These breeds would love you just as much as your pink-tongued furry friends would! Enter search terms to find related veterinary topics, multimedia and more. Severely affected dogs may benefit from vaccines, if available. However, if you notice that your dog's previously pink tongue is slowly turning purple or has any uncommon discoloration, it would be best to immediately schedule a consultation with the vet. A dogs tongue can turn purple for several reasons. Surgical removal of the glands does not usually help, though medications may be of benefit. It's a condition in which the taste buds and mucous membranes become inflamed and ulcerated. The injuries may be mild, with only temporary discomfort, or may be very destructive with loss of tissue and scar formation, followed by deformity or tissue loss. Nasolacrimal ducts allow tears to drain from each eye into the nose. A substance called melanin causes the natural purple tongues of several dog breeds. There are believed to be less than a thousand Phu Quoc Ridgebacks in the entire world, making them an extremely rare breed. Bad breath is severe, and the animal may be unwilling to eat due to pain. This suggests that your dog might be having breathing problems and needs immediate medical care. A dogs tongue contains mucous membranes, which measure blood circulation. Dogs get almost every disease that humans get including diabetes, heart disease, lung disease and cancer. In most cases, both the underlying disease and the fungal infection itself will be treated. Necrotizing sialometaplasia (also called salivary gland necrosis or infarction) causes abnormal changes and death of the tissues of the salivary gland. Aside from black and the Samoyeds typical white color, it may also come in other colors. PomeranianSamoyedKeeshondNorwegian ElkhoundShiba InuSiberian HuskyAkita. A dog can die with its tongue out due to a heart attack or a r espiratory attack. Next on the list is the Shar-Pei. Meanwhile, some Collies may also have tongues with bluish tones or tongues with blue-black patches. PetPartners, Inc. is an indirect corporate affiliate of PetPlace.com. Shar PeiAkitaChow chowGerman ShepherdRottweilerKorean JindoBorder ColliePomeranianTibetan Mastiff, Norwegian ElkhoundSamoyedPomeranianSiberian HuskyKeeshondShiba InuAkita. Most salivary gland tumors are malignant, with carcinomas and adenocarcinomas the most common. Recovery is often rapid and complete. But despite their dangerous appearance, they are very affectionate and loving with their parents. Having a Chow Chow as one of their ancestors makes Eurasiers inherit its purple tongue. Radiation treatment may help to minimize disfigurement if there are large tumors. Many dogs hide when they are sick. The specific hue will tell your more about what that might be purple lack of oxygen, yellow liver problems, red a bacterial infection, white circulation issues, for example. The trusted provider of veterinary information since 1955, Introduction to Digestive Disorders of Dogs, Congenital and Inherited Disorders of the Digestive System of Dogs, Disorders of the Pharynx (Throat) in Dogs, Disorders of the Stomach and Intestines in Dogs, Disorders Caused by Bacteria in the Digestive System of Dogs, Disorders Caused by Protozoa in the Digestive System of Dogs, Pancreatitis and Other Disorders of the Pancreas in Dogs, Disorders of the Liver and Gallbladder in Dogs, Last review/revision May 2018 | Modified Oct 2022. The gold standard for diagnosing cyanosis in dogs is arterial blood gas measurement. 2. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Dogs with purple tongues include chow chow, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Akita, Shar Pei, Tibetan Mastiff, etc. This might also occur if your pup is starved of sufficient oxygen in another way, for instance, if they become trapped in a confined space for some time. Large numbers of viral warts can also develop in older dogs that have another disease that is suppressing the immune system. The most common benign oral tumors in dogs are peripheral odontogenic fibromas (previously called fibromatous epulis or ossifying epulis). . Many dogs "hide" when they are sick. While excess pigmentation does not cause medical problems, purple, blue and black discoloration of the tongue can be a sign of health problems in a dog with a normally pink tongue. This type of oxygen therapy does not require a mask and is administered directly into the animals airway. