My Dog's Tongue Is Pale, Should I Worry?

Is a Pale Tongue in Dogs Something to Worry About?

If your dog's tongue is pale, you may be alarmed, especially if you are well acquainted with its normal color and recall it being a much rosier color.

Abrupt changes in the color of a dog's mucous membranes can be scary, especially when they happen out of the blue. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself as much as possible with the dog's normal tongue color so that any abnormalities can be quickly noted and reported to the vet.

Not all dogs have the same colored gums and tongue. For example, we know that some breeds, such as Weimaraners and red Doberman pinschers, have naturally pinker mucous membranes compared to other dog breeds, explains board-certified veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth Rozanski in an article on Clinician's Brief.

In this article, veterinarian Dr. Ivana Crnec, a licensed veterinarian in Bitola, Macedonia, will take a look at the worrisome reasons a dog’s tongue might become pale and shares several potential causes.

What Is the Normal Tongue Color in Dogs?

The normal tongue color in dogs is pink. The tongue is covered with a mucous membrane that contains blood vessels. The pink color comes from oxygenated hemoglobin present in the blood vessels.

A pink tongue is an indicator of health, signifying:

• Normal packed cell volume (PCV)
• Proper oxygenation status
• Adequate tissue perfusion. The term perfusion is the passage of fluid (blood) through natural channels (blood vessels).

Do Certain Breeds Have Differently Colored Tongues?

Yes, certain breeds have differently colored tongues. Chow Chows and Shar Peis have dark, black-blue tongues. Mixes featuring a Chow Chow or Shar Pei in their lineage can inherit the tongue color.

The unique tongue discoloration is due to a genetic mutation that causes excess pigmentation. Chow Chows, Shar Peis, and their mixes are born with pink tongues.

The tongues start to turn dark around eight weeks old, and full pigmentation is completed before they turn six months.

Are Changes in the Dog’s Tongue Color Worrisome?

Yes, changes in the dog’s tongue color are worrisome. Tongue discoloration is a sign of disrupted, high or low tissue perfusion and inadequate oxygenation.

Specific colors are associated with distinct problems. For example, a red tongue indicates fever and a yellow tongue is standard for jaundice.

A pale tongue is particularly concerning and develops due to various potentially life-threatening conditions.

Can Dog Tongue Discoloration Be Normal?

Yes, dog tongue discoloration can be normal. Slight variations in the shade of pink occur during the day based on the dog’s hydration level, activity status, or blood pressure.

Also, the natural pink color of the tongue is likely to become paler as the dog gets older.

What Are the Causes of Pale Tongues in Dogs?

The causes of pale tongue in dogs include anemia, bleeding (internal or external), shock, low blood pressure, hypothermia, severe dehydration, leukemia, lung or heart disease, and fungal stomatitis.

1. Anemia

Anemia in dogs is defined as reduced erythrocytes or hemoglobin. Erythrocytes are red blood cells that contain hemoglobin, and hemoglobin is an oxygen-carrying protein.

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Pale tongue and gums are standard signs of anemia in dogs. Other signs in anemic dogs are exercise intolerance, weakness, increased heart rate, and appetite loss.

Canine anemia is caused by several issues, including:

• Bleeding that causes a loss of 30 to 40 percent of the total blood volume
• Erythrocyte destruction (hemolysis) triggered by toxins or autoimmune problems
• Impaired erythrocyte production resulting from kidney and bone marrow issues
• Nutritional deficiencies from minerals (iron, copper) or vitamins (B6, B12)

See your trusted veterinarian as soon as possible if your dog is anemic. VCA Hospitals says: “If the anemia is diagnosed early and the dog is in relatively good health, the prognosis is good.”

2. Bleeding

Bleeding is life-threatening when the dog loses over 30 to 40 percent of its total blood volume. The main types of bleeding are external (which is obvious) and internal (which is more insidious).

Trauma is a frequent cause of bleeding. Dogs get traumatized when they fall from elevated surfaces or get hit by cars. Other culprits for bleeding are rupturing tumors, severe infestations with blood-sucking parasites, poisoning,

Bleeding in dogs is an emergency, but it is hard to notice if it's occurring internally. Warning signs to look for include:

• Pale tongue and gums
• Trouble breathing
• Coughing (with blood)
• Painful and swollen abdomen
• Blood in vomit, urine, or feces
• Cold paws, legs, tail, or ears

Bleeding is potentially fatal and warrants an emergency trip to the vet’s office. First aid to stop external bleeding is important while waiting for veterinary attention.

3. Shock

Shock is not a disease but a state in which the organs are deprived of oxygen due to circulation problems. The five main shock types are:

Hypovolemic

Hypovolemic shock is when a dog’s circulatory blood volume decreases as a result of bleeding, severe dehydration, or coagulation problems.

Distributive

Distributive shock occurs if the dog’s peripheral blood vessels expand, causing blood pressure to drop due to trauma, infection, toxins, or anaphylaxis.

Cardiogenic

Cardiogenic shock is when a dog’s heart is diseased and unable to pump blood efficiently through the body.

Hypoxic

Hypoxic shock develops if a dog’s blood is poorly saturated with oxygen as a result of anemia or lung diseases.

