What Colours might I see that I need to see a vet in my dog or cat?
Please contact your vet as a matter urgency should your pets gums not be pink – the examples given are not exhaustive.
Blue gums usually occur due to insufficient oxygen supply in your dog or cats blood – there are many causes all of which are serious. Please contact your vet urgently
White or light pink gums are the result of a lack of blood or poor circulation – sudden blood loss, or shock are some more common causes.
Bright red gums signify that your dog could be overheating or septic. In some cases, red gums could be a symptom of gum inflammation or gingivitis.
Yellow gums signify red blood cell or liver damage.
Brown gums suggest your pet is not able to absorb oxygen most commonly due to paracetamol toxicity
Red spots or bruising suggest your pet may have a clotting disorder or dysfunction of the platelets
If you see any of the above, please contact your nearest vet immediately.
Gum Colour – gently lift up your pet’s lip, what colour do you see? Bright red, pink, very pale pink, greyish white, greyish blue/purple, white or yellow? Remember that salmon pink to pink is representative of good blood flow and healthy gums.
Refill Time – gently lift your pet’s lip, using your index finger gently press into the gum for a couple of seconds and release. How long does it take for the colour to return back into the gums where you pressed?
The healthy pink colour should return less than 1-2 seconds of having released your finger. If it takes a longer time for the even colour to reappear, we recommend that you contact your local Greencross Vet.
Next time you’re visiting your local Greencross Vets for a health check, why not ask to be shown how to check your pet’s gum colour and refill time? We’d be happy to show you!
Abnormal gum colours are any colours that are not a salmon or a bubble gum pink. Changes from these colours can often reflect a health issue, some of which can be very serious. Colours of concern can include blue, bright red, white brown and yellow.
Gum refill refers to the amount of time it takes for your pet’s gums to refill in colour once they have been pressed, then released. This time suggests the degree of circulation in the bloodstream.
What Do Normal Dog Gums Look Like?
Normal gums should be a bubble gum pink color. When pressed with your index finger, the gums should lighten to a white or pale pink color and then quickly (within two seconds) return to the normal pink color when you take your finger off of the gums. The amount of time it takes for the gums to return to the normal pink color after you press on them is called the capillary refill time, or CRT. Gums should also be slippery or wet and smooth if you were to run your finger over them. They should not be sticky or dry.
What should the inside of my dog’s mouth look like?
What Do Normal Dog Gums Look Like? Normal gums should be a bubble gum pink color. When pressed with your index finger, the gums should lighten to a white or pale pink color and then quickly (within two seconds) return to the normal pink color when you take your finger off of the gums.