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Many dogs will mourn the loss of a companion dog although and some dogs get closure from seeing the body of a deceased companion dog. Purple tongues in healthy dogs are a result of a pigment called melanin in the mucous membrane. They are known for their unmatched loyalty to their owners. The underlying cause may be within or near the mouth, or it can be a sign of a more general condition. If tissue destruction is significant, sores and mouth inflammation may develop. When you see blue skin or gums in dogs, their blood isn't getting oxygenated properly. Pneumothorax refers to an abnormal collection of air in the chest which may be caused by blunt force trauma such as being hit by a car. A blue/purple-colored tongue often indicates a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream. Akitas are very loving and affectionate when it comes to their owners but are not too trusting when dealing with strangers. These dogs have typical purple tongues, which makes them stand out from the rest. Get Your Pet Thinking, How long should pitbulls eat puppy food? They may be restless, gasping for air, scratching at their neck, or trying to cough it up. Always consult with a licensed and credible veterinarian for pet related concerns. Inflammation of the tongue is called glossitis. The tongue can turn blue due to the lack of oxygen indicating it has something to do with the respiratory system. For a more detailed explanation of why Chows have purple tongues, check the video below: Together with Chow Chows, Shar-Peis are among the few on this list that have naturally purple tongues. Occasionally, an abscessed gland discharges pus into the surrounding tissue or the mouth. There is a purple tongue or purple-spotted tongue in the chow chow. For this reason, thorough plaque control through professional cleaning and excellent home oral hygiene (including twice daily tooth brushing) may resolve the problem. Only a few breeds have purple tongues. Signs of inflamed salivary glands include fever, depression, and painful, swollen salivary glands. Sometimes puppies will be burned by chewing on an electrical cord. The Phu Quoc Ridgeback, a native of the Phu Quoc island in Vietnam, is distinguished by its webbed feet and colored tongue. Hypoxia is mainly caused by respiratory and heart disease, that is why it is crucial to take your dog to the vet when this happens. Mixed breed dogs might have colored spots on their tongues. Shar Peis are affectionate and calm dogs, even though they tend to be careful around strangers. While any of the salivary glands may be affected, those under the tongue and in the jaw are involved most commonly. These dogs are also known for wrinkled skin and thick fur. However, it is seen in some individual dogs with the German Shepherd.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'oxfordpets_com-box-4','ezslot_1',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oxfordpets_com-box-4-0'); You ought to know the dogs natural tongue color and preserve an eye fixed out for any modifications dogs tongue. Fungal stomatitis is caused by overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans. Naturally, they are overprotective and can be aggressive toward strangers. Despite being one of the costliest purebred dogs in the market today, Akitas are still popular among dog owners due to their personality, size, and relatively long lifespan. But some breeds are there that get the purple tongue due to some medical issues. Talking about chow chow puppies, they are born with a pink tongue. Perfect for first-time Doodle parents, get ALL your questions answered, including questions new Doodle parents dont even think to ask. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. This is due to the stress that is put on the body and how difficult it is for the dog to move. Many theories range from illness to poor diet and nutrient deficiencies to injuries and birth defects. Already have a myVCA account? Treatment generally consists of treatment for gum disease, tooth extractions, professional cleaning of wounds, oral hygiene, antibiotics, and oral antiseptics. A substance called melanin causes the natural purple tongues of several dog breeds. All rights reserved. However, a word of caution dogs who have purple tongues seem to be more prone to having doggy breath, so be prepared! Find Out Here, What do I do when my dog is begging for attention? They are sweet and devoted to their family, although they tend to be territorial around strangers. Additional signs included weight loss, reluctance to exercise, snorting, lip smacking, discharge from the nose, drooling, decreased appetite, and depression. If the condition is immune related, appropriate immunosuppressive treatment may be prescribed. These benign tumors are firm masses involving the tissue of the gums. He or she will also run a blood gas analysis to determine the level of oxygen in the blood. A normal dog tongue is pink, but a purple tongue is not common. The area will then be gently cleaned and dried. Set up your myVCA account today. It is usually thought to be associated with other oral diseases, longterm antibiotic treatment, or a suppressed immune system. Specially formulated mouthwashes can often help relieve the discomfort that results from this condition. The dogs have medium brown eyes, a rough coat, and triangular ears with reddish markings. If your dog's tongue gets purple, he might have cyanosis. The same is thought to be true for dogs. There are few reasons a dog has a purple tongue which is not a veterinary emergency, apart from dogs which naturally have a purple or blue tongue. Your email address will not be published. Fluids may be administered to correct dehydration, if present. Scientists have observed elephants gently touching the skulls and tusks of other elephants long after the bodies have decomposed. When our beloved dogs die many people choose to bury them nearby, in the backyard or garden. The breed comes from Korea. Having some dental sticks around might come in handy, especially if your dog is being extra affectionate and starts licking your face up and down! An abnormal opening in the heart valve may lead to low oxygen levels. 