Joseph Roetheli, PhD
When was the last time you looked at your dog’s gums? If you’re like most dog owners, you’ve probably never given your dog’s gums a single thought unless there was an obvious issue. Like a human, your dog’s gums can indicate the health of their mouth and overall health.
Gums that are unhealthy need attention, and changes in the health of your dog’s gums should be addressed immediately. We’ll explain why gum health is so important, why pale gums could mean your dog may be sick, and how to check to see if your dog’s gums are in top shape. We’ll also talk about how to keep your dog’s gums healthy at home.
If you’re over 30, your dentist has probably spoken to you about your gum health. Periodontal disease, an illness that affects your gums and can even lead to loose and broken teeth and a decline in overall health, affects your gums as you get older, especially if you aren’t properly caring for them.
Just like humans, dogs’ gums can also be subject to periodontal disease. Unlike humans, dogs aren’t regularly brushing or flossing their teeth.
Plaque that builds on teeth hardens to form tartar at the gumline which can lead to tooth decay and gingivitis. Left unchecked, gum disease can even lead to systemic illness like heart, kidney, and liver disease.
Caring for your dog’s gums is an integral part of keeping your dog healthy. If you suspect there is an issue with your dog’s gums, you can look for signs.
Healthy gums should be a light pink or salmon color. When the color of your dog’s gums changes, it might mean they are experiencing a dental issue or something else. Pale gums that are very light pink or even have a grayish tinge can be a sign your dog is in distress.
Pale gums may indicate:
If you aren’t sure if your dog’s gums are truly pale, try the finger test. If your dog will allow you to lift their upper lip so that the gum is exposed, using your finger, gently press on the visible part of the gum and see how long it takes to return to a pink color.
If no color returns, your dog’s gums may be pale and indicate a deeper issue. If it takes longer than one to two seconds for the gums to return to a normal color, that may also indicate a problem.
If your dog has pale gums, it’s best to get them in to see their veterinarian right away to rule out major problems and ensure their oral health is also safe. In addition to pale gums, your dog may also experience other gum-related issues.
Your dog’s gums may be other colors that can indicate an issue. Gums with a yellow tint (usually accompanied by yellowing of the whites of the eyes) can indicate liver issues. Gums that are purple or dark burgundy may mean your dog is choking, having a hard time breathing, or having heart issues.
Bright red gums can indicate heat stroke, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like excess panting and drooling.
Tooth decay is common in dogs. In fact, 80 percent of dogs over age three have periodontal disease, but most dog owners aren’t aware of it.
Periodontal disease can lead to loose teeth, broken teeth, tooth loss, and serious health issues if it goes unchecked. Thankfully, protecting your dog’s teeth doesn’t require a lot of extra effort on your part.
It probably goes without saying that your dog won’t be crazy about having their teeth cleaned or touched. The best way to get your dog used to the process is by beginning slowly and being patient.
Before you begin, grab a dog-safe toothpaste and toothbrush. Avoid using human toothpaste on your dog’s teeth because they can’t spit it out; it isn’t safe for them to swallow. In addition, you’ll also want to grab a soft-bristle toothbrush or a toothbrush specifically designed to be used on your dog’s teeth.
Start by touching your dog’s gums and teeth with your fingers. If your dog doesn’t like having their mouth or muzzle touched, begin by petting your dog’s mouth and gently opening the upper and lower lips to touch their teeth. Follow up with plenty of praise and offer treats (like a single piece of their kibble) to reinforce it.
Begin brushing your dog’s teeth by focusing on the front teeth first, followed by the canines and then the molars. Take plenty of breaks to pet and praise your dog. Be sure not to brush too hard.
If you notice bleeding, you could be brushing your dog’s teeth too hard, or your dog may have already developed bacteria in the gums. If the bleeding does not go away after two to three days of consistent, gentle brushing, schedule an appointment to have their teeth checked.
After your dog has their teeth brushed, using a dental treat can reinforce good behavior and give your dog something to look forward to each time you brush. Yummy Combs are safe and effective dental treats that are clinically proven to remove up to 25 percent of tartar from your dog’s teeth.
Tartar that builds along the gumline can lead to gum disease, having an overall negative impact on your dog’s oral health and beyond. In addition to getting your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned once per year (or more for some breeds), using Yummy Combs dental treats can help remove this tartar, freshen your dog’s breath, and even contribute to a higher level of overall nutrition.
Yummy Combs’ unique honeycomb design keeps your dog safe while they chew. The wide shape prevents your dog from gulping, while our proprietary Slick’M™ ingredient helps our treats dissolve within minutes of ingestion to mitigate gastrointestinal issues.
Yummy Combs’ deep pockets allow dogs to sink their teeth into a 360-degree cleaning experience. While your dog chews, the Yummy Combs design scrubs and flosses all surfaces of their teeth to remove plaque, loosen trapped food, and even polish the teeth. Meanwhile, our ingredients help keep your dog’s breath neutral.
Yummy Combs are great tasting for your dog and also contain 44% chicken protein to support their overall nutrition. We include 12 wellness ingredients to help your dog live a long, healthy life and support their bodies.
Any time you offer your dog a new treat, you should consider reducing their daily kibble so that they can maintain their weight. When you reduce your dog’s kibble, you want to know that the treats you are offering them will help them meet their nutritional needs, and Yummy Combs checks all the boxes with 45 healthy, grain-free, non-GMO, balanced ingredients.
Once you begin to care for your dog’s teeth and gums, you’ll also want to make sure they receive yearly exams and cleanings. Beginning around age one, they should have a yearly screening and possibly a cleaning, although some veterinarians may want to wait until your dog is older.
Some breeds, especially small breeds, may need professional dental cleanings more frequently than larger breeds as they can be prone to developing dental issues. Your veterinarian can also help diagnose your dog’s gum issues, if any exist. Having your dog’s gum health checked by a professional is essential to keeping them well.
Your dog’s gums might not be at the forefront of your thoughts, but they probably should be a consideration. Taking an active approach to your dog’s dental care won’t cost you much time or money, but it can pay serious dividends in the life and health of your pup.
Using Yummy Combs is a smart and easy way for you to support your dog’s oral health in a way that is safe, effective, and nutritious. Not to mention, your dog will love the great taste and chewable shape.
Sources:
Relation between periodontal disease and systemic diseases in dogs | ScienceDirect
Why Are My Dogs Gums Pale? | PDSA.org
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