What are Bleeding Gums?
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.
Symptoms of Bleeding Gums in Dogs
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
- Swollen gums which are red or very pink in color
- Yellow or brown teeth (may be loose or some may be missing)
- Appetite changes
- Weight loss
- Difficulty chewing on bones
Types
There are several types of bleeding gums in dogs:
- Trauma or injury - This includes injury/trauma from chewing various objects and toys
- Foreign body penetration - Includes pieces and parts of all things being curiously chewed by canines
- Ingestion/consumption of toxic foods and substances like chocolate, antifreeze and other poisonous substances
- Infection and inflammation resulting largely from poor oral hygiene
- Inflammation resulting from systemic diseases
Causes of Bleeding Gums in Dogs
- Traumatic or injury-related bleeding gums can be caused by chewing bones, toys, sticks
- 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)
- Ingestion of toxic foods and substances - These are human foods which are not recommended for your doggy (chocolate, anything containing Xylitol, avocado, alcohol, onions, garlic, caffeinated beverages, some fruits, nuts) and poisonous substances (antifreeze, various cleaning products, medications)
- 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
- Inflammation resulting from systemic diseases - There are a number of systemic diseases which have chronic inflammation as a symptom or contributing factor (oral inflammation, parasitic, bacterial or fungal infections in other parts of the body, or from various types of cancer which can be anywhere in the body)
Diagnosis of Bleeding Gums in Dogs
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:
- Your veterinary professional will need a complete history from you in regard to your pet’s dietary regimen, any oral hygiene measures that are being done, health history and vaccinations along with the bleeding gum symptoms you’ve noticed, complete with the severity, frequency and duration
- He will do a physical examination and will likely order a series of blood tests to ascertain normal blood component values, possibility of infection (either bacterial or fungal), and to assess certain vitamin and mineral components for proper balance
- He may take various tissue samples as well as do urine fecal testing
- Based upon the findings from his examination, your history and the blood testing results, he may need to order radiographic testing (x-rays), CT scanning or MRI studies to define any potential masses or other abnormalities found in his examination
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.
Treatment of Bleeding Gums in Dogs
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.
- The dental care that is required may range from that which is necessary to treat mild gingivitis (the earliest and mildest form of gum disease) to that which is necessary to more intensively treat for periodontitis (the more severe stage of gum disease) in whatever stage of development it is found
- If the cause is found to be systemic in nature, then the treatment plan could involve a variety of medical interventions for the variety of medical problems for which inflammation is a factor
- Those medical interventions could range from dietary changes to ensure or improve nutrition, digestion and nutritional absorption to administration of medications to treat a systemic disease (thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, Cushing’s syndrome) to full fledged surgical removal of a malignant tumor with subsequent radiographic postoperative treatments
Recovery of Bleeding Gums in Dogs
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.
Bleeding Gums Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Has Symptoms
I took my dog to the vet over a month ago and they gave him antibiotics for his ear infection and mouth infection. He broke one of his cuspids a few ago ago and its never caused him any problems but now he has a hole in his gums and it bleeds every few weeks and pours out blood when it does. My vet said it looked fine at the time I brought him in. But even after the antibiotics its still there. Also his nose is slightly swollen on the side where the problem is occurring. What do you suggest I do?
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My dog is bleeding from his mouth, seems to be coming from his front lower gums he doesn't have his teeth. When I first noticed it last night he had like small chunks of his meat or something like it when I wiped the area then it stopped bleeding and then it would start again the same a couple hours later and his been like this all day today on and off he's not bleeding like crazy but any blood is not good. No more pieces just bright red blood. He still has an appetite and is acting himself. What can it be and what should I do?
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My boxers gums are bleeding and infected. I took her to a vet and he said she needs to have surgery to remove the over grown gums. But because she is 13 and has a heart murmur he doesn’t feel comfortable doing the surgery. Her gums have been bleeding for about 5 days now. Is there anything I can do to help her?
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My dog is going threw the same with bad fishy breath and bleeding gums should I get some good toothpaste and a soft tooth brush to start brushing her teeth been giving her dog bones for her breath and had used this gel that I rub on her teeth but nothing good is happening I don't have money to have her go to the vet to have her teeth cleaned she just turned seven this month
My dog's mouth has foul smell and I noticed some blood in her gums... I wonder what's the cause of it and what I should do. Thanks in advance for your reply...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Our 6yr old black lab has always had a funny tum, has frequent bouts of loose stools, he has to be encouraged to eat, recently he lost a lot of weight ( about 3kilos) so had blood test. He has low Vit b12 and has had 3 weeks of injections of this vitamin and is due for another. Tonight I gave him a bonus and his gums have bled everywhere. It has happened before when having hard things to crunch. He has a bit of plaque but nothing serious. So could this gum bleeding be related to the vit B deficiency .
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Thanks for this, it has helped, great service.
Sheila
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I noticed my dogs jums were bleeding and teeth are black so I went and bought a dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste and brushed her teeth very well. I looked again after I brushed them and they were bleeding even more. Do you suggest I keep brushing them everyday and see how she does or take her to the vet.