Black gums This is common among dogs with darker snouts, lips, and tongues, like chows, shar-peis and black-mouth curs. Dogs of any breed may have black spots on their tongue and gums—all perfectly normal.
Treatment for Gum Inflammation
If you suspect your dog has gingivitis, take them to your vet for a proper diagnosis. Once your vet confirms that gingivitis is the cause for the start of black gums, they will do a professional teeth cleaning to polish your dog’s teeth and remove tartar deposits.
If your dog has black gums or pink gums with black spots, don’t worry. There are some breeds who have an abundance of melanin in their mouths. This is especially common for mixed breeds. If your dog has a black coat or skin then you may also see black coloration in the gums!
If you want to know what healthy dog gums look like, look no further than the seafood bar at your local grocery store. “Healthy gums should appear shrimp-colored pink,” says Dan Carmichael, DVM, DAVDC and board-certified veterinary dentist at the Animal Medical Center. “Unhealthy gums will appear red and inflamed.”
Common signs of internal bleeding include weakness, trouble breathing, pale gums, a distended abdomen, and collapse. Less common signs are vomiting, not eating, and general malaise.
An infection can cause black or grey gums if a layer of dead tissue builds up over the gums. Trench mouth results from the rapid growth of bacteria in the mouth, usually due to gingivitis. Bacteria may build up because of poor oral hygiene, stress, lack of sleep, or an unhealthful diet.
What are the clinical signs of gingivitis and stomatitis? Gingivitis is an inflammation (redness and swelling) along the gumline where the gum contacts the tooth. Typically, there will also be bad breath (halitosis). When the teeth are brushed, the inflamed gums will often bleed.
Colour – A dog’s gums should be pinkish-red, smooth and moist. If they are not, they could be going into shock or showing signs of dehydration. Deep red sticky gums are an indication of dehydration and in the heat can be an early sign of heat exhaustion.
The first stage of periodontal disease, gingivitis, is the only stage that is reversible. Gingivitis is only inflammation and does not affect the supporting structure of the teeth. Although not reversible, stages 2 and 3 of periodontal disease can be stopped from progressing to stage 4 with the proper treatment.
Loose, discolored teeth, a foul odor to the breath and infected gums are just a few of the signs of canine periodontal disease. And rotten dog teeth aren’t just their own issue; they can cause many other serious health problems.
Healthy dog gums are powdery pink in color. When this color and other normal gum attributes change, such as moistness and temperature, it can mean that something is wrong and should be further examined by a veterinarian. A sick dog’s gum coloring could be blue, black, pale white, or bright red.
While you can’t do much to stop internal bleeding on your own, you can control external bleeding until you reach a veterinarian.
Most cases of Melena are going to require veterinary attention. Diagnostics and treatment are going to depend on what other signs are present and the cause. It’s not uncommon to pay $800-$1,000 to diagnose and treat infections or $2,000 or more for cancer.
Treatment of Melena in Dogs
Individuals with melena may be treated as outpatients if there are minimal systemic signs, especially if there is a known cause that can be removed immediately. Dietary recommendations vary depending on the cause; however, a bland diet that is easy to digest may be recommended.
Trench mouth is a painful form of gum swelling (gingivitis). The mouth normally contains a balance of different bacteria. Trench mouth occurs when there is too much pathologic bacteria. The gums become infected and develop painful ulcers. Viruses may be involved in allowing the bacteria to grow too much.
If you have black gums or dark spots on your gums, you aren’t alone. Thousands of people have black gums and very few of them have anything but genetics to blame for them. An excess of melanin (the stuff that makes your skin darker) in the body is typically what causes black gums.
Bruised gums can come from flossing, brushing your teeth too hard, a fall, an injury, or a hit to the mouth. Other causes include medical conditions such as gingivitis or thrombocytopenia.
Be vigilant and take action! Periodontal disease is dangerous for pets, and in some cases is known to take up to two years or more off of a pet’s life, if left untreated.
Gingivitis is caused by bacteria that accumulates due to plaque and tartar buildup. The inflammation of the gums may become more severe and painful, and the gums may even start to bleed.
Chicken broth is full of the amino acids glycine and collagen, which have positive health benefits for dogs. Using healthy chicken broth as a routine dietary supplement can promote good hydration, healthy joints, and good liver and kidney function.
The most effective way of treating dehydration is to place the pet on a drip. This will replace any fluids already lost and also prevent further dehydration. An alternative method of dog rehydration is administering fluid under their skin to form a ‘camel shaped’ hump. This fluid is then absorbed over a few hours.
Prognosis. The prognosis for a dog with Stage 1 periodontal disease is good as long as they receive the appropriate dental care.