Healthy Dog Gums: Vet-Verified Color Guide, Care Tips, and Signs of Trouble

Did you know that your dog's gums are essential indicators of its health and wellness?

Normal dog gums have a certain color that you should be familiar with. And completely not having an idea about this can potentially put your pet's life at risk.

Your Dog's Gums Change Color When Oral Health is Compromised

First and foremost, the primary cause of unhealthy dog gums is gingivitis.

Gingivitis is characterized by inflammation along the gum line. Inflamed gums can cause oral pain and discomfort and may progress to gingival recession and dental disease.

Dental disease is a common issue among middle-aged to older dogs, often presenting as bleeding gums. Your dog's gum color can change from bubble gum pink (or salmon pink) to bright red—gums that are displaying some oral health issues.

As the condition progresses, additional problems such as tooth root abscesses, tooth loss, and decreased appetite may occur.

Notably, veterinarians have linked severe dental disease to long-term health conditions in dogs, including kidney and heart disease.

Ideal Dog Gums Starts with Home Dental Care

I firmly believe that the key to maintaining healthy dog gums begins with at-home dental care. Here are a few tips and treatments that pet parents can use to keep their dog’s mouth healthy and happy!

Brush your dog's gums and teeth regularly.

Brushing your furry friend’s teeth is a great way to keep their gums healthy and their smile bright! Using a soft-bristled, natural toothbrush helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup, improving your dog’s overall dental health. So, grab that toothbrush and give your pup’s teeth some love!

Choose dental-friendly chew toys!

Use dental-friendly chew toys to help reduce tartar buildup. Choose soft Kong toys or silicone-based options to prevent tooth fractures, especially for aggressive chewers. Avoid bones and hard toys, as they can increase the risk of injury.

Additionally, steer clear of tennis balls, as the green fuzz they shed can cause tooth abrasion and expose the pulp.

Use a VOHC-approved dental chew.

The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) endorses a range of proven dog dental chews that deliver real results. These chews use mechanical abrasion to effectively reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Some top choices for my furry companion include Greenies and Veggiedent.

Natural Products That Promote Canine Healthy Gums

There are several strategies to support the health and wellness of your dog’s gums. Here are a few options you can consider:

Bovine Lactoferrin helps fight gingivitis in dogs

Bovine Lactoferrin, a natural iron-binding protein derived from colostrum, the first milk cows produce, is a powerful immune booster.

It helps balance the immune system and increases white blood cell count while offering a wide range of benefits such as fighting bacteria reducing inflammation, and providing antioxidant properties.

With its ability to bind iron effectively, lactoferrin hinders the growth of harmful bacteria by breaking their cell membranes and depriving them of iron. And did I mention, that it also fights free radicals?

Giving lactoferrin to your pooch is easy! Just mix 100 mg of bovine lactoferrin with milk or water and rub it on your dog's gums daily.

Zinc is a natural antibacterial agent for pale dog's gums

A fantastic way to help keep your dog's gums in ideal shape is by including zinc ascorbate in their dental care regimen. This special formula works wonders in tackling gum inflammation, keeping plaque at bay, and freshening their breath.

Maxiguard offers an incredible gel packed with zinc ascorbate and vitamin C, tailor-made to tackle gum problems in dogs the natural way. Zinc fights off germs, while vitamin C battles those pesky free radicals and can even help stave off harmful bacteria buildup in their mouth.

GUM HAPPY is designed to help keep gum disease at bay

Maintaining your furry friend's oral health is a must, especially when dealing with common issues like red, swollen, or painful gums. Meet GUM HAPPY! This thoughtfully crafted homeopathic remedy takes a natural approach to soothing discomfort and enhancing gum health.

With a blend of four key homeopathic ingredients, GUM HAPPY is here to help:

• Sulphur: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it soothes irritated gums, making it ideal for pets with redness and swelling.
• Belladonna: A potent anti-inflammatory that eases pain from inflamed gums, helping your pet enjoy mealtime without discomfort.
• Mercurius Solubilis: Fights gum infections and inflammation, reducing redness and sensitivity.

Added to these inflammation-fighting remedies are:

• Carbo Vegetabilis: Enhances gum vitality and overall well-being, making mealtimes more comfortable for your pet.
• Kreosotum: Relieves excessive salivation and discomfort caused by gingivitis, providing relief from gum disease symptoms.

A natural lineup of ingredients to keep unhealthy gums out of the picture

Together, these holistic remedies gently promote your pet’s gum health, addressing physical symptoms and ensuring greater comfort. While routine dental care is essential, incorporating these natural solutions can offer extra care for pets with gum issues.

Is Your Dog's Gum Color Normal or Not?

