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It is often said that the condition of the mouth reveals the health. While this has been proven to be a true fact in humans, let this article put you on notice that it is also true in the canine species. Bleeding gums in dogs can signal something more serious going on deep inside your beloved canine family member, ranging from mild oral inflammation and plaque buildup on the teeth to various stages and types of oral cancer and it can signal many systemic health conditions which may be going unnoticed and untreated.
Bleeding gums is a condition in which the gums, which appear swollen and red, bleed easily. This condition, whether in canines or humans, usually indicates uncontrolled inflammation and possible infection in the mouth.
The symptoms of bleeding gums in dogs will likely begin in a quite subtle manner that could go unnoticed as you go about your daily living activities with your family (both human and canine) and the tremendous responsibilities that go with them. Here are some of the symptoms of bleeding gums for which you should be watching:
Halitosis (bad breath) - This may be the most noticeable and earliest symptom you might note
Types
There are several types of bleeding gums in dogs:
Trauma or injury - This includes injury/trauma from chewing various objects and toys
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Foreign body penetration causing bleeding of gums - This could be the result of the deep-seated curiosity embedded into both dogs and cats, and since they don’t have thumbs, everything goes into the mouth for “evaluation” (just like your human toddlers)
Inflammation and subsequent infection from poor oral hygiene - Your dog needs to have his teeth brushed on a regular basis, too, and your pet needs periodic dental cleanings by your veterinary professional who is trained to do so; bacteria and plaque can form in your doggy family member’s mouth just as it can in your mouth and it can do the same type of damage to him as it does to you
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Diagnosing bleeding gums in dogs can be as simple as checking them visually or as involved as x-rays, CT scan, MRI studies and surgical biopsies. Here are some of the steps which may be involved:
These extra tests will likely be needed if your veterinary professional suspects that there is an underlying systemic cause for the inflammation noted in the oral cavity. His treatment plan will be dependent upon the results of this testing and will be focused on the primary cause, whether it is periodontal disease or other systemic issue.
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Treatment for bleeding gums in dogs will be dependent upon the cause found for the condition. If the cause is determined to be purely oral in nature, then your veterinary professional will recommend appropriate veterinary dental care by a veterinary professional who is trained to do it.
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Of course, it goes without saying that the prognosis of bleeding gums in your family pet is contingent upon the reason for the bleeding gums. Many canines, like a large percentage of adults in the United States, suffer from undiagnosed and untreated gum disease in various stages of development. And, just like in humans, the inflammation that causes gum disease and bleeding gums in dogs can also cause a variety of systemic diseases, some of which are serious and life-threatening for the host, whether human or canine.
The most frequently found cause for bleeding gums in dogs lies in undiagnosed and untreated periodontal disease. But, be encouraged, this can be treated. If you are not already involved in some degree of routine oral hygiene, it would be wise to consult with your veterinary professional for recommendations and training on what you should be doing, the way you should be doing it and the frequency with which it must be done.
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Ask a Vet
jack
Four Years
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My dog has a small gash on her gums and it’s dropped her energy levels down
Oct. 14, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. If you think that the wound on her gums is causing a problem, it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. They will be able to look at the wound, see if it is due to dental disease or if it is infected, and see if it needs treatment. I hope that all goes well for her.
Oct. 14, 2020
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Puggle
Fourteen Years
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My dog started bleeding from the mouth yesterday and it is consistently dripping. I brought her to the vet and they did a huge amount of tests, everything was good, except she has serious gum disease. Recommended to remove all of her teeth. The problem is, they gave me antibiotics, Cilacin for the infection I assume, but nothing to stop the bleeding. I am scared she is going to lose so much blood that she will die. I can't get in to a vet to remove her teeth for another 10 days. 1 1/2 years ago, my other dog was given prednisone and antibiotics and the bleeding stopped with 12 hours.
Sept. 26, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay in my reply, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. Without being able to see her, unfortunately, there is little that I can do to stop the bleeding. It would be best to have your pet rechecked by a veterinarian if you are concerned, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 19, 2020
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April
German Shepherd
1 Year
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
My 1 year old german shephard seem to have a little swelling near her molar which i didnt know. And i gave her a bone to chew, now she is bleeding from her gums as well. Before that, there wasnt any oral problem with her. The blood from her gums doesnt seem to stop and to make the matter worse, she has a little cut in her tongue as well.
