If the plaque is not removed, then minerals in the saliva mix with the plaque and form a much harder substance called tartar (dental calculus) which is much more firmly attached to the teeth. Unhealthy Dog Gums If you notice odd coloring or texture in your dog's gums, it may be a sign of gum disease in dogs. (100+ foods covered). Root scaling removes the plaque and tartar from the exposed tooth roots and root planing is the process of smoothing the root surfaces. Instead, it’s the combination of a dry dog nose with other symptoms that veterinarians use to diagnose a sick dog. In some cases, the dog may need to have its mouth and teeth checked under a general anesthetic. Every dog, just like us humans, has bacteria in their mouth. Sometimes, it is difficult to tell if a dog is sick or injured. Periodontitis requires more of an aggressive approach to try to prevent spread of the disease. (4) These are the dogs at higher risk: However, it is important to remember that ANY dog can develop gum disease! There are also many different dental products available, such as dental treats, chews, sprays, mouthwashes, oral gels and dental toys. Professionally, I worked at a vet and have several friends who are veterinarians -- whom I consult with regularly. There is a better way… Step 1: Remove Dry Food, Feed Fresh Food! Often some of the jaw bone needs to be removed too, known as a periodontal flap. Brachycephalic breeds are those with a short nose and flatter face, such as Pugs, Bulldogs and Shih Tzus, and they are more prone to gum disease. When I'm not training, walking, grooming, or making homemade treats for my dogs, you will find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites). Some may be out of your control, such as his genetics and breed, other things may be your direct choices, such as the food he eats or the toys he chews! Dogs who are given snacks or human food high in sugar will be at higher risk of gum disease. Gum disease in dogs is the most common issue when it comes to dog dental care. My dog was shivering a lot and was just not acting like herself. Talk to your veterinarian for advice, on which products may be best for your dog. Some worrisome colorings include: Pale gums in dogs suggest a lack of blood circulation or anemia Blood from dog’s gums most often is a result of a mechanical damage. Other possible causes are thermal injuries, frostbites, prolonged squeezing of blood vessels, and apoplexy. From anemia to heart failure, breathing difficulties to dehydration, the color of a dog’s gums can be the canine equivalent of a red flashing light alerting you to a problem. It is commonly believed a wet dog nose that is cool to the touch indicates a normal healthy dog state, whereas a warm & dry dog nose indicates fever or sickness. If your dog is sick the gums can change colour. Although some people may offer teeth cleaning when your dog is awake, this isn’t very good or efficient at removing the harmful bacteria and plaque! We know that too much sugar isn’t good for our teeth and the same goes for dogs. As the most common cause of pale gums in dogs – which is also the most noticeable symptom of anemia – you will want to check out for other signs and symptoms of anemia which include: Lethargy (tiredness) Pale tongue or inside of ears. One of the great things about calendula or pot marigold is that it is gentle and promotes … If your dog is showing any of these signs, then you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Easily save as a PDF or print. These pink gums are proof of oxygen-rich blood circulating throughout the dog's body. Not only the gums but also palate or tongue can be injured when chewing bones, sticks, and other hard objects. But when... Dog Constipation – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment. This be the case, upon examination you may notice a cut or other injury to the tissues of the mouth from which blood would be oozing. Feeding a good quality, complete dog diet will help keep your dog’s immune system strong and your dog healthy, which can help reduce his risk of developing gum disease. A visit to the veterinarian will be required as … Note: Barking Royalty isn’t a veterinary provider. 2015 - 2021 © Barking Royalty. Can you prevent it from happening to your dog? Did you know that this is the most common medical condition of adult dogs? If your dog’s vital signs do not fall within the normal range, then you need to call your vet. This is gingivitis! The veterinarian should check your dog’s mouth as part of a full physical examination. This is NOT a normal color for the dog's gums, and he may be experiencing a severe blood loss internally. These breeds are more prone to overcrowding of the teeth, and malocclusions (where the top and bottom teeth don’t overlap normally). If you think you have a sick dog, the best way to tell is to check your dog’s vital signs: Here’s how to tell if you have a sick dog by checking your dog’s vital signs…eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'thefuntimesguide_com-box-3','ezslot_9',699,'0','0'])); Each of the following dog vital