What do unhealthy dog gums look like? Surprising Answer

What should I do about pale gums in dogs?

Any causes of pale gums in dogs could be potentially life threatening or require urgent treatment, so it’s vital that you contact a vet for advice.

Blue or purple gums could be a sign of cyanosis or another serious health issue. Cyanosis is when the skin turns blue due to poor blood circulation or lack of oxygen. The discolored gums could indicate heart or lung problems, as well as breathing issues. If your dog has blue or purple gums, it is advised you take them to the vet as soon as possible because they may be experiencing one of these serious issues:

Many health issues can be evident in your dog’s gums. Assessing whether your dog has healthy or unhealthy dog gums, and what the discoloration may mean, can inform you about the overall wellbeing of your beloved friend. Knowing what to look for and how to determine the health of your dog’s gum can help keep your dog healthy.

Oral hygiene is important for your dog’s health. One way to keep your dog’s gums and teeth in good condition is by brushing their teeth using either a soft-bristled toothbrush or finger brush and dog-safe toothpaste. If you are unsure of which products to buy, you can purchase a doggy dental kit. Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth can lessen the risk of potential infections or diseases that come with unhealthy teeth and gums.

One way to check the health of your dog’s gums is to press a spot on their gums with your index finger. After you let go, within about two seconds, the color should change from a white or pale pink back to pink. If this is the case, your dog is healthy and shows no major health concerns.

If your dog is lacking red blood cells, his or her gums may turn a pale pink or white color; this could also indicate anemia which is a condition in which there is not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen into your body’s tissues. Anemia could be a symptom of an underlying disease or the result of a traumatic experience. So, your dog may have white or pale pink gums due to:

What colour should dogs’ gums be?

The colour of your dog’s gums says a lot about their health and any changes could be a sign that something is wrong. The colour of healthy dog gums varies from dog to dog, but they should generally be a bubble-gum pink or salmon colour.

Some dogs have naturally mottled gums which isn’t anything to worry about. However, if your dog’s gum colour has changed this could be a sign of something more serious. Our ‘dog gum colour chart’ below can give you an indication of what could have possibly led to a change in your dog’s gums, but remember that only an examination from a vet can determine the real cause and your dog might need urgent treatment. So, always err on the side of caution and contact your vet immediately if you have any concerns about your dog’s gum colour.

What the Color of Your Dog’s Gums Mean