Causes of Red and Swollen Dog Gums: What You Need to Kn

1. Oral Hygiene

After a dog eats, food particles often get trapped between its teeth. These remnants serve as a fertile ground for bacteria to thrive, leading to the formation of plaque on the teeth and within the mouth. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar, which can trigger gingivitis.

2. Dental Abnormalities

When a dog has dental abnormalities, the risk of developing gingivitis is significantly higher. Therefore, pet owners with dogs with such issues must pay extra attention to their pet's oral hygiene.

3. Other Factors

Lack of endocrine disorders, vitamin C, nutritional imbalances, and other systemic diseases can also lead to gingivitis in pets, with endocrine imbalances being particularly prevalent.

The primary symptoms include gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gum lines, pain, and bleeding. During the inflammatory process, the supporting tissue between the gums and teeth can be gradually destroyed, leading to the formation of abscesses on the gum surface. If left unchecked, this can progress to periodontitis.

4. Gingival Bleeding

Gingival bleeding is a common symptom of gingivitis in dogs, often occurring when they chew on hard objects or can be spontaneous. The normal gum color is pink, but in cases of gingivitis, the free gingival margin and gum papillae may appear deep red or dark red due to congestion and hyperplasia of the vascular tissue within the gingival connective tissue.

When caring for a dog, it's essential to maintain their oral health through regular cleaning. If daily cleaning is not feasible, it's important to schedule regular dental cleanings at the vet's office.

Pet Doctor's Tip: For more information on treating dog gingival swelling, click here to read How to Treat Dog Gingival Swelling.