My Dog Has Black Gums: 5 Reasons to Worry - PetDT (2023)

How often do you look into your dog's mouth?

Many pet owners only look closely at their dog's mouth when they need to remove some unacceptable food from the gaping jaws.

And we did.

That toothy maw isn't something many of us want to get our fingers near, even dog tamers.

But did you know that the inside of your dog's mouth and gums is something all pet owners should become familiar with?

If you notice that your dog's gums appear to be turning black, you may be concerned or alarmed.

It's becauseIt is important to know your dog's mouth from an early age–Black spots or discoloration can be completely normal.

Contact a vet?

Alternatively, you can now quickly chat with a veterinarian online, saving you time and money.

We have partnered with JustAnswer Veterinary:Click here to connect with an experienced veterinarianand take some rest with you!

Additionally, we've covered some key points below on how to tell if blackheads or black gums are a cause for concern or just something to expect.

There are a few things to consider and other instances where you can relax with these carnations.

When are black spots and black gums normal?

Dark pigmentation in the mouth can beeven your dog's DNA🇧🇷 Some breeds have completely dark muzzles, others have black spots or spots.

If you look at your dog's mouth and think, "My dog's gums are black," you can relax if it's a specific breed.

If you have a Chow or Shar-Pei, or a mix of both breeds, the entire inside of the mouth is likely to be a dark, bluish color.

Why do these breeds tend to have this unique color in their mouths? Nobody knows exactly why, but it's perfectly normal.

So if your dog has Chow or Shar-Pei in its blood, don't worry if its mouth and tongue have a bluish-black tint.

Anyother breeds tend to have spots on the tongue, palate, inner sideburns and gum area.

Dog breeds with black gums includePomerania, some breeds of Retrievers, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Bully breeds, Irish Setters, Australian and German Shepherds.

A myth you've heard?

You may have heard that dogs with this color tend to be more aggressive. It is a rumor that has no scientific basis and there is no evidence to support it.

So don't worry if your dog has black dots in its mouth.– has no more to do with your temperament than yourThe dog has light gums.

More fake news:

There is also an old wives tale that they are smarter and easier to train.

Although it's a slightly softer rumor, it's never been proven.

The only thing that is certain is that the natural pigmentation in your dog's mouth is in its genes.

When should you be concerned?

If you're unsure about your dog's black spots or gums, a veterinarian can tell you if it's normal or not.

You can monitor your dog's mouth for changes that could indicate something serious.

So if your dog has new spots or darkening of the gums, what could it be?

it's a matter of age

Older dogs can develop these spots and they can appear even in middle age.

It's usually just part of aaged dog, but the texture and size might be a red flag for something else.

a sign of cancer

Dogs can evolveMelanomaon the bottle, It is aA big warning sign is when a blackhead is raised.

Any dog ​​can be affected, but it's more than thatcommon in males and certain races.

ChowsGolden Retriever, and spaniels may be at greater risk for this condition.

It's important to note that a cancerous spot may not appear black; it can be pink, gray or blue. Regardless of the color, if it is embossed,go to the vet asap.

Other signs to look out for include unusually bad breath or bleeding gums.

These cancers can metastasize quickly, so early diagnosis and treatment is the best weapon against them.

You're not getting enough oxygen.

Gums that gradually darken over time could be an indicator that your dog is sufferingoxygenation disorder.

There are a variety of things that can cause this disorder in dogs.

It could be a respiratory system malformation, a respiratory infection, or exposure to fungi or parasites.

While these things don't usually put your dog in immediate danger, they can cause symptoms that will cause your dog's health to deteriorate over time.

One of the telltale signs that your dog is suffering from an oxygen supply disorder is gums that appear to be darkening for no apparent reason.

Black gums in a dog, especially in a younger dog, is something to take seriously.

Because it's important to treat the underlying causes as soon as possible, a veterinarian's diagnosis is the first step when you notice any changes in your dog's gums.

Some things that cause these problems are beyond your control, but there are ways to protect your dog's respiratory health.

Do not expose them to cigarette smoke and make sure there is no harmful mold or fungus in the dog's environment.

The good news is that these measures also protect your health - a win-win situation.

Zyanose

If your dog's gum changes are coming on quickly,They could have breathing problems and need to see a vet immediately.

You can sufferZyanose,which means there is a severe lack of oxygen in your dog's blood.

This is considered a medical emergency andThe root of the problem needs to be addressed immediately.

Causes include pneumonia, congestive heart failure, shock, and some toxins.

The prognosis depends on the reason for the decrease in blood oxygen, so treatments and options may vary.

That's why it's important to make a diagnosis as soon as you notice the symptoms.

Gingivitis

Some dog owners neglect their pet's oral health.

If you notice a thin black line where your teeth meet your gums, it could be a sign of gum disease.

In short, the bacteria have taken over this area of ​​your dog's mouth and created the perfect environment for it to multiply.