signs has a “normal” range for healthy dogs. I just recently had a sick dog on my hands. Read Next: 9 Simple Ways to Keep Your Dog Entertained Indoors Seek veterinary attention. When severe, dogs may lose teeth, drop food from their mouths and suffer weight loss due to difficulty eating. Sick Dog Symptoms - Know The Signs. The Most Common Causes of Bleeding Gums in Dogs. We have already discussed that gum disease can lead to sore, red gums, tooth infection and even tooth loss. Unfortunately, some types and breeds of dogs seem more at risk of developing severe gum disease than others. I’m a lifelong dog owner -- currently have 2 mixed breed Golden Aussies that we found abandoned on the side of the road as puppies. The initial stage involves only gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums. Your dog may be sick if it has a decreased appetite or lack of energy for more than a couple of days. Gums that gradually darken over time can be an indicator that your dog has an oxygenation disorder. The Veterinary Oral Health Council has a helpful list of dental products which can help slow down or prevent plaque on your dog’s teeth. Some dogs get in the habit of chewing stones, bones or wood, through boredom or because the owner gives them to play with. Studies have shown that dogs with a poor diet, lacking vitamins and minerals, had a higher rate of gum disease. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Pale pink gums: Your dog could be anaemic or have a circulatory problem. This allows the veterinarian to probe the teeth and thoroughly check the gums. There is no cause for … A simple case of reassessing your dog’s feeding schedule … If your dog's gums have a bluish tint, seek immediate care. Daily teeth brushing with a dog safe toothpaste may be all that it takes to cure the gingivitis. This means bacteria can more easily enter the damaged areas, putting the dog at higher risk of gum disease. This is gingivitis! The dog's gums may also be affected: ecchymoses (dark red splotches on the gums) and petechiae (dark red specks on the gums). How to Tell If Your Dog Is Sick . You might have noticed your dog’s gum line looks a little red, just where the gum meets the tooth? Did you know that up to 60% of the tooth is hidden below the gum line? If your dog does develop periodontal disease, early diagnosis and treatment is the best way to prevent serious health problems. The gums are also typically moist. In dogs, a recent study has shown that the most common bacteria associated with gingivitis and periodontitis are Pseudomonas sp, Porphyromonas cangingivalis, Desulfomicrobium orale, and Actinomyces bacteria. Pale pink or White Gums: Acute blood loss and diseases that cause Some dogs who are at higher risk may need regular dental scale and polishes to help prevent gum disease, every 6months or yearly. The best way to prevent it is to brush your dog’s teeth daily. Other abnormal gum colors include yellow (indicates jaundice), brick red (indicates heat stroke) or blue (indicates cyanosis). Here’s everything you need to know about dog first aid and how to be prepared ahead of time, in case an emergency ever arises!d. There are many different factors which can play a part in whether your dog will develop gum disease or not. But here’s the rub: To spot the abnormal, you need to know what normal dog gums look like. If your dog’s gums are pale or discolored, this is a sign of a serious problem. This tangy yogurt … Does your dog seem sick? I have 2 Miniature Pinschers. However, the problems are not just confined to the mouth. The American Veterinary Dental College has some great recommendations for canine oral hygiene here. If your dog … Although it seems to be a small problem, it is still a good idea to take … In the early stages, treatment focuses on removing tartar, bacteria, and plaque through a professional dental cleaning (also known as a scale and polish). Periodontitis. If a dog has very mild gingivitis then the veterinarian may just advise regular home cleaning to try to reverse the changes in the gums. Gum disease is very common, and most dogs will suffer from it, especially when they get older. Looking at the dog's gums is an optimum reference when it comes to determining a dog's health status. Your dog’s stomach may be so empty after not eating overnight, this causes them to be sick and throw up bile. I like to help dog owners understand what's 'normal' and what you can expect in terms of living with and training your dog -- how to get through the ups & downs of potty training, chewing, teaching commands, getting your dog to listen, and everything else that takes place during that hectic first year! You may be able to get a vet’s diagnosis over the phone. The cause of the majority of the gum disease in dogs is dry food as the issue evaporates on a normal, biologically appropriate fresh dog food diet. Trying Different Food Change the dog's diet. Older dogs tend to have weaker immune systems, and also dogs who have other diseases or cancer. To date, I've written over 500 articles for dog owners on this site! However, sometimes