Unsure if your dog’s gums are "in the pink" or not? We understand—it can be challenging to distinguish between unhealthy and healthy gums. Here are some easy steps on how to assess your dog’s gum health:

#1. Quick visual (and smell) check

Gently lift your dog’s upper lip to examine the color of the gums above the upper canine teeth. This is also one important step to observe dog gum colors. Be sure to also check for any unusual odors in your dog’s mouth.

#2. Capillary refill time assessment

Evaluating capillary refill time is an important step in assessing your dog’s gum health. Gently press your finger against the gum and observe how quickly the color returns. Ideally, the gums should regain color within 1 to 2 seconds, indicating healthy blood flow. If it takes longer than 2 seconds, consult your veterinarian for further evaluation.

#3. Checking hydration levels

To assess your dog’s hydration levels, gently touch their gums with your finger. If the gums feel moist, this typically indicates good hydration. However, if they feel dry, sticky, or tacky gums, it could be a sign of dehydration.

This simple check can provide valuable insights into your pet's oral health and even overall wellness (like poor circulation or the presence of blood clotting disorders).

A Vet Explains: The Dog Gum Color Chart

A healthy dog's gums should be a soft pink color. In some pigmented dogs, the gums may appear slightly darker, resembling the color of bubble gum.

White gums in dogs

Are your dog's gums pale? Anemia is the most common cause of pale or white gums in dogs. This condition occurs when there is a deficiency of hemoglobin reaching the peripheral tissues.

Anemia can be chronic, developing gradually over weeks or months, or acute, involving a sudden loss of blood over hours or days.

Note: There is a shortage of red blood cells when this happens

Chronic anemia is commonly associated with an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease, which leads to persistent anemia in affected dogs. Shock, anxiety, and blood loss would all result in pale gums in dogs. It is the inadequacy of red blood cells that can lead to this condition.

These gums can also appear pale pink but will take on a more whitish shade sooner or later.

Yellow gums in dogs

Yellow gums in dogs signal a concerning issue, indicating jaundice to veterinarians. This condition often signifies red blood cell destruction, liver disease, liver failure, or bile duct blockage.

If your dog exhibits yellow gums, prompt veterinary attention is crucial, as affected animals typically require intensive hospital care due to the severity of their condition. Remember, this is not the same as white gums (or pale gums).

Blue or purple gums in dogs

Purple or blue gums in dogs are a serious indication that should never be ignored. This discoloration, known as cyanosis, signals a critical issue with oxygen levels in the body.

Blue gums typically indicate that oxygenated blood is not reaching the tissues, which may be caused by conditions such as congestive heart failure, respiratory issues (like pneumonia or asthma), choking, hypothermia, low blood pressure, or, in severe cases, poisoning.

It's crucial to recognize these signs early and seek immediate veterinary care to address the underlying cause and ensure your dog’s well-being.

However, it is crucial to note that this is different from pigmented gums in some dog breeds like the Dalmatian, Golden Retriever, Chow Chow, Akita, Doberman Pinscher, and Australian Shepherd, among others. This color still means normal gums for them.

Bright red gums in dogs

Vibrant dark red gums should not be overlooked when it comes to your dog's health.

They can signal serious issues like stomatitis or conditions related to heat stroke, carbon monoxide poisoning, high blood pressure, and in severe cases, septic shock.

If you notice bright red gums accompanied by symptoms like weakness or reduced appetite in your dog, it’s important to consult an emergency veterinarian promptly. Bleeding gums may also appear vividly red but should return to normal once the bleeding stops.

A Quick Reminder

Should you notice any drastic change in dog gum colors, it is crucial that you seek immediate veterinary attention to avoid more serious health concerns. Oral infections, periodontal disease, internal bleeding, and similar problems are best given appropriate treatment as early as possible.

You can even discover underlying health issues in the process, too.

In Conclusion

We hope this article has provided valuable insights into recognizing healthy gum color in your dog, as well as practical tips for preventing and managing dental issues. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team—we're always here to help!

About the author

Denise Lessard

HOMEOPATH, NATUROPATH, REFLEXOLOGIST, TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE THERAPIST

Denyse Lessard is deemed as the “mother” of Zumalka, which was established more than ten years ago to provide easily accessible natural products for pet wellness worldwide.

Besides being a trained alternative medicine therapist, Denyse also has expertise in homeopathy, naturopathy and iridology, reflexology, as well as Chinese medicine. She is a long-standing member of the Professional Union of Homeopaths of Quebec, as well as the Association of Naturopaths and Naturotherapists of Quebec.

Denyse’s philosophy as regards pet wellness is not just about only dealing with disease and illness when they get in the picture, but keeping animals in ideal health each and every day.

Find out more about Denyse when you click HERE.