April 1, 2018
April's Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
With the signs that you describe, it would be a good idea to have April examined by a veterinarian. She seems to be having something happening in her mouth, whether it is related to trauma from the bone, or something else. I cannot see her mouth or examine her, and a veterinarian will be able to look at her, assess her general health, and give her mouth a closer look to see if any treatment might be needed. I hope that all goes well for her!
April 1, 2018
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Capone
Chihuahua
10 Years
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
My dog is a 10 year old chihuahua. I noticed a bit of blood coming from his gums yesterday. He also seems to chatter his mouth a bit when he closes on his bottom teeth. He's breath is pretty bad and the bottom 4 teeth are a little lose. What can I do for him? He's acting totally fine and still eating his hard food.
March 15, 2018
Capone's Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Dental disease is very common, especially in small breed dogs. If you are noticing odor and loose teeth, he needs medical attention. Chattering in dogs is a sign of pain, and dental disease can be very painful, as we well know as people. Your veterinarian will be able to examine him, determine the status of his mouth, and give you a plan as to how to treat his teeth - he may need to have some of them removed if they are abscessed. I hope that all goes well for him!
March 15, 2018
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Jack
Mixed lab
7 Years
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
I have a 7 year old mixed Lab. I noticed when he plays with his toys, there is sometimes drops of blood on the toys. He is a good eater and drinker. Also has normal bowel movements and urine output. He's really peppy in the morning but later on doesn't want to Salk too much.
March 5, 2018
Jack's Owner
0 Recommendations
There are various possible causes for a bleeding mouth or blood to be present on toys which may include dental disorders, poisoning, trauma, hormonal conditions, clotting disorders among other causes. Check inside Jack’s mouth to look for any signs of trauma or dental issues, if you cannot see anything you should visit your Veterinarian for a thorough examination to look at the mouth in more detail to determine a cause. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 5, 2018
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Miracle
Yorkshire Terrier
2 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
I noticed my dog licking a lot and checked inside of her mouth were I found a bleeding mass behind her top row of teeth on the right side of her mouth. She seems to be sleeping more than usual but we are sheltering in place due to the coronavirus pandemic so I can’t tell if she’s just also bummed about not being outdoors as much. Her appetite seems normal for her but she is drinking less. I’m worried about mouth cancers. Is a trip to the vet our only option? How can I stop the bleeding to see it more clearly?
Leo
German shepherd mix
10 Months
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
My 10 month Old German Shepherd Lab Mix(70pounds) recently got a shift in a energy and has been sleeping a lot more and doesnt want to do the stuff he usually does. We noticed he had a pink dot on his nose and was licking his mouth a lot so i tried to check his mouth too. He was scared and did not want us to touch it but eventually let me and is when i saw that(as far as I can see) 2 of his teeth were bleeding from the gums but it wasn't a constant bleeding and more like you can tell blood had been there. He ate his kibble when we mixed egg in it so he is still eating but i dont know what i should do. Should i take him to the vet or wait a couple more days? Is his energy change due to pain? Should I buy over the counter medication in the meanwhile?
Outlaw
Labrador Retriever
4 Months
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
Outlaw my 4 month old puppy has started to bleed a little from his gums I try to open his mouth and look in to see more or if it’s worse but he won’t let me open his mouth and I’m worried an I would like to know what to do.
Stinky
Chihuahua
4 Years
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
In the morning on Saturday I gave he a Denta Stick and she started eating it but when I looked down their was a little bit of blood on he bone so I checked her teeth and they looked fine but then I saw where it was coming from it was on the left side of her mouth on the upper gum above one of her teeth. I didn't want to see if the tooth was wiggling because she doesn't like me looking at her teeth anyway so I just left it. I didn't see anymore bleeding since that day but it's been about a month. I didn't know that it could have been a problem at the time but then I stumbled across this arrival and it scared me so I just wanted to make sure she is ok.
Blue
Siberian Husky
7 Years
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
My 7 year old siberian huskys gums blead whenever he is eating some he has to knor on. They dont bleed any other time and his gums look healthy. Should i take him to the vets or is this common. Many thanks
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