If you’ve noticed your dog is bleeding from the mouth, it’s safe to say that you’re concerned. In a puppy, oral bleeding might be due to something as simple as normal puppy teething. In an adult dog, however, bleeding from the mouth always has an underlying cause that should be investigated.
Find out what causes a dog to bleed from the mouth and what you should do if you’re noticing blood in or around your dog’s mouth.
Dog Mouth Bleeding: What It Might Look Like
Bleeding from the mouth can have a range of appearances. Here are some things you may notice:
- Red blood on chew toys or food bowls
- Blood on your dog’s gumline or lips
- A reddish, brown color on toys or blankets (may indicate blood in a dog’s drool)
When a dog is experiencing bleeding in their mouth, it is usually bright or dark red until it dries to a rusty color. If there is a lot of blood, it might drip from their mouth onto their lips.
It’s also possible that you may not see the bleeding at all. Dogs sometimes swallow the blood before you notice it. However, you might still smell a metallic odor on your dog’s breath.
Causes of Mouth Bleeding in Dogs
Mouth bleeding in dogs has several causes, some of which are relatively benign and others which are more serious.
1. Teething
Teething in puppies refers to the process of a puppy losing and growing in teeth. Puppies usually grow in their baby teeth between 3 and 6 weeks of age. They’ll begin losing these teeth and growing in adult teeth at around 3 months (12 weeks) of age, with most of their adult teeth present by 6 months of age.
If you see puppy teeth falling out and bleeding, this is the likely cause. It’s also common to notice a metallic smell or see blood on chew toys.
If the puppy’s mouth bleeding does not stop, it’s a good idea to get your puppy looked at to rule out any bleeding disorders.
2. Gingivitis and/or Periodontal Disease
Inflammation of the gums is referred to as gingivitis, while periodontal disease refers to inflammation and infection around the teeth. Gingivitis is a component of periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is the most common oral health condition treated in dogs and the most common reason for bleeding in the mouth of adult dogs. Dogs may bleed from inflamed or infected tissues in their mouth, or they may bleed as loose teeth fall out (in advanced periodontal disease).
3. Oral Tumors
Tumors in the mouth can be benign or malignant (cancerous). If a dog is bleeding from mouth cancer, malignant melanoma is the most likely culprit. These tumors very frequently break open and bleed.
4. Mouth Injuries
Your dog can injure their mouth if they’re allowed to chew on certain objects like sharp bones or sticks. These can lacerate the gums or become lodged within the mouth. The mouth can also be traumatically injured if a dog is hit by a car or gets into a fight with another animal.
5. Blood Clotting Issues
Bleeding from the gums is a common symptom of blood clotting issues. Blood clotting issues can occur due to genetic disorders like von Willebrand’s disease or hemophilia. It can also occur with certain infectious diseases, like ehrlichiosis (from ticks) or from exposure to specific toxins like rat poison.
Severe liver disease can contribute to blood clotting issues because the liver is the organ that produces clotting factors. Blood clotting problems can also result from certain severe systemic illnesses, like sepsis, or cancers that affect the bone marrow.
Keep in mind that the blood you see in a dog’s mouth may not originate from the mouth. If your dog is coughing up or throwing up blood, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Diagnosing Oral Bleeding in Dogs
The first step the veterinarian will take after reviewing your dog’s history is to perform an examination of your dog’s mouth to look for an obvious cause of bleeding. They’ll look for gum inflammation, loose teeth, masses in the mouth, foreign objects lodged in the mouth, and oral injuries.
If an oral health issue is noted, the veterinarian may recommend radiographs (X-rays) of the mouth be performed. If a mass is noted, the veterinarian will recommend taking a biopsy of the mass. For these tests, your dog will need to be sedated or anesthetized.
If the issue doesn’t appear to be an oral health issue, the next thing they’ll want to rule out is a blood clotting issue. They will examine your dog’s mouth for bleeding from around the teeth and bruising on the gums.
They may also look for evidence of bleeding elsewhere in the body, such as skin bruising or blood in the urine or fecal matter. Tests performed may include:
- Routine blood work: Routine blood work could indicate low numbers of platelets or liver function issues, both of which can contribute to issues with blood clotting.
