Why Are My Dog’s Gums Pale?

Your dog’s oral health is closely linked to their overall well-being, and the colour of their gums can be a helpful indicator of their health. If you notice that your dog’s gums appear unusually pale, it may signal an underlying problem. So what does it mean, and what should you do?

Healthy Dog Gums: What Should They Look Like?

To recognise when something is off, it helps to know what healthy gums look like. In most dogs, gums should be pink, anything from a soft blush to a bright bubble-gum pink. They should also feel moist to the touch.

Some dogs naturally have darker pigmentation, resulting in black patches on their gums. If this is the case, check any lighter, unpigmented areas or look under the tongue for that healthy pink tone. You can also press gently on a pink area of gum: it should blanch to white and then quickly return to pink as soon as you release, this is called capillary refill.

If your dog’s gums look pale or white and do not return to pink quickly, it’s important to investigate.

What Causes Pale Gums in Dogs?

Several medical issues can cause a dog’s gums to appear pale or white:

Blood Loss

External injuries, internal bleeding, or certain diseases can lead to blood loss. When the body doesn’t have enough blood to circulate, less reaches the gums, making them look pale.
If you see active bleeding or notice blood in your dog’s stool (which may look black and tar-like) or vomit, seek veterinary help immediately.

Shock

Shock, often caused by trauma or severe illness, leads to a sudden drop in blood circulation. This is a medical emergency, and pale gums are a common sign. If you suspect shock, get your dog to a vet right away.

Anaemia

Pale gums are frequently associated with anaemia, which occurs when there aren’t enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body. Without sufficient oxygen, the body’s tissues can become compromised, and the condition can be life-threatening.

Anaemia is typically a symptom rather than a disease. It can result from kidney problems, parasites, infections, certain medications, malnutrition, or nutritional deficiencies.
A rapid destruction of red blood cells, known as haemolysis, can also cause acute anaemia. This may be triggered by autoimmune disease, cancer, blood parasites (such as babesiosis), or exposure to toxins or chemicals.

Dehydration

If your dog’s gums are pale, feel sticky, or look dull, dehydration may be the cause. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water in a regularly washed bowl.

Pale Gums in Dogs: What Should You Do?

Along with pale gums, you may notice other symptoms such as:

• Pale eyelids, nose, or tongue
  

• Bleeding
  

• Weakness or lethargy
  

• Collapse
  

Start by checking your dog for obvious injuries or signs of bleeding.

If pale gums are accompanied by any additional concerning symptoms, treat it as an emergency and get your dog to the vet immediately.

If your dog has pale gums but otherwise seems normal, contact your vet promptly to schedule an appointment for further evaluation.

Your vet may perform a physical exam and run blood tests to determine the cause. Treatment will depend on the underlying issue. Dogs with significant blood loss may require a blood transfusion or surgery to address the bleeding.

Regular gum checks and good dental care are essential for monitoring your dog’s overall health.