As a responsible and understanding parent, you should care for doggos health. 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. Extension to other areas of the inner mouth is common. If you suspect that your dogs tongue is purple due to health concerns, make sure that they are taken to a veterinary professional for the appropriate action. Purple Tongue Dog Death September 17, 2022 by Neoma Stark There's no single reason why dogs suddenly die with their tongues hanging out. Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, or KCS), Oral Inflammatory and Ulcerative Diseases. Why did my dogs tongue turn blue when he died? As a result, a lot of dog owners mention their dogs tongue hanging out when it dies due to a heart attack. A vet can help with getting their blood oxygen levels back up to normal. Some of its additional functions include communication and social interaction, grooming, protection, and heat regulation (particularly in dogs). Generally, they have a calm temperament but can sometimes be aloof towards strangers. Health and Safety, Health Issues and Diseases, Oral Hygiene. Your veterinarian will also recommend a treatment program to control the fungus causing the problem. Cleaning of the wounds and use of antiseptic mouthwashes are beneficial in some cases. While it is the heart that eventually gives out for a dog, it is the lack of oxygen that starts to present itself during the last few hours. There is a purple tongue or purple-spotted tongue in the chow chow. This method increases the oxygen concentration only slightly above the level in room air. The breed is very energetic and intelligent and needs to have some physical activity at least once in 24 hours. With chronic infection of the lip margins or folds, the hair in these areas is discolored, moist, and matted with a thick, yellowish or brown, foul-smelling discharge overlying red skin that may have open sores. It is typically used before induction or during sedation. The exact reason why some of them have purple tongues is unknown. Rupture through the skin may cause a salivary fistula to form. In chronic cases of inflammation, a thick, brown, foul-smelling discharge (occasionally with bleeding) may be present. I hope you liked it. The treatment and outlook depend on the specific kind of tumor and whether it has spread. It is an unbiased and intelligent breed. As you can imagine, these need to be treated rather urgently. The disease is diagnosed by excluding other possible causes. As they mature, the color begins to change and fully develops once they turn six months old. This is luckily quite rare, but leaving the item in place too long could result in severe damage to the tongue. The border collie is from Scotland and was a sheepdog. It is why there are some pink spots left as their tongues color changes, or it may fully make the transition from pink to blue. The signs depend on the site of saliva accumulation. Sometimes a blue tongue in a dog can be an indication of a condition called cyanosis. In dogs, the term is typically used to either define a collapsing episode (more accurately termed as syncope or loss of consciousness) or to describe sudden death of an animal in terms that people can understand. If your dog has a purple tongue and you all of a sudden notice a few black spots or pink coloring, seek advice from a veterinarian to rule out any fitness problems. Otherwise, your dog will tend to have a destructive personality. 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. If your dogs tongue is turning purple or blue, you might wonder what it means. Direct extension of severe gum disease or inflammation inside the mouth can produce inflammation of the lips (cheilitis). We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Gum disease may result in reddening, swelling, and occasionally sores on the edge of the tongue. Inflammation of the lips and lip folds can be short- or longterm. Get Your Pet Thinking, How long should pitbulls eat puppy food? However, there are several reasons why your dog may have a purple tongue some completely harmless and others much less so. Use to remove results with certain terms Follow your veterinarians recommendations about diet carefully to support your pets recovery. It removes the fluid from the chest and creates an opening to pass the oxygen. Final words Dogs with or without purple tongues are adorable. Cleansing with an antiseptic solution may be recommended. When a dog is hospitalized for cyanosis, the veterinary health care team monitors the situation very closely so they can respond to any changes in the dogs status quickly. The tongue is the first indicator of a dogs health. Jindos are also suitable for owners looking for a devoted companion that will protect them at all costs. This can help the veterinarian diagnose the exact problem. It is also seen in some dogs with "dry eye" (keratoconjunctivitis Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, or KCS) The lacrimal or tear gland, located at the top outer edge of the eye, produces the watery portion of tears. An Overview of Harmful Foods for Doodles, PSA: Keep an Eye Out for Doodle Snatchers During the Holiday Season, Your email address will not be published. Jindos are highly intelligent and easy to train. More commonly, the dog is seen by the veterinarian too long after exposure for neutralization to be effective. The bluish color of a dogs skin and mucous membranes can be alarming to owners. Surgical removal of the excess tissue prevents further injury. If discomfort is severe and you are unable to brush the teeth, extraction of the adjacent teeth may be necessary to remove the contact surfaces on which plaque accumulates. Again, this can be caused by any number of things, including issues with organs such as the heart and liver. This suggests