Metabolic

Metabolic shock is when a dog lacks energy due to low blood sugar levels or sepsis (the only shock form unrelated to circulatory problems).

Signs of shock include pale tongue and gums, fast and shallow breathing, weak pulse, overall disorientation, and unresponsiveness.

4. Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is a short-term or prolonged state of reduced pressure in the blood vessels.

Blood loss is the top cause of hypotension. Other triggers are heart diseases, kidney or liver problems, and low red blood cell counts. Dehydration and malnutrition can lead to hypotension.

Fit and active, working dog breeds such as Huskies and Collies may have naturally lower blood pressure.

In addition to pale tongue and gums, other signs of hypotension in dogs include:

• Lethargy and weakness
• Fainting and collapse
• Confusion and disorientation
• Increased thirst

The treatment for low blood pressure in dogs depends on the underlying cause. Hypotension deprives tissues and organs of proper oxygen supply.

5. Hypothermia

Hypothermia describes reduced body temperature. Dogs have a temperature of around 101.5 ˚F. Hypothermia refers to any number below 98˚F or 99˚.

Prolonged exposure to cold conditions is the main cause of hypothermia. Puppies, seniors, small-sized dogs, and breeds with short coats are more sensitive to cold.

Less frequent causes of hypothermia in dogs are diabetes, kidney disease, heart failure, trauma that causes severe bleeding, and toxin ingestion.

Dogs with hypothermia have pale gums and tongue. The sign is accompanied by:

• Shivering or trembling
• Slow heart rate
• Weakness or lethargy

Gradually warming the dog up is the first aid of choice. A veterinary visit, however, is important to determine and treat the underlying cause.

6. Dehydration

Dehydration in dogs occurs when the water loss is greater than the intake triggering imbalances and impairing body functions.

The main causes of dehydration are excessive heat, prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, and limited access to drinking water.

Dehydration in dogs can sometimes be a sign of an underlying cause, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or some types of cancer.

Telltale signs of dehydration in dogs include:

• White, pale, dry gums and tongue
• Sunken eyes
• Reduced skin elasticity
• Excessive panting
• Weakness or lethargy

Hydration is a vital first aid and includes offering the dog fresh water. Severely dehydrated dogs need intravenous fluids to compensate for the water deficit.

7. Leukemia

Leukemia is a cancer type affecting the dog’s bone marrow. The causes of leukemia are not determined, but genetics and exposure to toxins are believed to be contributing factors.

Young German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are susceptible to leukemia. Signs of leukemia in dogs include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite and weight
• Lethargy and weakness
• Pale gums and tongue
• Enlarged lymph nodes

Canine leukemia is not treatable. The treatment’s goal is to prolong the cancer progression and make the dog comfortable.

8. Lung or Heart Disease

Lung or heart disease is a group of conditions that impair normal blood oxygenation and cause poor perfusion. A telltale sign is pale gums and tongue. Other worrisome symptoms include:

• Elevated heart rate
• Trouble breathing
• Exercise intolerance
• Fainting spells

Aging, obesity, and poor nutritional choices are risk factors for lung or heart disease. Treatment and outcome depend on the exact condition.

9. Fungal Stomatitis

Fungal stomatitis in dogs is inflammation of the dog’s oral mucosa caused by fungi. The number one culprit for fungal stomatitis is Candida albicans.

“Candida albicans, a medically important opportunistic yeast, is described as the etiologic agent of stomatitis in dogs,” explains a 2006 study.

Fungal stomatitis does not make the tongue pale but forms white plaques that deposit on the oral mucosa, making it appear less pink than usual. Other signs of fungal stomatitis are:

• Halitosis or bad breath
• Excessive drooling
• Smelly oral discharge
• Reduces or absent appetite
• Ulcers in the mouth

The treatment for fungal stomatitis in dogs is based on oral and topical antifungals. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is critical for preventing future episodes.

When to See a Vet for Pale Dog Tongue?

See a vet for pale dog tongue immediately. The underlying causes of a pale tongue are almost always emergencies.

The veterinarian will examine the dog thoroughly. Diagnostic tests include capillary refill time or CRT, blood work, biochemistry panels, X-rays, ultrasounds, and advanced imaging techniques, such as CT scans or MRIs.

What Is Capillary Refill Time or CRT?

Capillary refill time (CRT) is a vital parameter that measures how long small blood vessels need to refill with blood after being pressured. CRT is an indicator of peripheral perfusion.

Veterinarians check capillary refill time by lifting the dogs’ lips and pressing the gums until they blanch. The time necessary for the blanched area to retain its normal pink color determines the CRT. Healthy dogs have CRTs of between 1.5 and 2 seconds.

References

• Jadhav VJ, Pal M. Canine mycotic stomatitis due to Candida albicans. Rev Iberoam Micol. 2006 Dec
• VCA Animal Hospitals: Anemia in Dogs By Tammy Hunter, DVM; Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM
• Clinician's Brief: Mucous Membrane Evaluation in Dogs by
  Elizabeth Rozanski

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

© 2024 Adrienne Farricelli CPDT-KA, Dip.CBST