What Your Dog’s Gums Should Look Like & Signs of Problems
Most dog owners know they should brush their dog’s teeth regularly to keep their mouth clean and prevent bad breath, yet fewer consistently do so. This can lead to chronic dental issues and gum disease as dogs age. Beyond the teeth, your dog’s gums reveal vital clues about their oral and overall health.
Recognising what healthy gums look like and spotting abnormal signs early can be lifesaving. This article explains what normal dog gums should look like, common abnormal gum colours, and what you can do to monitor and protect your dog’s health.
Understanding Healthy Dog Gums: What to Look For
Typically, healthy dog gums have a pink, salmon, or bubble-gum shade of pink, akin to cooked shrimp. This pink colour reflects good blood circulation. Some breeds like the Chow Chow puppies naturally have dark or black gums and tongues due to pigmentation, which is normal if flat and consistent.
It’s common for dogs to have small black spots or patches on their gums, which are harmless pigmentation. Getting familiar with your dog’s usual gum appearance helps detect changes early.
Key Gum Colours and What They Mean
Cyanotic or Bluish Gums
If your dog’s gums turn bluish or purplish and they are not a naturally pigmented breed, this usually signals low oxygen in the bloodstream. Causes may include breathing difficulties common in brachycephalic breeds with BOAS, choking, airway obstruction, or cardiac issues. This is a veterinary emergency requiring immediate attention.
Jaundiced or Yellow Gums
Yellow gums indicate jaundice, usually stemming from liver disease or dysfunction. This colour change can develop rapidly and demands urgent veterinary care.
Pale Pink or Whitish Gums
Very pale or white gums often point to anaemia (a deficiency of red blood cells), shock, or poor circulation. These symptoms require veterinary evaluation to determine and treat underlying causes.
Bright Red Gums
Gums that are bright red as fresh blood may signal infection, inflammation, or fever. Redness that follows the gum line near teeth often suggests gingivitis, a form of gum disease caused by plaque buildup. Professional dental treatment may be necessary.
How Your Dog’s Gums Should Feel
Healthy gums should be smooth, moist, and slick to the touch. Pressing gently, they should quickly refill with blood, returning to pink within 1–2 seconds—this is called the capillary refill time test and indicates good circulation.
Gums that feel spongy or swollen usually indicate gum disease. Dry or sticky gums often signal dehydration or systemic illness. Regular gum checks at home help monitor these signs.
How to Check Your Dog’s Gums at Home
- Choose a calm moment: Pick a time when your dog is relaxed.
- Lift the lip: Gently lift their upper lip to expose the gums above the canine teeth.
- Observe colour and texture: Look for normal pink, noting any spots or patches.
- Perform the capillary refill test: Press gently on the gum to blanch, release and look for colour to return within 2 seconds.
- Look for abnormalities: Check for redness, swelling, bleeding, dryness, or unusual colours like blue, yellow or white.
- Note any bleeding or mouth discomfort: Bad breath, pawing at the mouth, reluctance to eat, or drooling is a concern.
When to Contact Your Vet
If you notice any unusual gum colours such as pale, blue, yellow, or bright red, or if your dog shows signs of discomfort, lethargy, or changes in appetite, seek veterinary advice immediately. Early diagnosis of dental or systemic issues significantly improves outcomes.
Regular professional dental checks, proper oral hygiene including tooth brushing and dental chews, and routine health visits are vital to prevent problems. If unsure about your dog’s gum health, your vet can guide you and provide timely treatment.
Summary
Your dog’s gums provide invaluable insight into their health. Healthy gums are pink and moist with rapid capillary refill. Any colour changes or texture abnormalities could indicate dental disease or serious illnesses. Regular checks at home combined with veterinary care promote your dog’s well-being and comfort throughout their life.
By regularly observing your dog’s gums, you become an active participant in their health and happiness—helping catch issues early and ensuring your furry friend thrives.