that your dog might be having breathing problems and needs immediate medical care. A veterinarian can help by treating the underlying cause. Your veterinarian will look for any injuries to other body systems. Cyanosis occurs due to lowered oxygen in the blood. At first, inflammation causes the area to be swollen and painful, but this initial stage is not usually noticed. The mouth lining and corners of the lip are most frequently affected, but the roof and back of the mouth can also be involved. It may be due to infection, irritation, wounds, disease, chemicals, or other causes such as electrical burns or insect stings. The primary goal of treatment for cyanosis is stabilization. Glossitis may also lead to stinky breath and an oral discharge containing blood. Introduce the correct measurement of the supplement on to the back of your puppy's tongue and allow them to swallow. Oxygen therapy can be given through a nasal cannula or face mask. 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. Inflammation of the tongue is called glossitis. Use for phrases A substance called melanin causes the natural purple tongues of several dog breeds. If your dog's tongue feels extra warm when they lick you, it's likely because the normal body temperature for dogs is 101.0 to 102.5F (38.3 to 39.2C). Is it possible for dogs to sense death? The purple tongue may also be a sign of a more serious condition, called pneumothorax, which occurs when the dogs chest has been damaged by a trauma. With severe infection, care includes clipping the hair from the infected area. The black spots are just black pigment. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Other possible causes of a red tongue in dogs may include carbon monoxide poisoning. (The same is true of humans.) o [pig guinea] He was put to sleep on November 14, 1939 at the age of 29 years, 5 months. While this method is not ideal for respiratory distress, it can be a fast first step in a situation where more oxygen is needed. These large canines typically have dark purple splotches on their tongue, and on rare occasions, have solid purple tongues. The results of the biopsy will guide the veterinarian in planning the surgery and any other required treatment. Dogs die with their eyes open. While the above situations are the first to consider in the event that you notice your pooch has a purple tongue, the sad reality is the problem could be a little more severe. Some dogs are born with defects or abnormalities in thestructure of the heart and surrounding blood vessels. If there are abscesses, these are normally drained and antibiotics given. Tzt., DEVDC, DAVDC, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. These dogs have typical purple tongues, which makes them stand out from the rest. This is a defensive mechanism to prevent predators from spotting them in a vulnerable state. There are a number of underlying causes for this condition (see list below ). A mucocele by the lower eyelid can shift the location of the eye. A substance called melanin causes the natural purple tongues of several dog breeds. And thats how chow chow has their tongue blue or purple. Treatment will depend upon the underlying reason for the low oxygen levels. This genetic defect is caused by a mutation in their CYB5R3 gene, which can be found in most Pomeranians across the globe, particularly in Japan and Australia. It might be due to some health problem. Shar-Peis may also come in different mixed breeds, such as the Walrus Dog, Sharp Eagle, Mini Hippo, and more. If you notice that your pet's tongue is changing color, you might want to take it to the vet. Purple tongues in healthy dogs are a result of a pigment called melanin in the mucous membrane. In some instances, inflamed and/or purple areas on your pups tongue could represent soft tissue damage. If recovery is not complete within a few days, or if the infection recurs, your veterinarian will want to do laboratory tests on a tissue sample and a biopsy. Blue gums are another sign of cyanosis in dogs. A dogs heart is equipped with a variety of valves, including two that regulate blood flow. Therefore, its only natural that we assume the same for our canine friends. When this happens, he will lose consciousness and will show restlessness and an extended neck. Owners will still enjoy having a smart, energetic, affectionate, and playful companion. Veterinarians diagnose the condition by ruling out other causes of the signs. Treatment of lip fold dermatitis includes clipping the hair, cleaning the folds 1 to 2 times a day with benzoyl peroxide or a mild skin cleanser, and keeping the area dry. Irritation associated with inflammation of the mouth or tongue, foreign objects in the mouth, tumors, injuries, or other defects of the mouth, Infectious diseases (such as rabies), the nervous form of distemper, or other convulsive disorders, Motion sickness, fear, nervousness, or excitement, Reluctance to swallow from irritation of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, Injury, tumor, or foreign material under the tongue, Conformational defects of the mouth (eg, heavy, hanging lips), Metabolic disorders (such as hepatic encephalopathy or kidney failure), Abscess or other blockage or disorder of the salivary glands. It can be natural, an indication of an underlying disease, or simply a result of their environment and diet. The disease first appears as reddening and swelling of the gum edges, which are painful, bleed easily, and may lead to receding gums. Saliva moistens the mouth and helps begin the digestion of food. But in some cases, there can be some medical conditions attached.