Symptom · Dogs and cats
Pale gums: what it means and when to call the vet
Healthy gums are bubble-gum pink. Pale, white or grey gums can mean blood loss, shock or severe anaemia, and are an emergency — go to a vet now.
By Maya HartCommon causes
- Internal bleeding — for example a ruptured tumour or rat poison
- Shock from injury, bloat or severe illness
- Destruction of red blood cells (immune disease, onion or garlic poisoning)
- Chronic disease such as kidney failure
What you can do at home
- Keep your pet warm and calm and go straight to a vet
- Bring any packaging if poison is possible
What the vet may do
- Emergency blood tests
- Oxygen, fluids and blood transfusion
- Ultrasound to look for bleeding
- Surgery if needed
Prevention
- Keep rodent bait out of reach
- Know your pet’s normal gum colour — check it when they are well
The details
Lift your pet’s lip and press a finger on the gum: the colour should return within two seconds. Some breeds have dark pigmented gums; in that case, look at the inside of the lower eyelid. Practise when your pet is well so you know what normal looks like.
Questions owners ask
Is pale gums an emergency?
Yes — treat it as an emergency and go to a vet now. Go now if you see: pale, white, grey or blue gums; weakness, collapse or fast breathing; a swollen belly (possible internal bleeding); possible access to rat poison.
What causes pale gums?
Internal bleeding — for example a ruptured tumour or rat poison; Shock from injury, bloat or severe illness; Destruction of red blood cells (immune disease, onion or garlic poisoning); Chronic disease such as kidney failure.
What can I do at home?
Keep your pet warm and calm and go straight to a vet. Bring any packaging if poison is possible.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts