Healthy versus unhealthy dog gums are valid concerns for dog owners. It is very important to monitor your dog’s mouth not just for the appearance of his teeth, but for signs of healthy or unhealthy gums. The sooner treatment is done, before it causes any side effects, the better.
As a dog owner, there are many things you can do to ensure your pet’s gums are healthy instead of unhealthy. For example, healthy dog gums can be helped not only by daily brushing, but also by giving your dog teeth regularly. long lasting dog chewsA good, natural diet can help your dog’s oral health and overall health, as well as regular checkups with your veterinarian.
Simply put, healthy gums are a soft, moist pink color, while unhealthy gums vary in color and texture. What to look for when checking your dog’s gums and how to keep them healthy We’ll dive into some more tell-tale signs of what you can keep.
Healthy and Unhealthy Dog Gums: How to Tell the Difference
If you look inside your dog’s mouth, you may wonder how you can tell the difference between healthy and unhealthy gums. Let’s see the facts.
First, it’s worth knowing what’s normal for your dog. Checking your dog’s gums regularly will not only help you get used to your dog’s mouth, but it will also help you catch problems early. For example, some dogs have dark patches on their gums as part of their normal pigmentation. It’s when these normal physical characteristics start to look different that you want to get professional help as soon as possible.
With regards to the physical appearance of your dog’s gums – what looks healthy and what’s unhealthy – we’ll take a look at the list to help you better determine if your dog needs veterinary support right now.
healthy gums
- colour: “A dog’s gums should be a nice pink color,” says registered veterinary nurse Rachel Bean. Look for soft baby pink, salmon colors. Press your finger against the gum for a few seconds, then remove your finger and you should see the gum change from white to a soft pink underneath.
- texture: Healthy gums are soft and moist. They are smooth and have no obvious growths.
unhealthy gums
- colour: Unhealthy gums will not be soft pink. They may appear blue, yellow, or bright red.
- texture: You may see growths such as papillomas, warts, or lumps on your dog’s gums. I also found that the gums seemed very dry and did not change color when pressed with a finger. There may even be inflammation and bleeding around the gums.
- odor: If you start noticing that your dog’s breath is “bad” or foul-smelling, this is also a telltale sign of infection.
When should you care for your dog’s gums?
Vet Nurse Bean says, “If your gums are white, grey, blue, yellow, or bright red, it’s cause for concern.” These colors can signal more serious conditions such as blood loss, shock, and jaundice associated with kidney disease. As with all physical aspects of your dog’s health, if you notice any sudden changes in your dog’s appearance, it’s a good idea to contact your veterinarian to discuss these effects.
Your dog’s behavior can also give signs about how they are feeling physically. If so, a veterinary visit is recommended to rule out pain or illness. Gum disease can be painful and can make your dog feel uncomfortable.
How to prevent unhealthy gums
Simple things like giving your dog the opportunity to chew regularly can really help with oral health.according to veterinary dental journal (opens in new tab)“Adding dental chews to the diet statistically significantly reduced plaque and tartar build-up”.
The benefits of chewing food slowly, rather than gulping it down, allow for better absorption of nutrients and energy from food, aid digestion, improve tooth and gum health, and reduce excess bacteria in the gut. Adding a variety of foods and textures to your dog’s diet encourages them to chew more food instead of sucking it up quickly. Chewing also has the added bonus of producing feel-good hormones for your dog. So it’s a great activity for dogs to do on a regular basis.
Taking care of your dog’s teeth and gums at home is very important. Daily brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste and a soft toothbrush or finger brush can help avoid unnecessary dental procedures at the vet. Remember, dogs can’t consume human toothpaste because it is often contaminated with human toothpaste. This ensures that nothing is hidden under gumlines that you may have missed.
Many dogs hate brushing their teeth. If your dog is stressed trying to brush his teeth with a dog toothbrush, start by applying a small piece of gauze to your finger and rubbing the coconut oil around his teeth and gums. You can make a finger toothbrush over time as you get used to it. Keep your brushing sessions short. But try to do it every day if possible.
how to treat gum problems
If you suspect your dog is having gum health problems, it’s important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.according to American Veterinary Association (opens in new tab)“Most dental disease occurs below the invisible gum line, so a thorough dental cleaning and evaluation is essential.” [may need to be] It is done under anesthesia. Your vet may also take x-rays to investigate the problem further. very valuable to reduce
Once teeth cleaning is complete, it is important to continue caring for your dog’s teeth afterward by resuming regular brushing at home and providing adequate chews to keep your dog’s gums and teeth healthy. am.
you can also read 5 Tips to Prevent and Treat Periodontal Disease in Dogs.
Rachel started as Dogstrust Assistant Kennel Manager in 1994 and worked professionally with dogs before pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.
Rachel qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2002 and has been working there ever since.
In recent years Rachel has taken a keen interest in dog welfare, dog behavior, owner education and the welfare of Asian street dogs, and has been one of the UK’s most prominent dog first aid leaders and most recently Active all over the world.