by that stage, the gum disease might already be quite severe. Always relay any questions you have regarding your pet’s medical condition to your veterinarian, local animal hospital or other qualified veterinary provider. Infected teeth or those with a significant portion of their roots exposed are often removed, in a process known as tooth extraction. Every dog has a different color in their gums. It can lead to bone loss and the teeth becoming infected or falling out. Blue tinged gums: This means your dog is not getting enough oxygen throughout circulation. Sick dog gums which are yellowish could indicate jaundice Tiny red splotches or red gums around teeth could indicate blood clotting issues. Filed Under: Dog Health & Wellness, Home & Garden, Vet Tips For Sick Dogs Tagged With: Dog Injuries & Emergencies, Eye Issues With Dogs, Veterinarian And Expert Dog Tips. I like to help Dog Parents find unique ways to do things that will save time & money -- so I write about "outside the box" Dog Tips and Dog Hacks that most wouldn't think of. However, why does it happen? Or, if your dog has runny eyes due to normal dog allergies, this may cause your dog to also have a wet nose. The most obvious symptom of jaundice in dogs is a yellow discoloring of the eyes, gums, or skin, especially on the ear flaps.. Gums also go pale when a dog is in shock like after a road traffic accident. Causes And Weight Management, Dog Dementia – Facts That You Should Know. Gums – A dog’s normal gum color is pink. The bacteria mix with food and form a substance called plaque which sticks to the surface of the teeth. You may notice your dog throws up a mucus-like, frothy liquid often yellow in colour that usually occurs first thing in the morning. Loss of appetite. By regularly checking your dog’s teeth, you can also spot changes sooner. Signs include the appearance of solitary, clusters or even hundreds of warts. It could be a malformation of the respiratory system, a respiratory infection, or exposure to fungi or parasites. Keep track of accidents. It all revolves around regular plaque removal and control, which is best achieved through daily brushing. A dog with a fever can be suffering from some kind of bacterial or viral infections. But, sometimes in... Every dog experiences a diarrhea at some point in their life. Usually, if there is no improvement after a few weeks of regular tooth brushing, then a professional scale and polish will be advised. This may be able to cure and reverse your dog’s gingivitis (red and inflamed gums) if completed early enough in the disease process. Learn more about gum disease in this video. There’s a broad range of things that can cause such a disorder in dogs. She has developed a special interest in internal medicine and ophthalmology. Fever. A sick dog’s gums will be pale and white in color. Note that you should not confuse a red line near the gum line or just below teeth. The gums may be red or inflamed (gingivitis), or there may be a build up of tartar over the teeth. 5. Less Serious Causes: Fleas, ticks, mites, skin conditions, allergies, stress, … White gums in a dog are the easiest way to see what's your dog's overall health.... Dog Obesity: Is Your Dog Fat? The bacteria and inflammatory cells which are produced during severe gum disease can spread in the blood to other parts of the body. Often dental x-rays may be taken to check the health of the tooth roots and the bone under the gums. Many of them have upwards of 200K shares. Our team strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument. This allows the bacteria to multiply and cause problems, especially if there is a lot of plaque and tartar in the dog’s mouth! Normal chewing of dry food or fibrous foods can help to remove plaque too. (1). It can lead to … Dog’s health and well-being is the top priority for us. Your dog should have a health check at least once a year with a vet. And finally, what are the treatment options for it? It can be extremely painful for your dog so preventative measures should always be taken. White Gums In A Dog – What Is It And Why Does It Happen? In this article, we will tell you how you can help prevent your dog from getting gum disease, and if your dog has it already what the treatment options are. If you think that your bundle of joy has pale gums, contact your veterinarian immediately. X-rays will show if there are any changes in the density of the tooth roots and changes in the supporting bone, which are signs of periodontal disease. Gums can be of a lot of colors including yellow, red, purple, or simply pale or white when your dog is sick. A small piece of sugar-free gum (or 0.1 g/kg of xylitol) may be considered a toxic dose of xylitol, depending on the dog's weight. Dogs tend to hide pain and discomfort quite easily for longer periods of time. Affected dogs may develop pale gums, bleeding, blood in urine or stool, petechiae, and bruises on the skin. This can indicate several different conditions or medical problems. If your dog is sick, it’s important that you know what warning signs to look out for so you can take