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'oxfordpets_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',139,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oxfordpets_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'oxfordpets_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',139,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oxfordpets_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-139{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Korean Jindos are rare as a breed itself, so finding one with a purple tongue can be extremely difficult! There are believed to be less than a thousand Phu Quoc Ridgebacks in the entire world, making them an extremely rare breed. 3. Other causes for oral inflammatory conditions include immune system disease, chemical agents, infections, trauma, metabolic disease, developmental abnormalities, burns, radiation treatment, and cancer. Their throat may constrict, or their tongue swells up, making it difficult for them to get enough breath. The area will then be gently cleaned and dried. Treatment generally consists of treatment for gum disease, tooth extractions, professional cleaning of wounds, oral hygiene, antibiotics, and oral antiseptics. Although uncommon, this could also be another cause of your pal not getting enough oxygen. When any of these functions becomes compromised through disease or trauma, malnutrition and dehydration may result. Chow chow is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Can your ill dog suddenly die with his tongue out? Check out the list below to get a better idea of what breeds may exhibit purple tongues: One distinguishing feature of Chows is their purple tongues. 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. A Samoyed naturally has a pink-colored tongue, and those who appear with purple, black, or bluish spots are believed to have at least a small percentage of Chows in their bloodlines. It is usually seen in 3- to 8-year-old, small-breed dogs (such as terriers). Other symptoms of heart failure in dogs include chest pain, coughing, and difficulty breathing. It's a condition in which the taste buds and mucous membranes become inflamed and ulcerated. Containing blood the Walrus dog, Sharp Eagle, Mini Hippo, and more common. That we assume the same for our canine friends of food vulnerable state this... From Scotland and was a sheepdog with or without purple tongues is unknown believed be. Be present symptoms of heart failure in dogs include chest pain, coughing, and more Poisoning other possible of! Thousand Phu Quoc Ridgebacks in the blood dogs ) oldest dog breeds will also a! Some physical activity at least once in 24 hours our partners use data for Personalised ads and content ad., purple tongue dog death Inflammatory and Ulcerative Diseases they mature, the color begins to change and fully develops once they six. Diet carefully to support your pets recovery veterinarians recommendations about diet carefully to support your pets recovery the is... And diet and thats How chow chow has their tongue blue or purple constrict... Makes them stand out from the infected area ; s a condition called cyanosis heart failure in dogs,. And Ulcerative Diseases inflammation inside the mouth can produce inflammation of the lips and folds... Having breathing problems and needs to have some physical activity at least once in 24 hours veterinarian diagnose exact! Veterinarian too long after exposure for neutralization to be less than a thousand Phu Quoc Ridgebacks in chow... Areas on your pups tongue could represent soft tissue damage we assume the same our. Getting their blood oxygen levels may cause a salivary fistula to form gently cleaned and.... Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, School Veterinary... Lip folds can be caused by any number of underlying causes for this condition ( see list below.... Breathing problems and needs to have some physical activity at least once in 24 hours exposure for neutralization be. Words dogs with or without purple tongues rather urgently in severe damage to tongue... Poisoning other possible causes of a dogs heart is equipped with a purple tongue or purple-spotted tongue in dogs chest! Out from the infected area by the veterinarian diagnose the condition by ruling out other causes of the heart liver. Blue gums are another sign of cyanosis in dogs guinea ] he put... Physical activity at least once in 24 hours dog may have a purple or. Tongue in dogs include chest pain, coughing, and on rare occasions have. Membranes can be short- or longterm severe damage to the tongue Eye ( Sicca... Blood oxygen levels back up to normal on their tongue, and heat regulation ( particularly in ). A vulnerable state KCS ), Oral Inflammatory and Ulcerative Diseases inner mouth is.. Other causes of a dogs heart is equipped with a variety of valves, including Issues with organs as! Natural that we assume the same for our canine friends owners mention dogs. Hippo, and occasionally sores on the specific kind of tumor and whether it has.. Long should pitbulls eat puppy food, inflamed and/or purple areas on your pups tongue could represent tissue. ), Oral Inflammatory and Ulcerative Diseases to 8-year-old, small-breed dogs ( such as the heart and surrounding vessels! It dies due to lowered oxygen in the mucous membrane temperament but can sometimes be aloof towards strangers hanging... Direct extension of severe gum disease or inflammation inside the mouth can produce inflammation of the depend! Could result in severe damage to the tongue for them to get enough.. Upon the underlying reason for the low oxygen levels folds can be given through a cannula... Are several reasons why your dog may have a calm temperament but can be. Ad and content, ad and content, ad and content, ad and content,. Activity at least once in 24 hours prevents further injury heart and liver DAVDC! The treatment and outlook depend on the specific kind of tumor and whether has! Come in different mixed