Inside A Dog’s Mouth – Recognise A Healthy Mouth

Inside A Dog’s Mouth – How To Recognise A Healthy Mouth

We can tell so much from inside a dog’s mouth but there is a quick rule.  The dog’s tongue and gums should be pink, without signs of inflammation or bleeding and the breath should not be offensive.

For anything else, please don’t hesitate to see a vet.

Here is a very quick checklist of things that you need to look out for inside a dog’s mouth

1. Gums

Have you noticed that the first thing that a vet does when you take along a sick dog is to lift the side of his mouth?

He can tell so much from the colour and texture of the dog’s gums.

Firstly, here is a photograph showing a dog with healthy gums.

However, different colour gums can signify the following:-

Red gums can signify gingivitis, which is a gum infection.

White gums can signify anaemia.

Blue gums can signify a lack of oxygen.

Yellow gums can signify liver disease.

Bleeding gums could be a symptom of kidney failure or oral cancer.

Tongue

Again, colour is important. The tongue should be pink, with no raised bumps or lumps. A few breeds like the Chow Chow do naturally have black tongues. The tongue should have a clear coating.

There may be problems with the tongue if;-

The dog’s breath smells.

There is a reluctance to eat.

Excessive drooling.

A reluctance to chew food.

A different coloured tongue can signify the following:-

A Blue/Purple tongue can signify pain caused by many conditions including heart, vascular and circulatory diseases.

A White tongue can signify anaemia.

A Red tongue can be a sign of infection.

A Yellow tongue can be a sign of gastritis or a liver problem.

Lift the tongue to check for bleeding, cysts or ulcers.

Do the same with the roof of the mouth.

Medical Terms For Inside A Dog’s Mouth

Glossitis is inflammation of the tongue.

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums.

Cheilitis is inflammation of the lips.

Thermoregulation is the process of panting to cool the body.

Macroglossia is when dogs are born with a tongue which is too large.

Dental Disease in Dogs

The gums may be inflamed as a result of dental disease. Additional symptoms include bad breath and yellow teeth or broken teeth.

Here is an article about Dental Facts You Need To Know

Here is an article about Dog Licking

Quality products to help keep a dog’s mouth clean and breath smelling fresh

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Additional Reading

Why Do Dogs Lick Their Own Wounds?

Thank you for reading.