Pale or white gums

What to do

1. Call your vet now, and go straight in if the gums are pale, white or blue.
2. To check, gently lift your dog's lip and look at a pink part of the gum. It should be salmon pink.
3. Black or grey patches on the gums are normal. If the whole mouth is dark, ask your vet to check instead.
4. If you can, take a clear photo of the gums in good light to send to your vet while you talk.
5. Tell your vet about any ticks, fleas or worms, and if your dog could have eaten rat poison, onion or garlic.
6. Check your dog's gums now and then while it's well, so you know what's normal.

When to call your vet

• Pale pink, white or blue gums
• Yellow gums
• Gums that take more than two seconds to turn pink again after you press them
• Weakness or collapse
• Tiring easily, or fast or hard breathing
• Blood in the poop, pee or vomit, or a nosebleed
• Pale gums after a fall, a fight or being hit by a car

Why

Gum color shows how well blood is reaching the body. White or pale gums can come from anemia, blood loss, including bleeding inside the body, or shock, and blue gums from breathing or heart problems.