Pale gums in dogs are a warning sign, indicating that there might be serious health issues. It may seem like something so minor, but pale gums are, in fact, linked to many severe illnesses, even cancer.
Know what health issues your dog’s pale gums indicate and what can be done to treat them.
10 Possible Causes of Pale Gums in Dogs
What do pale gums in dogs mean? Pale gums indicate that dogs have an underlying health problem. It should not be ignored as its causes can range from minor to major illnesses.
Here are the most common health conditions that induce white gums in dogs:
1.Anaemia
This disease refers to the low amounts of red blood cells and haemoglobin circulating in the body. It leads to oxygen deficiency, which causes a variety of symptoms, including pale gums.
Aside from pale gums, other symptoms accompanying anaemia in dogs are lethargy, appetite loss, weight loss, increased heart rate, and breathing difficulties.
2. Bloat
Bloat is a serious and life-threatening condition that could kill dogs within a few hours. This health problem causes the stomach to twist and swell, cutting off blood circulation to the heart and other vital organs.
Aside from pale gums, restlessness, distended stomach, and difficulties in eliminating are other signs of dog bloat.
3. Blood Clotting Disorders
Blood clotting disorders can prevent blood from properly coagulating. When this occurs, abnormal bleeding takes place, which can precipitate pale gums in dogs. The most common symptoms of blood clotting disorders are large bruises, black stools, and bloody urine.
4. Blood Loss
Blood loss can be brought on by several health problems such as trauma and serious parasite infestation caused by fleas and ticks. The lack of blood leads to pale gums in dogs. Blood loss is a life-threatening condition that needs immediate vet treatment.
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5. Cancer
Many types of cancer can develop in dogs. Some of them can impair the function of bone marrows, which are responsible for red blood cell production. When there is a deficit of red blood cells, it can lead to anaemia and pale gums in dogs.
6. Dehydration
Does dehydration cause pale gums in dogs? Dehydration can cause dogs’ gum colour to turn pale or white. When dogs do not drink enough water, their gums will eventually lose their sheen and moisture.
7. Heart Disease
Cardiovascular problems affect the heart’s ability to pump out blood properly. As a result, many parts of the body do not get enough blood supply, including the gums, hence its pale colour.
Heart disease comes with various symptoms, such as an abnormal change in blood pressure, weak pulse, inappetence, and lethargy.
8. Ingested Rat Poison
Rat poison contains warfarin, which is an anticoagulant. When ingested, it can cause external and internal bleeding in dogs. Excessive loss of blood due to rat poison ingestion causes pale gums in dogs.
Canines experiencing this illness have black stools, breathing difficulties, coughing fits, and lack of energy.
9. Kidney Disease
Dogs that suffer from kidney disease have low erythropoietin (EPO) production. This substance helps stimulate the creation of red blood cells. A deficiency of EPO means fewer red blood cells are being made, resulting in pale gums in dogs.
Common symptoms of kidney disease are appetite loss, increased water intake, excessive urination, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
10. Shock
Shock is the result of experiencing a sudden and potentially fatal injury, such as being run over by a car. This health condition causes an alarming drop in blood flow, which prompts blood vessels to constrict, resulting in pale gums in dogs.
Affected canines also have low body temperature, rapid breathing, and fast heart rate.
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Other Gum Colours and Their Causes
The healthy colour of dogs’ gums is pink or salmon. They get this hue because of the tiny blood vessels found under the gums’ surface.
What do unhealthy gums look like in a dog? Apart from pale gums, other gum colours such as blue, red, and yellow hint to dog owners that their pets might have an underlying health condition.
Read the list below to know what diseases are linked to each unhealthy gum colour:
Blue or purple gums
- Indicate the lack of oxygen in the blood supply
- Sign that a dog has a respiratory issue such as pneumonia or asthma
- May be caused by other health problems such as heart disease, low blood pressure, and hypothermia
Slightly red gums
- Brought on by gum inflammation due to periodontal disease such as gingivitis
Bright red gums
- Symptom of poisoning or ingestion of toxic substances
- A result of high blood pressure or heatstroke
Yellow gums
- Can be triggered by different health issues such as liver disease and anaemia
How to Check for Pale Gums in Dogs
Carrying out a capillary refill test is a quick way to check if your dog has pale gums. Here is a simple step-by-step process on how to do this test:
- Gently touch your pet’s upper lip to observe his gum colour. If he is averse to getting his mouth touched, ask help from a family member or friend to hold him down gently.
- Press a finger firmly on your dog’s gums. It should lighten to a pale pink colour and return to its normal colour within 1–2 seconds.
- If his gums remain pale after 1–2 seconds, it means he is simply dehydrated or has an underlying health problem. Taking a photo of your dog’s gum colour is also a good idea for easy reference should you take him to the vet for a check-up.
Some dogs have mottled gums, which means they have dark pigments. This is normal and not a cause for concern unless these black patches change in shape or size.
Checking your dog’s gums should not be a one-off activity. Make it a part of your routine. Do it at least a few times a week.
Diagnosing the Main Cause of Pale Gums
What can I do for my dog’s pale gums? If your dog’s gums are consistently pale, take him to the vet for proper diagnosis. Pinpointing the root cause of this health issue is the fastest way to provide proper medical treatment.
The vet will ask questions about your dog’s medical history and conduct a physical examination to assess his condition. To acquire an accurate diagnosis, they may also run other tests such as:
Blood Tests
They are carried out to determine the number of red blood cells in your dog’s blood. Blood tests help the vet know whether your dog has liver disease, kidney issues, blood clotting disorders, or anaemia.
X-Rays, Ultrasound, and CT Scan
These tests are used to look for symptoms of internal bleeding, which can cause pale gums in dogs. They also help figure out if affected canines have developed heart disease.
Treatment for Pale Gums in Dogs
If your dog has pale gums, his treatment plan focuses on eliminating the underlying cause. Once it is resolved, his pale gums will go back to their normal healthy colour.
For instance, dogs with pale gums due to anaemia or blood loss will be given a blood transfusion to replenish their red blood cell count.
If pale gums in dogs are caused by respiratory problems, oxygen supply along with administration of medications is necessary to alleviate breathing problems and other symptoms.
In some cases, long-term medications will be given if red blood cell production is indefinitely compromised.
Is There a Way to Prevent Pale Gums in Dogs?
There is no foolproof method to keep dogs from developing pale gums. Nevertheless, taking preventive measures is better than doing nothing.
For starters, feeding your dog nutritious and balanced dog food goes a long way in protecting him from diseases such as anaemia. Routine exercise has a big impact on stabilising his overall health too.
Maintaining a safe home environment by storing toxic substances in inaccessible places away from your dog’s reach is also important. It keeps your dog safe from dangerous accidents and injuries.
Most importantly, never skip regular vet check-ups. You will never know if your dog has become susceptible to a certain disease. Routine vet visits quickly determine the first signs of your dog’s health issues, which helps treat diseases in their early stages before they worsen.
