Noticed that your dog has bleeding gums? You might be a bit worried and wonder what is causing this problem. Do you need to take your dog to the vets, or is it treatable at home? As a dog owner, it’s important to know the most common causes of bleeding gums so that you know whether to take the situation seriously or not.
Here at Green Pantry, we truly care about your dog’s health. That’s why we create natural dog food that targets specific health conditions, like dental health, so that your dog can lead a happy, healthy life.
Ready to discover why your dog’s gums are bleeding? Let’s have a look into it…
What causes bleeding gums in dogs?
Hopefully, this blog will put your mind at ease. However, if none of our tips or tricks work, please consult your veterinarian if your dog’s bleeding gums or dental issues persist. With that aside, here are some of the most common causes of bleeding gums in dogs:
Puppy teething – First up, one of the most common causes for bleeding gums in puppies is due to teething. Luckily, teething only lasts a couple of months, and your dog’ gums should stop bleeding once the teething period is over. In the meantime, the pressure and discomfort from teething might mean that they start chewing on anything they can find… Which can be pretty frustrating!
We’ve got a detailed puppy care guide to help you through those tough early years.
Cuts and scrapes – It’s possible that bleeding can occur from a simple cut or scrape to the mouth. If there isn’t too much blood, and the bleeding happens only once in a while, check your dog’s gums for signs of injury. They might have scraped them on a hard chew toy or even while eating. Cuts and scrapes are usually nothing to worry about, and can clear up in a matter of days. However, sometimes they can become infected, so keep a close eye on them.
An abscess – This is an injury to your dog’s mouth that can easily become infected. If a cut or scrape that we mentioned from above becomes infected, it can lead to the growth of an abscess. They’re usually filled with pus or fluid, making them uncomfortable and likely to bleed.
This should result in a visit to the vet, where they can drain the abscess and give your pet antibiotics to help clear up the infection.
Rotting teeth – Rotting and abandoned teeth can also cause bleeding dog gums. Rotting teeth mostly occur in senior dogs, especially as their general health declines. If your dog’s teeth do become rotten, they’ll eventually crack, splinter, and break. They might even become infected.
Noticed that your dog has fishy-smelling breath? Bad breath is a sign to look out for that could be something more serious. Usually, it’s a sign of built-up bacteria like plaque and tartar, which, when left untreated, might lead to infections and bleeding gums.
Dog bleeding gums: Home treatments you can try
Now that you know why your dog’s gums are bleeding, it’s time to discover ways to prevent them. First and foremost, your veterinarian will be able to properly treat bleeding gums in dogs. However, we’ve got some ways that you can prevent bleeding in the first place.
Let’s have a look at them in a bit more detail…
Regular tooth brushing
Just like with humans, brushing your dog’s teeth regularly is one of the best (& easiest!) ways to prevent gum disease and bleeding. You can get dog-specific toothbrushes and toothpastes, and brush in a similar way that you would with your own mouth. However, you don’t need to be as consistent as daily. Just a few times a week will do!
Provide proper nutrition
Did you know that a well-balanced, healthy diet can support strong teeth and gums? Foods rich in essential vitamins and nutrients, like all of our recipes here at Green Pantry, contribute to good oral health. Avoid treating your dog to any processed or sugary treats, as they can contribute to plaque buildup and gum discomfort. Instead, treat them to Green Pantry natural dog treats that are easy to chew and irresistibly tasty.
We’ve also got a dry dog food that is designed specifically for better dental health! Our Turkey with Mint and Parsley recipe is particularly beneficial for dogs who suffer from bad breath or plaque build-up. Featuring freshening ingredients like mint and parsley, you can combat fishy odours! Seaweed is also great at reducing plaque build-up.
Discover dental supplements
As well as our yummy and healthy food recipes, we also offer natural dog supplements. All of our supplements contain delicious and nutritious ingredients, helping to target specific health conditions. In particular, our natural dental supplement is a great way to keep your dog’s oral health in check. Ingredients like sea kelp help to freshen breath, and mint offers gastrointestinal benefits like reducing gas and soothing an upset tummy.
Avoid hard chew toys
While chewing is essential for good dental health, extremely hard chew toys or bones can cause cuts in your dog’s mouth. We recommend opting for a softer, chew toy that provides dental benefits without risking much damage to your dog’s gums or teeth. Always avoid hard chew toys with rough or sharp edges, as these can be painful to chew on.
The importance of a good diet on your dog’s dental health
Natural nutrition is at the core of what we do. And, we partner with vets and other dog experts to ensure that each of our recipes targets a specific health condition. Hannah Watson, owner of Clean Canines, Suffolk, tells us about the importance of a natural diet when it comes to dental health.
She says: “Just like with human food, you should try to feed your dog a healthy and natural diet. Try to avoid foods with high carb or sugar levels. I do recommend the Green Pantry dental products as they contain lots of additional natural ingredients that can help, such as seaweed, which is great as it helps reduce plaque build-up. And of course, mint to keep their breath smelling fresh!”
Read the full interview with Hannah Watson here!
Care about your dog’s overall health with Green Pantry
If your dog has bleeding gums, it isn’t something you should ignore. By following our tips above and ensuring you take your dog to the vet for regular dental checkups, you can help to combat further dental issues.
Remember, here at Green Pantry, your dog’s health and well-being are our main priority. That’s why we’ve been making delicious and freshly prepared recipes for nearly 25 years. You can rely on healthy (& tasty!) ingredients that have been freshly sourced right here in the UK.
Need more advice when it comes to your four-legged friend? Then please do get in touch. You can even pick up the phone and ring us on 01553 811 320.
