At BCS, we have seen many worried pet parents come to us with complaints that their dogs are refusing to eat or they’ve noticed bloody gums or wincing when they check their dog’s mouths due to an inflammation. If your dog is suffering from bleeding gums, we can help answer some of your questions on what are the causes, the symptoms to watch out for and what you can do to treat your dog for bleeding gums at home.
Why Are My Dog’s Gums Bleeding?
Bleeding gums can be caused due to a sharp foreign object or brushing too hard. But the primarily cause of bleeding gums is bacteria and tartar that forms over time and plaque that hardens on the gum lining which causes it to bleed.
Is Bleeding from a Dog’s Gums Normal?
No, bleeding gums in a dog is not normal. Sometimes it can be caused by a hard bone or foreign objects like a sharp toy or chew stick, it could also be because of periodontal or dental disease. Bleeding gums should not be taken lightly as it could be more severe like a tumour or bleeding disorders.
Common Causes of Bleeding Gums in Dogs
Bleeding gums could be because of several reasons, from dental disease to clotting and tumours. To learn more about the causes, let’s dig deeper and find out about each of the causes in detail.
● Dental Disease and Periodontal Problems:
Dental disease or Periodontal disease is the leading cause and is most common in adult dogs. This is because of poor dental hygiene which causes plaque to form. In time, plaque hardens into tartar which lines the gums causing inflamation, infection and eventually bleeding of the gums.
● Gingivitis in Dogs:
The sticky lining formed by tartar starts to irritate the gums causing gingvitis. This condition needs to be addressed quickly before things worsen into something more severe.
● Oral Injuries or Trauma:
Injuries caused by chewing a hard toy, bone or chewies can sometimes be severe and hurt your pet’s mouth causing it to bleed.
● Foreign Objects Stuck in the Mouth:
Dogs may unknowingly and curiously bite on something hard like a sharp stick, glass or plastic in a toy that may get lodged in the teeth, gums or mouth and cause discomfort and bleeding.
● Oral Tumours and Growths:
In more severe cases, dogs develop growths or tumours with age or due to long term dental issues. This need immediate vet attention and should not be treated at home.
Symptoms Associated with Bleeding Gums in Dogs
There are often early indications before the gums begin to bleed or while bleeding. Here are a few signs to watch out for:
● Bad breath
● Red or swollen gums
● Excessive drooling
● Difficulty eating
● Loose teeth
● Pawing at the mouth
● Swelling of the face
● Loss of appetite
When Is Bleeding Gums an Emergency?
If you notice that the bleeding doesn’t subside within a few minutes and the source can’t be found, it’s the first sign to rush to your vet immediately. There are some other instances that would require urgent medical intervention, which are as under:
● Pale, white or bluish gums
● Weakness, wobbling or collapsing
● Facial swelling or trouble breathing
● Suspected poisoning (accidental injestion of rodent poison)
● Bleeding from other areas like nose, genitals (blood in urine or stool)
● Heavy nonstop gum bleeding not slowing down
Diagnosis: How Veterinarians Identify the Cause
Vets normally conduct an oral examination to identify the source of the bleeding. Based on their assessment, they would run further blood tests and dental x-rays to examine teeth roots, cavities, bones and nerves.
Treatment Options for Bleeding Gums in Dogs
Preventive steps like regular annual dental checkup and teeth cleaning are the best to avoid bleeding gums or oral infections. Check with your vet for professional dental cleaning and medical relief for infections.
Dog Bleeding Gums Home Treatment: What You Can Do Safely
Bleeding gums in dogs can be worrisome for many pet parents, however here are a few suggestions to comfort your pet and keep them at ease before you reach the vet.
● Safe Home Care Tips:
○ Offer soft or mashed food to avoid stress on the mouth.
○ Stop your pet from chewing toys, sticks or bones.
○ Keep their water bowls filled and handy.
○ Keep track of the amount of blood and duration of the bleeding.
● What to Avoid:
○ Avoid using human dental products.
○ Avoid pricking or poking their gums to check for the source of bleeding.
○ Avoid applying any substance on their gums to give temporary relief.
Human dental products are extremely toxic and can cause more harm and discomfort. Always check with your vet before trying any home remedy either from your first-aid kit or kitchen.
How to Prevent Bleeding Gums in Dogs
● Daily Dental Care Routine for Dogs
○ Brush your dog’s teeth daily with dog friendly tooth paste and dental products.
○ Brush with a soft-bristle brush, silicon finger brush or gauze to avoid causing dental injuries.
○ Regularly check your dog’s mouth for injuries, blisters, discoloration of the gums swelling or bleeding.
● Diet and Chewing Habits for Healthy Gums
○ Give your pet only toys appropriate for dogs. Ensure there are no sharp or hard object inside to cause dental cuts.
○ Avoid giving your pet bones or sticks that can cause cuts, bruises, swelling or bleeding in their mouths.
○ Give your pet a balanced meal, avoid sugary or sticky foods as that leads to tartar formation in the mouth. Incase of discomfort while eating, grind or mash their food to ease chewing and put less pressure on the teeth.
How to Check Your Dog’s Gums at Home
It’s important to check their gums from time to time to ensure they’re not in any pain or discomfort. As a responsible pet parent, here’s what you can do:
○ Lift their lips gently.
○ Check the colour of the gums (it should be pink)
○ Check the gums for swelling, bleeding, discoloration, blisters or unusual growth.
Bleeding Gums in Puppies versus Adult Dogs
It is pretty normal for gum bleeding in puppies, as they go through the teething process and experience a little gum sensitivity too. This is temporary however needs to be monitored and if you notice the bleeding is heavy and doesn’t subside, it would require your vet’s intervention.
However, for dogs over the age of 1 year to experience gum bleeding would indicate dental disease, due to tartar build up or other health issues. This cannot be overlooked. Get your pet checked with your vet to identify the root cause and get it addressed immediately.
FAQs
● Why are my dog’s gums bleeding suddenly?
Sudden gum bleeding could be due to several issues. This could range from dental disease, an injury or a sharp object stuck in the teeth or a tumour. All of which need to get examined and treated by your vet.
● Can I treat my dog’s bleeding gums at home?
If you notice that the bleeding in your dog’s mouth doesn’t stop, you must take them to the vet. Apart from giving it soft food and plenty of water to drink there isn’t much you can do at home.
● What can I give my dog for bleeding gums?
It is best that your vet examines your pet and suggests what is best to give your dog. Only your vet can recommend the best medication and remedies that are safe and help the bleeding to stop.
● Are bleeding gums a sign of cancer in dogs?
Not necessarily. The most common cause of bleeding gums is periodontal disease, gingivitis caused by tartar and plaque formation in the gums when not cleaned regularly.
If you notice anything unusual, check with your vet immediately.
● How can I keep my dog’s gums healthy?
The most important tip is to keep your dog’s teeth clean by regular brushing with dogfriendly cleaning products like dog toothpaste, soft bristled dog toothbrush or silicon finger tooth brush. Ensure you don’t injure your pet with aggressive brushing. Follow an annual check to get your pet’s teeth professionally cleaned to remove tartar and plaque buildup.
Conclusion
Bleeding gums in dogs should not be taken lightly. They’re an indication that your pet needs dental cleaning to avoid gum swelling or bleeding or anything severe from occuring in the future. Regular dental checkups and professional cleaning along with daily brushing at home can keep your pet safe from dental disease, keeping them comfortable and healthy and protecting them from any dental disasters.