appropriate action. It is important to know what color your dog’s gums normally are, a salmon pink color? We will cover that in more detail later. Let’s take a closer look at some factors which can influence the development of gum disease…, Bacteria play a major role in the formation of canine gum disease. If the color was white, it would have been cause for concern and I would have had to take her straight to the vet’s office. Younger dogs, puppies especially, can come down with papillomatosis, or warts of the gums. So, you can’t always trust the wet/dry dog nose theory! This is done by a veterinarian under a general anesthetic. Or does he have pigmented black gums? Margarita graduated from the University of Liverpool, earning a Bachelor in Veterinary Science with distinction. Regular tooth brushing physically removes the plaque (and pesky bacteria) and prevents tartar from forming. As you can imagine some dogs may not like a vet having a good check of their mouth, especially if their teeth are sore. The good news is it is totally preventable, but only if you start taking good care of your dog’s teeth when he is young. One myth is that you can tell if a dog is sick by checking how wet or dry the dog’s nose is. Nothing beats the happy moments that you get to share with your dog. ... Reddened or swollen gums, particularly when associated with bad breath, are an indication of gum disease. Soft food may increase his risk, so it’s important to feed some dry food too which helps to remove plaque, as your dog needs to crunch and chew the food more. How to check your dog’s gums: Lift up your dog’s lip and look at the color of the gums under the lip and above the teeth. Hello, my dog is a rescue, Maltese…I have had him for seven years….guessing his age to be around ten years old….the past couple of years, his teeth are a mess, covered with plaque, gums look red and sore…now he is showing signs of being very sick, and I believe it’s from his teeth and gums…I have in the past taken him to several Vets, after blood test, they refuse to put him under, to do any kind of dental … Scratching or hair loss. 11. So, we know that gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar in the dog’s mouth. Ideally, this should be started while your dog is still a puppy but can be started from any age. (And just because I love animals so much, I also worked at a Zoo for awhile!) All rights reserved. (3). So don’t wait for your dog to get sick to figure out what’s happening! When I called my vet, I told her that my dog’s gums were darker than normal. If you see one or two warts, don’t worry. The vet said to check under my dog’s eyelids. Conditions that may cause your dog’s gums to change their color include diabetes, liver disease, hypoglycemia, shock, anemia, poor circulation, overheating, blood clotting, carbon monoxide poisoning, and jaundice. A heart problem may cause a drop in blood pressure and coughing, tiredness, rapid breathing, poor appetite, pale or bluish gums, weak pulse, and an enlarged abdomen (ascites). It affects over 80% of dogs that are over three years old. The coldness that you are noticing is most likely due to poor perfusion from some type of circulatory crisis. It is good to get in the habit of checking your dog’s mouth and teeth. Therefore, we can’t see all the problems just from looking at the part of the tooth that is visible. This can make it more likely for food and debris to get caught up in teeth, and for plaque to quickly form. These can cause broken teeth, scratches and wounds in the gums, which weakens the teeth and the area around them. Although it’s not always easy to spot gum disease in dogs, it’s essential to check your dog’s teeth regularly and know the signs and symptoms to look out for. It looks like an extra, thickened layer on parts of the teeth above the gum line. In a healthy dog, you want to see nice bubblegum-pink gums. She probably did this while outside playing in the snow and ice. Just like humans, dogs can develop gum diseases which can potentially lead to tooth loss. Luckily, the color was pink, so the vet had me give her part of a baby aspirin and keep an eye on her. Causes of Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs. The dog’s teeth require a deep cleansing/scale and polish. Remember the bacteria in the mouth can spread to other organs in the body and cause serious disease elsewhere too! Read Next: 9 Simple Ways to Keep Your Dog Entertained Indoors. Heart disease. When you press the gums the colour will be slow to return. That indicates normal gums and overall oral health. The numbers in the parentheses (1, 2, 3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers. It is pointless and dangerous for small, old and sick dogs. The good news is YES gum disease can be prevented, but only if you are dedicated to the oral hygiene care of your dog. If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact us. Instead of being great just for your stomach, kefir is also beneficial for teeth. We will cover that in more detail later. The same way, you can tell that your doggy is sick just by looking