The color of a dog’s gums is a useful indicator of their health status and is something that all pet parents should be accustomed to checking, both as a part of their usual routine and also if they feel their dog is ‘not quite right.' A healthy dog’s gums should be moist to the touch, and a pale pink or salmon color. Gums are said to be pale if they are white, very light pink, or have a grayish tinge.
- Pale or white gums in dogs can indicate various health issues such as anemia, shock, blood clotting disorders, internal bleeding, or heart disease.
- Possible causes of pale gums include cold temperatures, sedentary behavior, parasites, shock, pain, anemia, heart disease, and dehydration.
- Veterinary treatment is necessary in all cases of pale gums, and the urgency depends on the overall condition of the dog.
This blog post will provide you with valuable information to help you understand why your dog may have pale gums, what conditions can lead to this symptom, and how to proceed with appropriate treatment. Remember, early detection and prompt veterinary care are crucial for your dog's well-being.
What Are Pale Gums in Dogs?
Pale or white gums can be an indication of various health issues such as anemia, shock, blood clotting disorders, internal bleeding, or heart disease. Pale gums occur when there is a decreased amount of oxygenated blood circulating throughout the body.
Why Are My Dog’s Gums Pale?
There is a multitude of possible causes of why a dog or puppy may have pale gums, all of which are worth you paying attention to and some of which are very serious:
Cold temperatures or sedentary behavior
Exercise and temperature can play a small part in your dog’s gum color. If they are hot or have recently been playing or running, their gums are more likely to be a brighter pink to reflect an increase in the blood circulating around their peripheral body. On the other hand, pale gums can be a sign of cold stress.
Parasites
Pale gums can be a sign of parasitic disease, particularly in puppies, as they are more prone to suffer the effects of intestinal worm or flea infestations. While some degree of parasite burden is not uncommon, especially in stray animals, only severe infections tend to cause pale gums.
Shock
This can be the result of trauma such as a car accident or dog fight and can be accompanied by weakness, collapse, and rapid breathing. In these cases, the body has gone into ‘survival mode’ and redistributed blood flow away from its normal course, which can then be seen in the change in gum color. This is one of the most rapidly life-threatening scenarios that might affect your dog.
Pain
There are lots of ways we can spot pain in our dogs and chances are that if your dog is in pain, pale gums are not the only clue they are giving you. Knowing what is normal for your dog, as well as watching out for these signs, is the best way to pick up if they are sore or distressed in some way.
Anemia
Defined as a lack of red blood cells or dysfunctional red blood cells, anemia is another serious cause of gum pallor. Dogs with anemia lack sufficient red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body which can cause exhaustion, lethargy, exercise intolerance, and potentially can be fatal. Those who have lost blood cells slowly over many days or weeks may have adapted to the change and seem more “normal” than you would expect. These dogs may be anemic due to a more insidious internal bleed, or a chronic disease that is hindering their ability to make new red blood cells.
Heart disease
Oftentimes this can have a gradual onset and can be accompanied by generalized aging or “slowing down,” a cough, or a reluctance to exercise as they once did. In these cases, an inefficiently working heart can worsen circulation and cause gums to appear pale.
Dehydration
These dogs have poor circulation and therefore a poorer color because of a lack of fluid in their system. They may also have vomiting or diarrhea, be refusing food and water, or appear unwell in other ways.
What Should I Do When My Dog Has Pale Gums?
Despite the many and various causes of pale gums in dogs, veterinary treatment is required in all cases. The urgency of your dog’s condition will depend on the overall situation and other signs they are showing. As a general rule, any sudden change of behavior, signs of pain, or distress should warrant an emergency veterinary visit. If you are unsure, please feel free to chat with one of our friendly mobile vets.
During your appointment, your vet will perform a full clinical examination and make an initial assessment. It is likely that they will perform some further testing such as blood tests or an ultrasound, depending on the case. Although this can seem daunting, they are there to help guide you while recommending the most appropriate treatment.
Treatment for Pale Gums in Dogs
Treatment for pale gums in dogs depends on the underlying cause. If the pale gums are due to anemia, treatment may involve addressing the underlying condition causing the anemia, such as providing iron supplements or treating any internal bleeding. Medications or interventions to improve heart function may be necessary if the pale gums are related to a cardiovascular issue.
In cases of shock or blood loss, immediate veterinary attention is crucial, which may include blood transfusions or fluid therapy. It's essential to consult a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan for your dog's specific condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m not sure if my dog’s gums are pale?
Sometimes it is hard to tell! This may be because your dog is reluctant to let you look in their mouth, or sometimes it’s because they have naturally black or pigmented gums. An alternative can be to look at your dog’s conjunctiva by gently pulling down on their lower eyelid, although this can be trickier to judge. More reliably, judge your dog on other physical and behavioral signs and if in any doubt, consult an expert.
Are there any home remedies for dogs with pale gums?
The short answer is ‘no.’ In all cases, these dogs need to be examined by a professional. It may be that they can be treated and medicated at home, however, this needs to be under a veterinarian’s direction and prescription.
Are pale gums a sign of cancer in dogs?
Pale gums can be a sign of various health issues, including cancer in dogs. However, it is not a definitive indicator of cancer. While scary, it is worth bearing in mind that some tumors can be benign, and treatment can in some cases lead to full resolution of the issue. Your veterinarian can be relied upon to investigate whether this is the case for you.
