Dog with a purple tongue - Causes and what to do

Author: Peter Berry
Date Of Creation: 16 February 2021
Update Date: 15 May 2024
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Dogs with Blue Tongues – Why is the Chow Chow’s Tongue Blue?
Video: Dogs with Blue Tongues – Why is the Chow Chow’s Tongue Blue?

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Some dog breeds and their crossbreeds have a blue (or purple) tongue and bluish or even black gums as a distinctive feature. These cases are in keeping with their nature and are by no means a worrying symptom. On the other hand, in specimens of pink mucous membranes, the purple tongue in dogs is a really alarming sign and can indicate health problems.

In this PeritoAnimal article, we'll see why this coloration is due and what we need to do to solve it. Keep reading to know the reasons that lead to a dog with a purple tongue - causes and what to do.

The color change in the language of dogs

Examining the tongue and gums of dogs gives us information about the state of blood circulation. Thus, according to the colors, we will be able to know the following:


  • pink tongue: This is the most common color, as a healthy dog ​​has both gums and tongue a pink color. In some breeds, we can find black or blue spots, due to the possible crossing of their parents with blue-tongued puppies.
  • pale or white tongue: sometimes health changes are produced that we will see reflected in this coloration.So if dogs have pale gums, they are likely to suffer from anemia, leukemia, poisoning, some internal bleeding, or some of the tick diseases in dogs. In any case, a white tongue in dogs usually indicates a decrease in our furry friend's red blood cell count, so it's essential to see the veterinarian immediately.
  • purple tongue: Unless your furry friend is not a blue-tongued dog breed, a dog with a purple tongue or a bluish tint may have problems related to lack of oxygen, ie, cyanosis. This is usually related to heart or respiratory disease, so it is also important to go to the vet urgently in this case. In more severe cases, a collapse occurs and the tongue and gums are grayish in color. Also, if we touch the tongue, we will notice that it is cold.
  • red tongue: Red tongue in dogs may be accompanied by swelling or black spots and is usually a manifestation of melanoma in dogs, a type of cancer. As the disease progresses, the dog's tongue grows, due to the evolution of cancer cells.

If you notice a color change in your dog's tongue, it's better go to the vet so he can examine your pet.


blue tongue in dog

Outside of blue-tongued dog breeds such as the Chow Chow, where the tongue will usually be blue or black, a blue or purple tongue may have multiple causes. They all have in common the fact that are veterinary emergencies. Therefore, it is necessary to seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible.

As we explained above, the purple tongue in dogs or with a blue tint is related to the lack of oxygen. For example, if the dog is not breathing well, it will not be able to get the oxygen it needs to develop its vital functions. And the namedhypoxia. If the fault is severe enough, this will result in a bluish discoloration of the tongue and mucous membranes. this would be the cyanosis. Any cause that affects breathing is likely to cause hypoxia. In the next section, we'll look at the most common ones.


Dog with a purple tongue: what can it be?

If there has been a change in color and your dog has a purple tongue, be aware that a purple or bluish tongue in dogs can be an indication of an emergency as important as drowning. Thus, the most common causes for a dog with a purple tongue are:

  • Tiredness: even dogs used to swimming can suffer drowning from fatigue, which would generate a purple tongue
  • foreign body in throat: Asphyxia is more common when it occurs due to the presence of a foreign body that is lodged in the throat. The dog will be very restless, he will gasp for breath, he will keep his neck extended or even he will be unconscious.
  • smoke asphyxia: Another cause for a purple-tongued dog related to suffocation is smoke-generated suffocation, which can also produce hypoxia in dogs.
  • Pneumothorax: A less frequent cause is pneumothorax, which can occur, for example, from a major wound in the chest.
  • poisonings: some poisonings also produce purple tongue (cyanosis), as well as laryngeal edema or anaphylactic shock.
  • Pleural effusion: this causes respiratory problems and may present with a bluish tongue. It is caused by the accumulation of serum or blood in the chest. It has multiple causes, such as heart, liver, kidney, tumors, pneumonia, trauma, etc.

black tongue in dogs

THE insolation it is another urgency that modifies the color of the affected dog's mucous membranes. It is produced by a large increase in body temperature. In more severe cases, a black or even gray tongue is seen in dogs. In this state, the dog will already be in shock and it will be difficult to save him.

My dog ​​has a purple tongue

In addition to the above situations that affect the color of the tongue, we can also find a local cause that explains a dog with a purple tongue. If they swallow a rope-like object that is wrapped around the base of the tongue, when swallowing, the other end, which remains attached, will tighten the tongue more and more with each swallow. At this point, there is a lingual strangulation. It's urgent because if the blood supply is completely cut off, the tissue dies.

So if we notice that our dog has a purple tongue, the first thing we should do is check to see if he has swallowed something that is choking or cutting his tongue. In that case, we should check if we can remove it without hurting it. otherwise, we should take him to the vet urgently.

Treatment for a dog with a purple tongue

In most cases of purple, bluish and, above all, gray or black tongue, we are faced with a veterinary emergency. Therefore, taking the dog to the nearest clinic is top priority. If your pet is not breathing and you are away from a veterinarian, you will need to start rescue breathing or CPR, depending on whether there is heartbeat or not.

This is a maneuver that dog caretakers should know how to perform. The veterinarian can explain its mechanism in detail, in case we need it at any time. If hypoxia occurs due to a chest wound, we'll try to cover him up and run to the vet.

Now that you know the symptoms and causes for a dog with a purple tongue, you may also be interested in this other PeritoAnimal article that explains whether wheezing in a dog is normal. In the video below, you can see the blue-tongued dogs:

This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Dog with a purple tongue - Causes and what to do, we recommend that you enter our Other health problems section.