Canine Black Gum Disease in Dogs: The black gum in a dog can be a little confusing and can indicate anything from advanced disease to a perfectly healthy mouth, depending on your pet.
Black Gum in a dog by Breed
Even if your pet is dumb, his genetics will be responsible for his dark gums if he is healthy and has no other signs of gum disease.
For example, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), chow-chows and bull-mastiffs are considered more desirable as a breed when their gums are black.
Black-mouthed Breeds like a cur and Sher pei dogs have black gums as by official standards to have a darkly pigmented mouth.
The dark pigment does not necessarily spread evenly across the mouth. According to the AKC, it is not uncommon for dogs of almost any breed to have distinct black spots on their tongue and gums.
The texture is more important than color. If the spot is enlarged or looks different than the surrounding gum tissue, it may be a sign of a problem.
Understand Canine Black Gum Disease in Dogs
Stink, along with black spots, are two indications that your dog’s black gums are not a matter of genetics. Certain diseases and conditions can cause your dog’s dental tissue to become dark.
A black spot along the gum line – the space between the roots of the teeth – is exposed in canine gum disease.
The exposed pharynx can easily be mistaken for a dog having a cavity in the tooth. This condition can lead to tooth loss.
According to the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, increased black spots on the gum line are often a sign of oral cancer, one of the most common forms of cancer in dogs.
Also Read: Bladder Cancer in dogs: Causes Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Acanthomatous ameloblastoma of dogs is a slow-growing type of cancer that is the most common oral cancer in dogs.
Early removal is important as the disease spreads beyond the gum tissue to the surrounding bones and teeth.
It is not easy to tell if a dog has grown black spots along the gum line fast or growing slowly.
As soon as you notice a blackened area, take your dog to the vet. One or more biopsies of the spot will inform your dog’s condition to the veterinarian.
Find out when to call a veterinarian
According to AKC, the best way to find out if your dog’s black gums are healthy is to regularly develop your dental hygiene rules with your pet.
This will help you to know about the normal color of her gums and when to develop any sensitivity or abnormal color that should be seen by the veterinarian.
If you observe a black color spot in your dog’s mouth while playing or feeding a treat, give him a gum test when he is calm.
Place your hand on his mouth to expose the gum line and gently lift his lips with your fingers.
Notice if any black spots on your dog’s dental tissue have grown, swollen or lumpy. As you look, notice if there is any brown or yellow crust along the gum line and the gums appear inflamed.
Bad breath can be a sign of pus or another gum disease.
According to AKC, here are some other tips for your dog to go to the vet:
- Bleeding from the gums
- Abnormal or excessive drooling
- Avoiding crunchy or stiff food is usually a sign of oral pain
- Abnormal chewing or eating habits
- No teeth or gums
- Restrained behavior
If you do not develop a dental care routine with your dog, she may not cooperate, especially if she is in pain. Use a dental soothing gel for immediate relief.
Dogs that are annoying or aggressive can snap or bite.
Call your veterinarian and schedule an appointment to have your dog tested professionally instead of harming you.
