YOUR DOG'S TONGUE

The dog’s tongue is a great indicator of health.  Dog’s tongues do a lot, they help your dog to eat and drink. The tongue is also used to help clean wounds, and clean and stimulate their young. The dog’s tongue, regulate your dog’s temperature by panting.

The tongue can tell us a lot of information about our pets. First your dog’s tongue should be pink in colour, unless it is a breed with a black tongue.  If its blue the dog‘s isn’t getting enough oxygenated blood to the body signifying a circulation problem or a heart condition. If the tongue is yellow, it’s signifying a gall bladder or liver problem. If the tongue is pale this could be a way to gauge shock, blood loss or anemia. A cherry red tongue and lips is a sign of carbon monoxide poisoning. If the tongue has ulcer it an indicator the kidneys may not be functioning properly. If your dog’s tongue is inflamed or has oral papillomatosis warts he has come into contact with a virus and his immune system maybe compromise. The tongue can change shape and have pigment changes with age, this is not a problem as long as the changes are not raised. It you find any lumps or bumps in your dog’s mouth besides (warts) your dog needs to be seen by the veterinarian.

Check your dog’s mouth often and keep them healthy.