In addition to darkening of the gum line, early signs of gingivitis are bad breath and yellowed teeth.

But if left untreated, the bacteria can get in and further damage your dog's tooth roots. In severe cases, tooth loss can occur.

It gets worse:

If losing teeth wasn't bad enoughSwollen gums can be very painful for your dog.

They could refuse food and cause a whole new set of health problems.

If your dog is already showing signs of gingivitis, they will need a professional cleaning at the vet to restore their oral health.

From then on, regular home brushing and regular vet cleanings can keep his mouth in good shape.

And on a diet?

Diet can also be to blame for gingivitis🇧🇷 Junk food and many human sweets can contribute to this condition, as can many others.

Dog food with a poor nutrient ratio and lots of starchy fillers can also give your dog some dental problems.

There is some evidence that dogs with severe and recurrent gingivitis may benefit from raw feeding.

But you should discuss this option with your dog's veterinarian before making any drastic dietary changes.

Track your dog's mouth

Many of us have an innate desire to stay out of our dog's mouth.

Even the cutest of pets can accidentally bite their fingers when you try to shove a package down their throat or grab something they shouldn't be eating.

But building a trusting relationship is important to your dog's oral health, as is the comfort of your dog's mouth.

Dental examination for dogs

Brushing is the best opportunity to check for changes in your dog's mouth.

Some vets recommend daily brushing. But at least your teeth need to be brushed several times a week.

however you canTake care of your dog's teethand multitasking, looking out for anomalies.

What will you need

Human tooth accessories do not work. The flavors of the toothpaste might be enough to make your dog hate the ritual from the start.

There are special toothbrushes for dogs. Some are designed to fit your finger, while others resemble what you'll find on your sink.

Why do you need a special toothpaste for your dog?

Harsh toothpaste can cause a burning sensation in your mouth that will immediately put you and your toothbrush on the problem list.

Also, some of the detergents in our toothpaste would be harmful to a dog if ingested.

You can't exactly teach them to babble and spit like we do.

A big no-no is using toothpaste that contains xylitol, which in some cases can be deadly.

Dog toothpaste is safe to swallow and flavored to be more tempting for your dog.

we recommend itEnzyme flavored veterinary strength dog toothpaste

Brush the pearly teeth

If you've just adopted a dog or puppy, start early to teach him that regular brushing is a fact of life.

You may resist at first, but you can use positive reinforcement.

And yes, you can "bribe" them with rewards to combine cleaning time with a tasty snack or favorite toy.

Some dogs are good sports, so brush your teeth. Others can turn into furry little monsters the moment they see the toothbrush.

If your dog is struggling with grooming, you need to slowly introduce him to the process.

You save yourself stress, pinched fingers, and broken trust by allowing them to adapt over time rather than forcing them.

That's how it is done:

Start by getting your dog used to having your hands around his mouth.

Gently stroke the outside of her mouth and continue massaging her gums.

Yes, we give you permission to put your fingers in your dog's mouth.

Massaging your dog's gums is an easy way to help him get used to having an object in his mouth.

Start with 10-second increments and work your way up to 1 minute or so.

Remember to reward often - any positive response to this process warrants positive reinforcement.

A coveted toy or a handy treat is perfect for teaching them a positive association with brushing their teeth.

Once he's comfortable with you massaging his gums, you can add toothpaste to the equation. Put it on your finger and let him smell it.

Once they decide to try it themselves, you need to reward them.

Massage the gums several times with the toothpaste to get them used to the taste.

Finally you can insert the toothbrush. Reapply the paste and let it smell and taste before brushing.

You can slowly decrease the time between showing the brush and giving the reward until the reward arrives after brushing.

It might seem counterintuitive to give them a treat right after brushing their teeth, but unless it's something sugary, it won't stop brushing.

Note for special cases

For some people, this ritual isn't a big deal, but dogs with behavioral issues can cause a few bumps in the process.

Fortunately, dogs are great at letting you know they've had enough. If youGrowls or shows teeth when petted, times andgive them a break.

The vast majority of dogs will not be aggressive towards their owners when brushing their teeth.

Dogs with more serious aggression issues may need a veterinary clean under sedation and some behavioral training from a professional trainer.

Don't forget to inspect her mouth

A major benefit of brushing your dog's teeth is that it provides the perfect opportunity to check for any unusual spots or colors.

Regular brushing means you become familiar with your dog's mouth and quickly notice when things change.

Make her mouth your business

Good oral health in your dog lays the foundation for overall health.

Taking care of her mouth is one of the best habits you can develop for her.

Don't wait until you see yoursDog scratches his mouthfor example, to alert you that there may be a problem

There are some conditions and symptoms to watch out for, and some instances where the vet will need to take a look inside your dog's mouth.

But black spots on dog gums are usually out of control and nothing to panic about.

Your breed will determine if you have these black spots or gums naturally in dogs.

Biggest takeaway here? Brushing your teeth regularly is the best way to make sure you don't notice anything unusual about your gums.