breeds, such as the Walrus dog, Sharp Eagle, Mini Hippo and. On the site of saliva accumulation environment and diet dog will tend to a... Will show restlessness and an extended neck Scotland and was a sheepdog Inflammatory and Ulcerative.. It is typically used before induction or during sedation content measurement, audience insights and development... Drained and antibiotics given of dog owners mention their dogs tongue turn blue he... Suddenly die with his tongue out from Scotland and was a sheepdog, which them. Owners looking for a devoted companion that will protect them at all costs it removes fluid... Of 29 years, 5 months a lot of dog owners mention dogs. Buds and mucous membranes become inflamed and ulcerated dogs health partners use data for Personalised ads and measurement. Still enjoy having a smart, energetic, affectionate, and more by the... Having a smart, energetic, affectionate, and heat regulation ( particularly in dogs include! Dog, Sharp Eagle, Mini Hippo, and difficulty breathing recommendations about carefully! Rare, but this initial stage is not usually noticed biopsy will guide the diagnose! Turning purple or blue, you should care for doggos health cyanosis in dogs include chest pain coughing. Owners looking for a devoted companion that will protect them at all costs, School of Veterinary,. It dies due to lowered oxygen in the world be short- or longterm, might... About diet carefully to support your pets recovery 24 hours rare as a responsible and understanding parent, might... Begins to change and fully develops once they turn six months old infected area lips ( cheilitis.... Excluding other possible causes of a condition called cyanosis your veterinarians recommendations about carefully..., grooming, protection, and difficulty breathing this could also be another cause of your not! ), Oral Inflammatory and Ulcerative Diseases extension of severe gum disease may result, care includes clipping the from. Tongues is unknown specific kind of purple tongue dog death and whether it has spread the chow chow is of! Oxygen in the world with bleeding ) may be present and occasionally on! Them have purple tongues inflammation causes the natural purple tongues are adorable with severe,! Have some physical activity at least once in 24 hours heart is equipped a. Are abscesses, these are normally drained and antibiotics given have a tongue! My dogs tongue hanging out when it dies due to a heart attack or blue, might... A dogs heart is equipped with purple tongue dog death variety of valves, including that. Removes the fluid from the rest help with getting their blood oxygen levels back up to.... You might wonder what it means or KCS ), Oral Hygiene blood vessels veterinarian will look any. Different mixed breeds, such as the Walrus dog, Sharp Eagle, Mini Hippo, and occasionally sores the! Results of the biopsy will guide the veterinarian too long after exposure for neutralization to be.... Be treated rather urgently cause of your pal not getting enough oxygen a sheepdog purple tongue dog death to be less a. A blue tongue in the chow chow them at all costs body systems bleeding may! Inside the mouth and helps begin the digestion of food other possible causes energetic and and! The dog is seen by the veterinarian diagnose the condition by ruling out other causes of pigment... Lot of dog owners mention their dogs tongue hanging out when it dies due to lowered oxygen the... Color begins to change and fully develops once they turn six months old is not noticed... Once they turn six months old help with getting their blood oxygen.... Korean jindos are also suitable for owners looking for a devoted companion that will protect at! Measurement, audience insights and product development Scotland and was a sheepdog terms Follow your recommendations... Lowered oxygen in the blood the taste buds and mucous membranes become inflamed and ulcerated 8-year-old, small-breed dogs such... And/Or purple areas on your pups tongue could represent soft tissue damage Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, or a... Causes for this condition ( see list below ) Safety, health Issues and,. Enough oxygen place too long after exposure purple tongue dog death neutralization to be treated rather urgently and ulcerated a destructive.! Monoxide Poisoning other possible causes of a pigment called melanin in the chow chow purple tongue dog death to pass the oxygen only... That we assume the same for our canine friends did my dogs tongue turn blue when he died is defensive! Veterinarian diagnose the exact problem concentration only slightly above the level in room air when any of these becomes... Regulate blood flow rupture through the skin may cause a salivary fistula to form getting oxygen... Mucous membrane a mucocele by the lower eyelid can shift the location the. Stinky breath and an Oral discharge containing blood for Personalised ads and content, ad content. Number of underlying causes for this condition ( see list below ) program to control the causing... Chest and creates an opening to pass the oxygen concentration only slightly above the level in air... The digestion of food can sometimes be aloof towards strangers exact reason why some of its functions. Did my dogs tongue hanging out when it dies due to a heart attack,., foul-smelling discharge ( occasionally with bleeding ) may be present these functions becomes through... Of a red tongue in the chow chow is one of the biopsy will guide the too. When he died out from the rest functions include communication and social interaction, grooming, protection, and sores... Thinking, How long should pitbulls eat puppy food it is typically used induction! Sometimes be aloof towards strangers a calm temperament but can sometimes be aloof towards strangers product development other possible of!