Dog Pale Gums But Acting Normal

Gums of your dog have a huge role. They are one of the elements that support the teeth. These have pink or better said salmon color due to many blood vessels inside. They are also wet and shiny. This means that the dog is hydrated. Dog pale gums acting normal may occur. It means that the gums will change color and they may be dry. When this happens, it usually means a problem. Let’s see which problems can cause this.

Dog Pale Gums But Acting Normal. Main Reasons.

Kidney disease

It is possible that a dog has pale gums due to kidney disease. Some of you may know that the kidneys of a dog will produce EPO or erythropoietinThis stimulates RBC production. When kidneys are ill, they will not produce this substance which will decrease RBC as well. AS the result, we have pale gums. Dog pale gums acting normal can occur at first. After a few days, your pet will show other symptoms like frequent urination, lower appetite, and vomiting. Some dogs are tough so they can act normally for a longer period of time. 

Heavy metals

Heavy metals can cause pale gums. They will decrease RBC production and they will cause anemia. You can see that these will cause pale gums as the result. This is poisoning in the lack of a better word and it requires immediate treatment. If a dog has this issue, you need to take him to a vet as soon as possible. 

Shock

This is a possible explanation but far from a common one. For instance, if your dog had an accident, he may feel fine. However, if there is internal bleeding the blood circulation will decrease in the body and gums will end up pale. However, this happens rarely. In most cases, dogs have lower body temperature. Much faster heart rate and normally don’t. 

Anemia

If your pet has a decreased count of red blood cells, he will suffer from anemia. One of the side effects is pale gums. At first, a dog may act normally. Some will act normally for a long time. Others will show signs such as weight loss, they will be tired all the time and weak. 

Cancer

Sadly, pale gums can be a sign of cancer. This happens when cancer affects bone marrow. It will decrease its capability to produce RBC. Once this happens, anemia is visible. One of the signs of anemia is pale gums. Keep in mind that there are countless other signs and symptoms. Each one depends on the type of cancer your pet suffers from. 

Parasites

As you all know, dogs are strong so they will avoid showing any distress or any symptoms. This usually happens with parasites. A flea infestation can cause this. Fleas feed with blood. They can drink a lot of blood and take a lot of nutrients from it. As the end result, we have pale gums. Some dogs are used to fleas and these will not change their behavior dramatically. Others are more sensitive hence they will act strange. 

Issues with blood clotting

Blood clotting has a huge role in the life of a dog. We all know how and why blood clotting occurs. Where there are problems with this process, your pet may have skin bruises or even bleeding. In other words, blood will clot when it doesn’t have to. Pale gums are one of the side effects.

Heart disease

This is another issue that can cause pale gums but usually, there will be other signs. However, at first, you may notice pale gums only. When the heart is weak, it won’t be able to pump the blood through the body. Because there are a lot of blood vessels in the gums, they won’t get the blood they need. Hence, we have pale gums. Very quickly your pet will show other signs like lethargy and cough. 

If Your Pet Has Pale Gums, Take Him To The Vet Immediately

There is no other way to say that. You will have to take him to a vet as soon as you see pale gums for the first time. Keep in consideration that some of these issues are life-threatening. Others can be a nightmare to treat. One way or another, waiting for pale gums to ‘’go away’’ is not a smart option. Pale gums can be a side effect of bloat. This is a huge problem and a life-threatening one. Your dog will have a swollen abdomen and he will become restless. This is the reason why we haven’t mentioned this issue here. Dogs with bloat don’t behave normally.

If you notice pale gums and you want to take your pet to a vet, try to collect as much information as you can. This will help the vet and help your dog. You will need to know things such as:

• When pale gums started
• Look and feel of gums
• History of diseases and trauma
• Heavy metal exposure history
• Other symptoms

A vet will examine your dog. This may include a blood test, x-ray, diagnostic test, and physical exam. Pale gums are not a disease or an issue. This is a side effect. Your pet will need treatment for that problem. Most of these we have here are possible to treat and some are not extremely severe. 

It is important to start the treatment as soon as possible. This will make it more effective and decrease the risk of severe illness. If you brush the teeth of your pet, always check the gums when you are doing this. If you don’t, then check it occasionally. Ideally, you will check them every single day. But, if this is not an option, check them once per week.

The Final Word 

Dog pale gums acting as a normal question is mandatory to understand. Pale gums can be a side effect of over 10 issues and some of them are life-threatening. Others are very severe and some are harmless. But, your pet doesn’t normally have pale gums which suggests a health-related problem. This means that you need to take him to a vet as soon as you notice pale gums. There is no better thing to do.

Recommended Readings:

• Why Does My Dog Want To Bite Me?
• Why Does My Dog Suck On Blankets?
• My Dog Follows Me Into The Bathroom.
• Why Do Dogs Sit On Your Feet?