What are Bleeding Gums?
It is often said that the condition of the mouth reflects a dog's overall health. While this has been proven to be a true fact in humans, this article will explore why this 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. Causes range from mild oral inflammation and plaque buildup on the teeth to various stages and types of oral cancer as well as certain 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 life 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:
- Visible blood which may be seen in the drool or on objects or surfaces
- Halitosis (bad breath) - This may be the most noticeable and earliest symptom you might note
- Swollen gums which are red or dark pink in color
- Yellow or brown teeth (may be loose or some may be missing)
- Appetite changes
- Weight loss
- Difficulty chewing on bones or a reluctance to eat dry kibble
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 toxins such as rat bait (bleeding can occur in other parts of the body too)
- 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 toxins that disrupt coagulation, such as rat bait.
- 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 and the possibility of infection (either bacterial or fungal)
- He may take various tissue samples as well as do urine and 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
- Any masses will be aspirated or biopsied
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 periodontal 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 a simple scale and polish to a more involved dental which includes extractions
- 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 improve nutrition and digestion, 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 concurrent chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy
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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.
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
jack
Four Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Gum
My dog has a small gash on her gums and it’s dropped her energy levels down
Oct. 14, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 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
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding
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
Answered by 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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German Shepherd
April
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding From Her Gum
Swelling Near Her Molar
Little Cut In Her Tongue
Doesnt Seem To Have Much Apetite
Sometime Has A Little Fever
In Morning And Afternoon
Cough And Little Cold
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
Answered by 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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Chihuahua
Capone
10 Years
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding Gums
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
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 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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Mixed lab
Jack
7 Years
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding
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
4 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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Yorkshire Terrier
Miracle
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Licking
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?
