It can be worrying for dog parents to see their dogs with bleeding gums, which is why it’s important to remember that just like humans, dogs also benefit from proper oral hygiene. In some cases, a dog’s mouth may be bleeding due to a cut or scrape. Depending on the severity, these issues can be treated fairly easily and are usually not cause for concern. However, bleeding gums in dogs can be a sign of oral health problems such as gum disease, and can also be connected to more systemic health issues. This is why it’s essential that dog parents understand why their dog’s gums are bleeding.
In this article, we discuss the common causes behind bleeding gums in dogs, as well as signs of related health problems. We also advise dog parents on how they can prevent the issue by establishing an oral care routine for their dog, outline some home-care tips for minor cases of bleeding, and recommend when it may be necessary to consult a veterinarian. Your dog’s mouth is a crucial tool for them, and they often use their mouth in the same way humans use their hands, not only to enjoy their food but to also explore their surrounding environment. By ensuring your dog’s oral health is well-maintained, dog parents can prevent their dog’s gums from bleeding and support their overall well-being.
Why are my dog's gums bleeding?
While there are many potential causes of bleeding gums in dogs, it is commonly due to poor oral hygiene creating various issues. Just like human oral care, plaque forms on dog’s teeth naturally throughout the day. However, if the plaque is not removed from the surface of the tooth daily, it will begin the process of adhering to the teeth and hardening to form tartar. The presence of plaque and tartar on the surface of the tooth can lead to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), which may be the reason why your dog’s gums are bleeding. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to gum disease in dogs (also known as periodontal disease), in which case your dog’s bleeding gums may become more severe and the mouth can become painful.
Fractured teeth are often caused by trauma, especially since dogs use their mouths to explore their environment, carrying things, eating and playing. If your dog is chewing on hard objects such as bones, antlers, stones and sticks, it can lead to damaged teeth and gums - in which case you may notice your dog’s mouth is bleeding. You can check your dog’s mouth regularly, so that you know what their teeth normally look like and if you notice anything abnormal. Look for any damage to their gums, chipped or discoloured teeth, discharge or bad smells. Dogs are stoic animals and can therefore hide oral pain quite well. You may need to look for more subtle signs, such as drooling, reluctant for you to touch their face, being quieter than usual and changes in their eating habits. You should contact your veterinarian for an oral check-up, if you are concerned.
On the other hand, bleeding gums in puppies is common and usually not cause for concern. Puppies go through the teething process twice in puppyhood; their deciduous teeth (milk or baby teeth) start to erupt at 3 weeks of age, and fall out between 3-6 months when their adult teeth start to erupt, with a full set of 42 adult teeth in place by 7 months of age. Teething can cause mild bleeding in your puppy’s gums, as well as general discomfort. If your puppy’s gums are bleeding profusely and persistently, you know they are not teething, and they have other worrying symptoms, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
What can I do to prevent bleeding gums in my dog?
The best way to prevent bleeding gums in your dog is to brush their teeth daily with a dog toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste, as well as dental chew toys and treats such as Pedigree® Dentastix to help clean their teeth and gums. Regular dental check-ups with a veterinarian are also important to catch any oral health issues early.
Can bleeding gums be a sign of health problems?
Bleeding gums in dogs can be linked to certain systemic health issues. Since gum disease is usually caused by a buildup of bacteria, this can enter your dog’s bloodstream through the inflamed gum tissue and cause bacteremia - which can affect various organs and systems in their body. There is also a possibility that this can increase the risk of disease in dogs, since the bacteria can settle in the heart valves and lead to cardiac issues.
This is why it’s essential that dog parents look after their dog’s oral health to support their overall well-being. Besides the risk of bacteria in their bloodstream, bleeding gums in dogs can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. This can impact your dog in other ways, such as changes in their appetite, activity levels and general behaviour. If you notice your dog’s gums are bleeding, you should seek prompt veterinary care to prevent gum disease, as well as reduce the risk of other systemic health issues. Besides this, you should consider our tips to keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy.
What do I do if my dog's gums are bleeding?
If your dog’s gums are bleeding, it’s important to check their mouth to see whether there is an injury or other signs of gum disease. You can clean the area and stop the bleeding using a damp piece of cloth, and then contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
When you notice your dog’s mouth bleeding, it’s important to stay calm as any panic can cause anxiety in your dog. Remember safety first, as a dog bleeding from its mouth is likely to be in pain, so approach your dog gently when you lift their lips to examine their gums and determine the source of bleeding, and only do so if it’s safe. If your dog’s teeth are bleeding, they may have a fractured tooth, or if their gums are bleeding, it could be trauma or damage to the soft tissues or gums of the mouth. If you can’t see the source, and your dog’s gums are red and inflamed, they may have gum disease.
If you do see a small wound, you can try to gently clean it with a clean damp cloth. It would also be helpful if you dipped the cloth in a saline solution of salt and warm water. If the bleeding persists, you can apply gentle pressure to the area using a cold compress to slow the bleeding. Make sure to seek veterinary help.
How to maintain general oral hygiene in dogs?
The best way to maintain general oral hygiene in your dog is to establish and maintain a routine. It’s extremely important that dog parents look after their dog’s oral health, just as they would their own, by regularly brushing their teeth with a dog toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste, ideally everyday but at least a few times a week. This will help remove plaque and tartar before it builds up and causes inflammation of the gums and gum disease. It’s also important to regularly take your dog to the veterinarian for a professional dental check-up, as well as to detect any oral health issues early on and prevent escalation.
You should also provide appropriate chew toys and treats. Pedigree® Dentastix can be easily added to your dog’s daily oral care routine, and is designed to help clean your dog’s teeth and gums as they chew. This is also a great way to combat bad breath in dogs. As a bare minimum, dog parents can maintain their dog’s oral health by ensuring their dog receives essential nutrition through a complete and balanced diet. High-quality dog food will contain important vitamins and minerals that can help maintain strong gums and teeth in your dog, and reduce the risk of dental problems.
It’s common for a dog’s oral health to be overlooked, however it’s crucial for your dog’s overall health that it is not. Dog parents need to look after their dog’s oral hygiene to prevent various dental and health issues. The best way to address bleeding gums in puppies is to establish a dental care routine from an early age, however this can still be introduced at a later stage - as long as it is regular, your dog should benefit from good oral hygiene. Besides brushing their teeth regularly and taking them for professional oral care checks, you can offer a product from the Pedigree® Dog Dental Care range daily! With a variety of flavours and textures, Pedigree® Dentastix are recommended by vets and are scientifically proven to reduce tartar build-up by up to 80% when fed daily, cleaning hard-to-reach areas and supporting their gum health. Your dog will enjoy their treat and maintain their oral hygiene at the same time!