at some areas, like their gums! Calendula. This can happen with splenic problems or severe gastric bleeding ulcers. However, if your dog has a wet nose it may simply be due to the humidity outside. It can lead to bad breath, gum recession, tooth infection, loss of teeth and cause a whole host of problems elsewhere in the body too. The antibiotic gel may be placed into any pockets of exposed gum or after tooth removal, and bone grafts may be used to help replace lost bone. The dog’s gums may also be discolored. Canine gum disease is also known as periodontal disease and is a progressive, inflammatory disease of the gums, soft tissues, and bones which support the teeth. (2). Feeding a sick dog is challenging. Two stages of gum disease or periodontal disease exist, gingivitis and periodontitis. This stage is reversible, so with good care, your dog’s gums can go back to normal. Pulse – A normal dog’s heart rate is 60-100 beats per minute for medium-large dogs (30+ lbs) and 100-160 beats per minute for small dogs (less than 30 lbs). She worked in small animal and equine practice for a few years, before choosing to focus solely on companion animals. Make an effort to learn color of his gums before anything bad happens. But how do you recognize it? Some teeth may be able to be saved through major surgery by a specialist veterinary dentist. In fact, a dog’s gums change color when he’s going through some illness. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'thefuntimesguide_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',800,'0','0'])); Now, watch as a veterinarian checks each of those 3 dog vital signs in this video: If you’re unsure whether you have a sick dog or not and you can’t take your dog to the vet, then at least call your vet. In this stage, the gums might look more red than normal, swollen or bleed easily. Tartar is yellow or brown in color and can be obviously seen on your dog’s teeth. Often the first thing an owner will notice is that their dog has bad breath when they want to give their dog a cuddle and a smooch. Kefir. Today, we’ll talk about what pale gums in dogs mean, causes of pale gums in dogs, etc. In this case, the necrosis of the tissue is most often caused by a neglected inflammatory process. If your dog’s gums are dark, blue, red or white you may have a sick dog — call your vet. Reviewed by: Dr. Margarita Boyd, BVSc MRCVS, Download the Free "Can Dogs Eat..." Whitepaper, 9 Simple Ways to Keep Your Dog Entertained Indoors. The big problem starts when plaque and tartar build up and start to spread under the gum line. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush or gauze with a dog safe toothpaste. ... or labored breathing can be signs of a respiratory issue or a problem with its immune system. If your dog has lots of bacteria in his mouth, but his immune system is struggling to carry out its normal job. This article is based on scientific evidence and contains scientific references. I've been sharing my best ideas with others by blogging full-time since 1998 (the same year that Google started... and before the days of Facebook and YouTube). The next stage of gum disease is periodontitis, which is severe inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth. Sometimes, you can even get a prescription for treatment from your vet over the phone! When we brush our teeth after eating we remove this plaque. Bloat. This increases the risk of having an... 15 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Breathing Fast, 10 Reasons Why Your Dog Won’t Eat (But Drinking Water), Puppy Vaccination Schedule – Shots Your Puppy Needs, Gum Disease In Dogs – Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention, Dropping food from the mouth while eating. It is best to start slowly and gently, especially if your dog has never had his teeth brushed before. The take-home message is you should brush your dog’s teeth daily to help prevent gum disease, and get your dog regular dental check-ups with the vet. You know your dog better than anyone else, so you may be the first to notice that something is wrong. Gum disease has been linked to heart disease (cardiomyopathy, endocarditis), kidney disease (interstitial nephritis, glomerulonephritis), liver disease (hepatitis) and lung disease (chronic bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis). Bad Breath: Bad breath meanwhile, is a sign of a metabolic disorder. Gum disease is usually pretty obvious, just from looking in the mouth. The next stage of gum disease is periodontitis, which is severe inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth. This allows bacteria to start to damage the gums and supporting tissues around and under the tooth and can end in loss of the tooth. Don’t worry too much if your dog needs to have some teeth removed, he will feel much better once the infected and sore teeth are taken out, and dogs cope just fine with less teeth. Carmichael says those will usually fall off in one to two months. If your dog is vomiting, ask the following questions to determine whether or not to take an emergency trip to the vet.