- Looking at a sample of blood under the microscope: By looking at a sample of blood under the microscope, the veterinarian can look for evidence of low platelet counts, evidence of autoimmune conditions, and the presence of blood parasites that might contribute to blood clotting problems.
- Infectious disease testing (such as for tickborne illness): Several tickborne illnesses, such as ehrlichiosis, can cause issues with bleeding in dogs.
- Analysis of urine: The veterinarian may look for evidence of blood in the urine. Urinalysis is also important for monitoring systemic health.
- Ultrasound of the abdomen: If your dog is having bleeding issues, your dog may be at risk for bleeding into their abdominal cavity, which can be deadly. An ultrasound of the abdomen allows the veterinarian to look for free blood in the abdomen.
- Blood clotting panels: Blood clotting panels will show if your dog’s blood is clotting too slowly and can help to determine the cause, such as hemophilia or exposure to anticoagulant rat poison.
- Buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT): With this test, the veterinarian makes a precise cut inside the dog’s upper lip and monitors how long it takes the blood to clot. This is a test for von Willebrand’s disease, the most common inherited blood clotting disorder in dogs.
Treatment for Mouth Bleeding in Dogs
When it comes to puppy teething, time is what you need. This bleeding is a normal part of your puppy losing baby teeth and growing into adult teeth. If bleeding isn’t stopping, speak with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Treatment for a mouth injury depends on the extent and severity of the injury. For small cuts, your veterinarian may recommend monitoring at home. More extensive injuries may require cleaning under sedation, sutures, and antibiotics like clindamycin.
If your dog’s bleeding is due to gingivitis or periodontal disease, treatment will include a full dental cleaning under anesthesia. Some teeth may need to be removed, or advanced dental treatments like root canals may be recommended.
If an oral mass is amenable to removal, treatment will be surgical. Masses that are large or affect the underlying bone may be difficult to completely remove. These masses may require specialty surgery with advanced imaging to determine the extent of their local spread, such as MRI or CT scans.
In some cases, surgical removal may not be possible. The veterinarian may recommend additional treatments like radiation therapy or chemotherapy. A melanoma vaccine can also increase survival times in dogs with oral melanomas.
For clotting issues, treatment depends on the underlying cause. Examples of potential treatments include:
- Blood transfusions
- Antibiotics like doxycycline
- Vitamin K supplementation
- Steroids like dexamethasone
Dogs with an active bleed due to a clotting issue will often need to be hospitalized.
Tips for Preventing Mouth Injuries in Dogs
While you may not be able to prevent all causes of bleeding from the mouth (like oral tumors), there are tips you can take to prevent periodontal disease and oral injury.
1. Stay on top of dog dental care
Ideally, you would brush your dog’s teeth daily. However, aiming for at least three times per week can reduce the incidence of periodontal disease.
2. Get regular check-ups with the veterinarian
Your veterinarian should perform a full examination of your dog at least once annually when they’re younger and twice annually when they’re a senior. These examinations will include looking in your dog’s mouth.
3. Avoid using hard bones and chew toys
Your dog can fracture teeth or lacerate their gums on these items. Chew toys should have some bend and be soft enough for you to indent with a fingernail.
4. Supervise your dog when they’re outside
Your dog should not be running with sticks in their mouth if they’re not being monitored.
5. Restrict access to toxins like rat poison
Make sure your dog can’t get into pest baits.
Dog Bleeding from Mouth Final Thoughts
Bleeding from the mouth in dogs can be alarming, but understanding the potential causes and seeking prompt veterinary care can make a significant difference in your pet’s health and comfort. From teething puppies to more serious issues like periodontal disease, oral tumors, or clotting disorders, addressing the underlying cause is key to effective treatment.
Regular dental care, routine vet check-ups, and mindful supervision can go a long way in preventing mouth injuries and oral health issues. Don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian if you notice any signs of oral bleeding, such as blood on toys or swelling. By staying proactive about your dog’s oral health, you’re helping ensure their well-being and happiness for years to come.
If you have any concerns about bleeding in your dog’s mouth, it’s best to speak with its veterinarian.