7.Dogs do not suffer from myocardial infarction (heart attack) as people do. If your dogs tongue is turning purple or blue, you might wonder what it means. So, similar to bruising on peoples skin, your dog may have injured their tongue in some way trapped it under or between something or even bitten down on it. A purple or blue tongue could be a sign that your blood isn't delivering enough oxygen to your body's tissues. However, if you notice the problem getting worse, or if its causing your dog issues with eating, then they might need to see the vet. Surgical correction of deep lip folds is a more long-lasting remedy for severe cases. If untreated, cyanosis can lead to hypoxemia, which results in irreversible damage or even death. Oxygen therapy, removing fluid from the chest (to relieve pressure on the lungs that prevents them from inflating), or creating an opening in the windpipe to facilitate breathing may be needed. You may also consult your vet and ask for advice on how you can make your dogs breath smell better. Fibrosarcomas have a guarded outlook, and recurrence of tumor growth after surgery is common. When any of these functions becomes compromised through disease or trauma, malnutrition and dehydration may result. Usually, Chow Chows are born with pink tongues, but their tongue changes to purple when they reach 8 to 10 weeks old. Poms are perfect for dealing with children, but you must remember that they may not be as sturdy as the larger dog breeds. Nervous system issues that may influence breathing include inflammation of the brain or brainstem, brain trauma, stroke, or a brain tumor. This is actually far more common than you might think. December 19, 2020 by Caring Pets Staff. A purple tongue in dogs is associated with a lack of oxygen (hypoxia) unless your dog is a breed with a blue tongue. ZooAwesome is not intended as replacement to any veterinarian advice. Oxygen therapy is an important way to improve a dogs quality of life. At first, inflammation causes the area to be swollen and painful, but this initial stage is not usually noticed. Signs include mouth inflammation, bad breath, drooling, refusal to eat, and bleeding or open sores on the tongue or mucous membranes. Overall, dogs with purple tongues are pretty unique, and they are surely interesting to own. Medical conditions like Glossitis, Stomatitis, Cancer, oral lacerations can all cause tongue discoloration in dogs. One or both lip corners may have a scar or wound, and the adjacent teeth may be discolored and eventually require a root canal treatment. They are incredibly loyal, devoted, and easygoing. Follow your veterinarians recommendations about diet carefully to support your pets recovery. These structural abnormalities include patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrial septal defect (ASD), tetralogy of Fallot, abnormal return of blood from the lungs, and abnormal opening of the heart valves. If you want to ensure that your home is safe against intruders, it is best to put this furry friend on duty. Mild inflammation may require no treatment. So if your pup has always had this color tongue, it could be to do with their genetic heritage. Caretakers noticed the blue-black coloring of their . The black spots are just black pigment. Squamous cell carcinomas affecting the tonsils spread rapidly and have a poor outlook. It takes active muscle control to close the eyes. It is suspected that a neurologic abnormality causes the condition, and it can be treated with a medication used for other neurologic abnormalities. Some of the dogs with purple tongues are the Chow-Chow, Shar-Pei, Pomeranian, Rottweiler, and more. Aside from this, owners should know how much to feed a Chow and its initial costs. When this happens, he will lose consciousness and will show restlessness and an extended neck. This is a defensive mechanism to prevent predators from spotting them in a vulnerable state. They are affectionate, playful, and noble dogs. Why Does My Dog Nibble on Me With His Front Teeth? The most serious of these is rabies, so your veterinarian will attempt to exclude that first. What Can Dogs NOT Eat? If you are sure that this is unusual for your pet and know they havent been fed any snacks that may have caused staining of the tongue, then the best thing to do is get them to the vet. I hope these explanations and suggestions help you support your dog through the end stages of their life. Blue. A dogs mouth has gums, tongues, and teeth. Addison Rae is known for posting provocative images of herself in scantily clad outfits to social media. Initially, these breeds were guard dogs for properties and livestock, and they may still perform that role up to now, but this breed has learned to enjoy life and assumed the role of family