Healthy dogs have pink gums.
The gums of a healthy dog are salmon pink, similar to skin color, according to the American Kennel Club. Some dogs are born with black spots on their salmon-pink gums, which is just a variation of that particular dog's gum color. Any deviation from this normal color is a quick sign that the dog needs to see a veterinarian immediately. Get into the habit of opening your dog's mouth or watching the gum color as the dog pants.
Causes
Discoloration is canine gums is often due to the blood flow getting blocked. It's the blood that makes the healthy pink or black colors. Infection, injury to the mouth, objects stuck in the mouth, sudden blood loss, poisoning, traumatic injury or inner organ failure can stop or reduce the dog's circulation system, which in turn reduces or stops blood from going to the gums.
Colors
Red and swollen gums indicate a gum bacterial infection such as gingivitis. If the gums are cherry red but not swollen, the dog could be fighting a poison. Pale grey, pale purple or white gums indicate shock, which requires immediate veterinary care. Yellowish gums can be a sign of liver problems. Blue or purple-blue gums means the dog's body needs more oxygen immediately. White spots can indicate oral thrush and white lumps could indicate tumors.
Expert Advice
Dogs with mostly black gums may only become discolored in extreme emergencies. In order to check their health, gently pull down the dog's lower eyelid. The color of the revealed tissue is a salmon pink that matches dog gum color, no matter what the breed of dog, according to Dummies.com. The color underneath the lower eyelid is always pink in healthy dogs.
Other Symptoms
Dog gum discoloration usually happens along with other symptoms. For example, in heat stroke, the dog will collapse, the skin will be burning hot to the touch and the dog may stop breathing. Make note of any other strange signs like diarrhea, lethargy, vomiting, unusually bad breath, itchiness or swelling and point these out to your vet.
Prevention
Although accidents can be hard to prevent, many causes of dog gum discoloration can be prevented. "The Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" recommends feeding hard, crunchy foods to help clean plague off of the dog's teeth. Teeth should be brushed three times a week using a toothpaste made for dogs (human toothpaste will make a dog vomit). Keep all medications, household cleaners, insecticides, paint, automotive fluids and other hazardous materials out of a dog's reach. Do not leave a dog in a parked car when it is hot out. Keep a dog fenced or tied so that he cannot wander out into traffic.
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