blood. This can be caused by a variety of issues such as congenital heart disease, pneumonia, pulmonary thromboembolism, or ingestion of a chemical. Cyanosis is a medical emergency, and you should contact your vet immediately.
Bright Cherry Red
Bright red gums can indicate that your dog is overheating or may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Brick-red gums are a classic sign of heatstroke, which is a serious condition that requires immediate attention. If your dog’s gums appear bright red, it’s important to take measures to cool them down and contact your vet.
Slightly Red
Red tinges on the gums can be a sign of gingivitis, which is a mild form of periodontal disease. This can cause gum irritation, swelling, and bleeding, as well as reluctance to eat. Talk to your vet about setting up a dental appointment for your dog if they have gingivitis to prevent further dental issues.
Yellow
Yellow gums can indicate jaundice, which is a symptom of various canine illnesses such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or inflammation of the pancreas. If your dog’s gums appear yellow, it’s essential to take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Pale or White
Pale or white gums in dogs can be caused by several conditions such as shock, anemia, kidney disease, internal disease, heavy parasite infestations, bloat, heart disease, blood clotting disorders, and heavy metal toxicity. If your dog’s gums appear pale or white, contact your vet immediately as these conditions can be life-threatening.
Overall, if you notice a change in the color of your dog’s gums, it’s best to speak to your vet right away to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment
Sick Dog Gum Colors: FAQ
Have any more questions or concerns about the color of a sick dog’s gums? Feel free to read through our Frequently Asked Questions section for more details. If in doubt about your dog’s health, always contact your vet for advice.
Some breeds naturally have dark or black gums! These include Shar Peis, Chow Chows, and Black Mouth Curs. Mixed breeds that have a combination of these breeds may also have naturally dark gums. Some breeds may also have dark spots on the gums and tongue. Check with other owners of the breed as well as your vet to confirm if this is normal for them.
Pale or white gums in dogs can be a sign of a medical emergency. If your dog’s gums are paler than usual, contact your vet immediately, as this may be a sign of a medical emergency. Pale gums can suggest life-threatening shock, heavy parasite infestations, blood loss, and heavy metal toxicity.
Pale or white gums are a symptom of parvovirus in dogs. This is because parvovirus causes heavy internal bleeding as well as dehydration through vomiting and diarrhea. Another classic sign of parvovirus in dogs is vomiting blood, leading to further blood loss and dehydration.
In dogs, dehydration causes the gums to become tacky, dry, and off-color. In contrast, a healthy dog’s gums are pink and moist when hydrated.. Dry gums are not the only sign of dehydration in dogs, however, so be on the lookout for other classic signs. These include sunken eyes, loss of appetite, loss of skin elasticity, and lethargy.
The signs of dog gum disease include bad breath (halitosis), red, bleeding gums, and tartar build-up on the teeth. Make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible to prevent further gum disease. This is important for preventing periodontitis!
The color of a sick dog’s gums varies depending on the condition of your dog. While blue gums tell you that your dog isn’t getting enough oxygen, bright red gums suggest heatstroke or carbon monoxide poisoning. You know your pup best, so always check in with your vet if your dog’s gums look different.
One comment on “What Color Is a Sick Dog’s Gums”
Thank you for the very helpful post.