Have you ever noticed the unexpected color of your dog's gums? While most owners are used to their pups having healthy pink gums, a pale color can sometimes indicate an underlying problem. In this blog article, we will discuss pale gums in dogs and what it could mean for our furry friends. We'll cover normal gum color, how to check the gum color, and what it might imply if the gums are pale or white. So keep reading if you want to understand more about pale gums in dogs.

The Significance of Gum Colour

Often overlooked, a dog's gums can provide valuable insights into their health. While we may only catch a glimpse of them when our dogs yawn or bark, monitoring their gum color is crucial. Familiarizing yourself with your dog's normal gum color is vital to recognizing any deviations that may indicate underlying health issues.

It's important to note that white or pale gums in dogs are not normal. Generally, healthy dogs have pink gums that are smooth and moist to the touch. If your dog's gums appear pale or white, this might be a sign of various conditions, some of which are very serious.

Checking Your Dog's Gums

To check your dog's gum color, it is easiest to lift their upper lip and evaluate the color. It's best to perform this check when your dog is calm, quiet, and resting. Normal dog gums should have a variation of pink color. Some dogs naturally have pigment on their gums that will appear as dark spots, however, these should be smooth, not raised, and be clearly demarcated.

If your dog's gums appear white or pale, this could be a sign of a medical concern that needs to be addressed by your veterinarian ASAP.

🚨 Additionally, if you notice any other changes in gum color, such as gray, blue, or yellow, it can be a signal of serious underlying health issues. In such cases, it is imperative to seek immediate veterinary attention, especially if your dog exhibits additional symptoms like collapsing, weakness, lethargy, a swollen belly, abnormal breathing, or vomiting.

Causes of Pale Gums in Dogs

White to pale gums in dogs can stem from various underlying causes. Understanding these potential factors can aid in prompt identification and treatment. Let's explore some of the most common causes:

Anemia

Anemia means the body has fewer red blood cells to deliver oxygen, you may notice that your dog's gums look pale or white. This is because of the reduced amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, which can affect the color of the gums. Anemia can be due to decreased red blood cell production, blood loss, or immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). Significant kidney disease can also cause anemia and white, pale gums as the hormone that stimulates red cell production, erythropoietin, is produced by the kidneys.

Internal Bleeding

Large or small internal hemorrhages can cause pale gums in dogs. Internal bleeding due to an injury, organ rupture, ulcers, cancerous tumors, and other causes can lead to severe blood loss that will affect gum color.

Heart failure

Weak or irregular heartbeats can cause insufficient oxygen in the bloodstream, leading to pale gums in dogs. In such cases, you may notice other symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing.

Toxins

Certain toxins, such as rodenticide poisons, can induce bleeding and clotting deficiencies, leading to internal bleeding and pale gums in dogs. Macadamia nut toxicosis will also cause pale gums along with gastrointestinal and neurological signs.

Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV)

Also known as bloat, GDV involves the stomach over-filling with air and twisting the stomach. As the spleen is somewhat attached to the stomach, as the stomach rotates, so does the spleen. This can lead to a reduction in blood supply to your dog's gums, resulting in a pale or white color.

Clotting Disorders

Clotting disorders, such as von Willebrand's Disease and thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts), can cause pale gums in dogs due to reduced levels of activity of platelets and clotting factor.

Pain

Severe pain will activate certain neurological pathways that will cause vasoconstriction. Vasoconstriction is when the blood vessels narrow and limit the amount of oxygen reaching your dog's gums, leading to a pale color.

Cancer

Bleeding tumors can be caused by specific cancers, often found in the liver, spleen, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys. If these tumors grow quickly, they can rupture and cause severe bleeding that may lead to weakness, and collapse, and can be fatal if untreated.

What to Do if You Notice Pale Gums on Your Dog

It's critical to get your dog emergency medical care if you observe pale gums. As much information as you can about any further symptoms or alterations in your dog's behavior should be provided. Your veterinarian can choose the ideal course of treatment for your dog's recovery after making an accurate diagnosis. 

Additional signs that may be present with pale gums in dogs include:

  • Lethargy
  • Collapse
  • Bruising on the skin (look at the belly area especially)
  • Trouble or abnormal breathing
  • Coughing
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Black stools (melena)
  • Anorexia (lack of appetite)

If you notice any of these symptoms, please seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

How to Diagnose What is Causing Pale Gums?

For the underlying reason for pale gums in dogs to be effectively treated, rapid diagnosis is necessary. Your veterinarian may use a variety of diagnostic techniques to look into the underlying issue. These may consist of:

History and Physical Examination: The veterinarian will ask you questions about your dog's daily routine and lifestyle. They will also do a physical examination to look for any obvious signs of disease.

Blood Chemistry Blood Profile: To assess organ function, electrolytes, and other markers that indicate the ongoing health status of the body.

Complete Blood Count: This test evaluates the health of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelet counts.

Radiographs: X-rays of your dog's chest and abdomen can help detect any potential structural abnormalities that are causing pale gums in dogs.

Ultrasound: A non-invasive imaging technique to evaluate the internal organs, such as the heart and gastrointestinal tract. Abdominal free fluid, such as blood, can be detected effectively using ultrasound.

Treatment for Pale Gums in Dogs

The treatment of pale to white gums in dogs depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Different treatment modalities may be employed to address specific situations. For instance:

In cases of bleeding splenic tumors or GDV/bloat, surgery may be necessary to correct the bleeding source. Antibiotics or immunosuppressive medications may be prescribed to address the underlying cause of anemia.

Prompt veterinary assessment is crucial if your dog's gums show signs of abnormality, especially when accompanied by other clinical symptoms.

In conclusion, pale gums in dogs can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions such as anemia, internal bleeding, heart failure, toxins, and clotting disorders. It is important to recognize the signs and take your dog for prompt veterinary care if you notice any abnormalities. Depending on the cause of the pale gums, treatment may involve surgery or medications that address the underlying issue. Ultimately, understanding these potential causes should aid in the identification and treatment so that your pup's health can return to normal! Please contact your veterinarian with any further questions.