The dog’s gums are bleeding. What to do?

In order to understand what is happening with the pet, you need to examine his mouth. This may not be easy. It is better if someone insures you: the dog will definitely not like this procedure.

First you need to thoroughly wash your hands, or better, put on clean, thin rubber gloves and prepare a minimal set of ambulances. You may need something disinfectant, gauze wipes (not alcohol), tweezers, small sharp scissors, a flashlight.

First of all, the dog’s lips are lifted and the gums are examined from the outside. Then – from the inside, plus the whole mouth, then a flashlight may be needed.

Possible causes of bleeding gums:

1. The most harmless is change of teeth. At the age of 4-6 months, the puppy’s milk teeth change to molars. During this period, gums may also swell and bleed. You don’t have to do anything, just watch. Sometimes, especially in decorative dogs, the molars grow, but the milk teeth do not want to fall out. Then you have to go to the vet.

2. Trauma, sprain. The animal can injure the tongue, gums, oral cavity with something sharp. For example, a fragment of a bone or a sliver from a gnawed stick. The splinter can be removed with tweezers.

3. Dental diseases. Caries, periodontitis, stomatitis, gingivitis and others. A sick, decaying tooth can provoke inflammation, suppuration, and bleeding of tissues. It is necessary to go to the veterinarian to remove the source of infection.

4. Neoplasm. Unpleasant, but you should not panic ahead of time. More than half of them are benign.

5. Hormonal problems Only a doctor can determine, before sending it for tests.

In any case, you can not leave the animal without treatment. If there are wounds in the mouth, the dog should be fed semi-liquid food at room temperature. Wipe the sores several times a day with a cotton swab moistened with chlorhexidine, add brewed chamomile to the drinking water.

Be sure to contact a specialist. The veterinarian will remove the damaged tooth, clean the teeth of stones, and prescribe the necessary medicines. You just have to follow his instructions.

Cleaning of tartar is a problem that requires special mention. In order not to lead to the formation of tartar, the owner needs to accustom the pet to brushing his teeth, this will not solve the issue radically, but will prevent serious problems with the formation of tartar. Veterinary pharmacies sell special toothpastes and toothbrushes for dogs. If it is not possible to purchase them, you can use ordinary tooth powder and a clean cloth.

The article is not a call to action!

For a more detailed study of the problem, we recommend contacting a specialist.

Ask the vet

January 8 2020

Updated: January 9, 2020