A dog’s gums can tell you a lot about their health. By regularly checking your dog’s gums, you can catch potential health problems early.
This article is all about what it means if your dog has black gums or black spots on their gums. We’ll help you figure out when those dark spots are normal and when they might be a sign of something serious.
While we’ll mostly focus on black on dogs gums, we’ll also briefly touch on what other gum colors might mean for your dog’s health.
Normal Gum Color in Dogs: A Baseline
It’s good to know what your dog’s gums look like when they’re healthy, so you can recognize a problem if one arises.
What’s a normal gum color?
Healthy gums are usually bubble-gum pink, moist, and smooth. They should also have a capillary refill time of less than 2 seconds. (More on that in a minute.)
Keep in mind that pigmentation can vary depending on your dog’s breed and their individual makeup. Some dogs naturally have darker pigmentation, including black spots or patches, on their gums.
How to check your dog’s gums
To check your dog’s gums, gently lift their upper lip to expose the gums. Look at the color, texture, and moisture.
Then, to do the capillary refill test, press gently on the gums until they turn white. When you release the pressure, the pink color should return in less than 2 seconds.
Are black spots on a dog’s gums always a cause for concern?
Not necessarily. In many cases, black spots on a dog’s gums are perfectly normal.
Normal Pigmentation: Breed-Specific Differences
Certain breeds are more likely to have pigmented gums. Chow Chows and Shar-Peis, for example, tend to have black gums or spots.
With normal pigmentation, the color is usually consistent and evenly distributed. You probably won’t see rapid color changes, either.
When to Worry About Black Spots
However, if you see any of the following, it’s time to make an appointment with your veterinarian:
- Sudden changes in size, shape, or color. Any new black spots or spots that seem to be growing quickly should be checked out.
- Spots accompanied by other symptoms. Bleeding, swelling, pain, bad breath, or difficulty eating can be signs of a problem.
- Raised or ulcerated spots. Any raised spots or spots that look like ulcers should be examined, no matter what color they are.
Potential Causes of Black Spots and Discoloration
If you spot black areas on your dog’s gums, it’s important to figure out what’s causing them.
Melanoma: A Serious Consideration
Melanoma is a type of pigmented tumor that can appear in your dog’s mouth. Oral melanoma tends to be aggressive, so fast diagnosis and treatment are essential.
Melanomas often look like raised, dark-colored masses on the gums. They may bleed easily and cause your dog some pain.
Periodontal Disease and Other Tumors
Periodontal disease can cause inflammation and discoloration of the gums. If the disease is advanced, the gums may recede, exposing darker tissues underneath.
Other kinds of oral tumors, whether benign or malignant, can also change the color, texture, or shape of your dog’s gums.
Other Potential Causes
Here are a few other possible reasons for gum discoloration:
- Trauma or injury to the gums
- Certain medications
- Cyanosis: Though cyanosis usually causes blue or purple gums, severe oxygen deprivation can sometimes make the gums look very dark, almost black
Is it normal pigmentation or something else?
If you see black spots on your dog’s gums, you’ll want to consider a few things. It could be normal pigmentation, or it could be something more serious.
Consider these factors:
- Location and distribution: Normal pigmentation is usually even on both sides of the mouth. Cancerous growths tend to show up in one area.
- Texture and appearance: Normal pigmentation is flat and smooth. Tumors can be raised or have open sores.
- Rate of change: Pigmentation is stable. Tumors grow quickly.
- Other symptoms: Pigmentation doesn’t cause pain or bleeding. Tumors and infections can.
What to do if you notice black spots
If you see new black spots on your dog’s gums, the first thing to do is schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
During the appointment, your vet will likely ask about your dog’s breed, age, diet, and any previous health issues. Be prepared to provide as much information as you can.
Your veterinarian may also recommend diagnostic tests, such as a biopsy, to figure out what’s causing the spots.
Finally, be sure to follow your veterinarian’s treatment recommendations. Treatment will depend on what’s causing the discoloration.
How to keep your dog’s mouth healthy
Whether or not your dog has black spots on its gums, you should prioritize its oral health. You can do this by:
- Brushing their teeth daily. Use toothpaste and toothbrushes formulated for dogs.
- Giving them dental chews and toys. These can help scrape plaque and tartar from the teeth.
- Scheduling professional dental cleanings. Your vet can remove tartar buildup you can’t see.
- Feeding them a healthy diet. Good nutrition benefits the whole body, including the mouth.
Closing Thoughts
When it comes to your dog’s health, early detection is key. Regularly checking your dog’s gums and promptly seeking veterinary care can protect their long-term health and well-being.
Routine dental care is also essential for preventing dental disease and keeping your dog healthy overall.