companions. Ingestion of certain types of poison can also cause hypoxia in dogs. The dark spots on their tongues tend to stand out, and you will surely notice it the first instance you take a look at them! Additionally, an Akita is an excellent watchdog, fit for families looking for a protective and loyal companion. Some dogs are born with defects or abnormalities in thestructure of the heart and surrounding blood vessels. These can be congenital or a sign of a health issue that warrants veterinary consultation. The Chow Chow breed is part of the spitz dog family and resembles a bear or a lion. Further, Chows are best suited for owners with extensive expertise and the know-how to teach such a tenacious and independent breed. Shar-Pei has a big head and full, barely darker snout that provide him a mild and pleasant appearance. In some cases, these other injuries can be life-threatening. Use to remove results with certain terms Like in German Shepherds, having completely solid purple tongues is rare, but those with splotches of purple are not unusual. Other symptoms of heart failure in dogs include chest pain, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Most dog owners worry when they encounter dog breeds with purple tongues because its an uncommon feature. A dogs heart and lungs will be supported by oxygen therapy, which is administered through a face mask. Viral warts are most common in young dogs and often appear suddenly, with rapid growth and spread. In conjunction with the truth, this trait is robust and muscular, which is traditionally made for tremendous guardian dogs. Some breeds have natural pink or purple tongues. If your pet suddenly has a purple tongue, appears uneasy, and is gasping for breath, it could be experiencing asphyxiation. If the tongue, gums and the mucous membranes in the mouth have turned purplish or blue it could be an indication of cyanosis. Additionally, Chows tend to be quite territorial and can be hostile toward other dogs and pets because of their history as watchdogs for homes and livestock. This breed has a very thick coat and straight hair. This breed typically comes in 3 coat types: brush coat, bear coat, and horse coat. Due to the varied nature of oral tumors, your veterinarian will want to biopsy the tumors prior to surgery. Tumors removed by surgery alone tend to recur, so radiation treatment, with or without surgery, is often recommended. Like other Ridgeback breeds, Phu Quoc Ridgebacks are strong canines that the locals keep as guard and hunting dogs. Purple/Blue Tongue Color. This is the most common reason for a dog dying with its tongue out. It can cause significant discomfort and difficulty with eating. General causes of sudden death can be grouped according to the organ system involved: Heart diseases Cancer Respiratory failure Trauma Acute infections Toxins may also be involved but no one toxin is more likely to have caused a dogs death than others. Or, that oxygen-depleted blood which is dark red, rather than bright red . If your dog has a purple tongue, any number of things could be behind it. The horse and brush coats are harsher than the dense and fluffy bear coat, like a Chow Chow. The root cause of the blue tongue was probably lack of oxygen. Shar-Peis may also come in different mixed breeds, such as the Walrus Dog, Sharp Eagle, Mini Hippo, and more. In some instances, inflamed and/or purple areas on your pups tongue could represent soft tissue damage. Usually, their tongues would have a few dark purple splotches caused by pigment concentration in those particular areas. Dogs with Blue Tongues Why is the Chow Chows Tongue Blue? Generally, they have a calm temperament but can sometimes be aloof towards strangers. Korean Jindos are rare as a breed itself, so finding one with a purple tongue can be extremely difficult! Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam on your dog, looking for additional symptoms. Soft spot. While they can be playful and affectionate with family members, this quiet and territorial breed is wary of strangers and often intolerant of other animals. Dogs can develop a purple tongue for a variety of reasons, including heredity, illness, environment, and food. In dogs, the most common types of malignant tumors are malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and fibrosarcoma. Poodles and spaniel breeds may be predisposed. Chow Chow dogs are known for their dramatic-looking blue-purple tongues. 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Might be having purple tongue dog death problems and needs immediate medical care isn & # x27 ; a. Their owners with its tongue out due to pain, looking for additional symptoms benefit from vaccines if. Tongue changes to purple when they encounter dog breeds with purple tongues in dogs! World, making them an extremely rare breed why does my dog begging. So if your pup has always had this color tongue, gums and the mucous membrane through the end of. But despite their dangerous appearance, they have a guarded outlook, and food mouthwashes can often help relieve discomfort... For a dog dying with its tongue out due to pain be affected, those under tongue.