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red-brown dog with mouth open and owner pulling their lips back

What To Know About Pale Gums – 3 Tips For Healthy Dog Gums!

Has your dentist ever told you that health starts in your mouth? The same goes for your canine companion. Your dog’s healthy gums are their first line of defense against disease. Taking preventative action against unhealthy and pale dog gums supports your dog’s overall health (and dog breath). Learn how to maintain healthy dog gums and strengthen their defense against disease!

Normal Healthy Dog Gums vs. Unhealthy Dog Gums

Checking your pup’s mouth regularly can give you an idea of what’s going on in their body. And the first step is knowing how their mouth normally looks. This way you spot the difference between unhealthy and healthy dog gums.

 

 

Healthy Gums

Healthy dog gums are light salmon-pink. If your dog’s tongue or gums have dark pigmentation, no need to worry. Depending on a dog’s breed, spotted tongues and gums are common. 

 

Applying light pressure to healthy dog gums shouldn’t cause pain. Healthy dog gums feel slick and hydrated. After pressing their gums, they should bounce back to a pink color. If your furry friend has no other abnormalities, you can rest easy, your dog has healthy gums!

 

 

Unhealthy Gums

Unhealthy dog gums are red, swollen, and tender to touch. Discoloration, growths, and sores are also signs of unhealthy dog gums. If your dog has discolored, unhealthy gums, it could be a sign of a more serious issue.

 

  • Blue gums – a sign of hypothermia, heart disease, and low blood pressure
  • Yellow gums – possible anemia or liver failure
  • Light red gums – can be a sign of gingivitis or infection
  • Bright red gums – heatstroke, high blood pressure, a sign of exposure to poison
  • Growths – even when they’re benign, they can grow and cause discomfort 

 

 

If your canine companion shows signs of discolored gums, contact your veterinarian immediately.

 

 

grey dog with red harness and healthy dog gums looking away from camera while standing in sand outside

                              Maintaining healthy dog gums defends against disease.

 

 

Pale Dog Gums and Other Health Problems

Even when you know what healthy dog gums look like, it’s hard to know if your pup has pale gums if they don’t want you in their personal doggie bubble. Despite avoiding your annoying fingers, checking for pale gums can save your dog from anemia or heart disease.

 

Dogs are masters at masking their pain, so it’s difficult to tell when there’s a problem. Signs your to look out for:

 

  • Pawing at their mouth
  • Bad breath
  • Change in appetite
  • Blood on toys after playing
  • Withdrawn and lack of energy

 

Plaque is a serious challenge against maintaining healthy dog gums. When your dog eats starchy foods, plaque builds up and turns into tartar. Tartar builds up at your dog’s gum line and breeds dangerous bacteria. Once your dog’s oral health reaches this phase, their defense against disease decreases. If your dog’s gums go untreated, the bacteria can eat into the bone, enter the bloodstream, and lead to periodontal disease

 

 

red dog with healthy gums laying on owner's belly while owner is laying on their back on a couch

             Pale gums are a sign your dog could have anemia or other serious health problems.

 

 

Tips For Promoting Healthy Dog Gums

Healthy gums contribute to your dog’s overall health and prevent life-threatening diseases. Catching gingivitis early leads to better chances of preventing heart, kidney, and liver disease. So helping your dog maintain healthy gums can save you pain and worry later on! A few things you can do to keep your dog’s gums healthy:

 

  • Brush their teeth at least once per day and every other day. Healthy dog gums are tartar-free! Using a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently remove food and plaque makes a vast difference. 

 

  • Rubber chew toys maintain healthy dog gums by massaging and gently scraping away plaque. It’s also a great way to give them healthy treats while preventing boredom.

 

  • Annual cleanings might be pricey, but they are one of the best ways to prevent oral diseases and maintain healthy dog gums. A certified technician can get into the spots a toothbrush can’t reach.

 

  • Not all dog food is made the same. The benefits of quality dog food don’t stop at healthy dog gums, it can support your dog’s overall health, too.

 

 

black and brown dog with white paws laying on hardwood floor chewing on a toy while surrounded by other chew toys

                            Chew toys help fight plaque and maintain healthy dog gums.

 

 

Keep Your Dogs Gums In Pawfect Shape

Neglecting your dog’s oral health leads to life-threatening conditions. Even if your dog likes personal space, checking their gums regularly keeps you ahead of the game. Promoting good oral health and keeping your dog’s gums healthy isn’t hard when you make it a routine!

 

 

Red dog with floppy ears and healthy dog gums panting and looking at camera

                                             Plaque build up can lead to heart disease.

 

 

You don’t have to worry about starch or plaque when you feed your dog our Soft-Baked, Grain-Free Bacon Treats!

 

Our grain-free treats are a nutritious addition to your pantry and help build a sustainable food system. When you treat your pup to Doggie Beer Bones, you’re preventing food waste and promoting better use of quality food products and eliminating waste!

 

Keep the treats coming when you sign up for our newsletter and save up to 10% and enjoy free shipping for all orders over $40!

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