Question About Maia

[kshort49]

Hi everyone-Every so often some of you will mention that you could tell if your pup is anemic by the color of their gums, which I used to be able to do on my last pup, Sam. Although Maia, now 2 is also a lab mix, her gums are brown-black-always have been. I don't know what she is mixed with besides black lab, but I'm assuming that their are other dogs that have dark gums, and that is where she got it-she's supposed to be mixed with german shepherd, but I don't know. Anyway, if I needed to, how would I be able to tell if she were anemic, or would I have to wait for a vet to do blood work. I just started thinking about this while I was cleaning her teeth-shows what happens when you lose your job-the brain starts thinking about dogs gums. Pretty sad, huh? Anyway, thanks for you input-I have learned so much from all of you and really feel that I am a much better mom to my pup because of it. Thanks! Kathy

[Dauxside]

Check inside of ears too, anemia will drain the color there as well as gums.

[Maliraptor]

Yep- ears work ok.

Although you can also usually find SOME spot on the gums that is pink- and check there.

[golden&hovawart]

Check the inside of the eyes,it will also show you how she is!.They should be pink,if,they are not,take her to the vet!.L

[kshort49]

Thanks for your answers-I never knew about the ears. I guess the eyes can show anemia just like in humans. I'm always learning so much here-thanks again! Kathy

[mara]

I remember when my Boxer Emily was anaemic her tongue went quite white.

[Dobified]

Originally Posted by Dauxside

Check inside of ears too, anemia will drain the color there as well as gums.

Good tip. Thank you.

[Dauxside]

Originally Posted by Dobified

Good tip. Thank you.

TA - one thing I love about this forum is one can learn so much ... can't tell you the oodles I've picked up. It's one of the things that keeps me coming back - the wonderful people is top reason.

Almost any mucus or thin skinned area will show anemia; gums, tongue, nose on pale nosed animals, eye rims, rectum and ears. If any are pale loss of blood or anemia should be suspected, as well as parasite infestation.

(Also a sign of shock but that's another thread.)