Introduction
If you’ve ever noticed your dog’s tongue is purple, you’re probably wondering why. In this blog post, we’ll explore some potential causes of a purple tongue in dogs and when you should see a vet.
While a purple tongue in dogs is usually nothing to worry about, there are some instances where it could be indicative of a more serious health condition.
If your dog’s tongue turns purple suddenly or persists for more than a few days, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian.
Keep reading to learn more about why your dog’s tongue may be purple and what you can do about it!
Potential Causes of a Purple Tongue in Dogs
Congenital Conditions
One potential cause of a purple tongue in dogs is a congenital condition. This means that the dog was born with the condition and it is not something that developed later in life.
Methemoglobinemia:
- One congenital condition that can cause a purple tongue is called methemoglobinemia. This condition occurs when there is an abnormal amount of methemoglobin in the blood.
Methemoglobin is a type of hemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. When there is an abnormal amount of methemoglobin, it can cause oxygen to be poorly distributed throughout the body, resulting in a purplish tint to the tongue.
Cyanosis
- Another congenital condition that can cause a purple tongue is called cyanosis. Cyanosis occurs when there is insufficient oxygenation of the blood.
This can be due to a number of different factors, such as heart defects or lung disease. When cyanosis occurs, it can cause the tongue to turn blue or purple from lack of oxygenated blood.
Gastro Intestinal Torsion
Another potential cause of a purple tongue in dogs is gastro intestinal torsion (GIT). GIT is a serious condition that occurs when the stomach twists on itself, cutting off its own blood supply.
GIT typically occurs after a meal and can cause vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain. If not treated immediately, GIT can be fatal. One symptom of GIT is a darkening of the tongue, which may appear purplish in color due to lack of oxygenated blood flow to the area.
Infection
Infections are another potential cause of a purple tongue in dogs. There are many different types of infections that can affect dogs, including viral, bacterial, and fungal infections.
Some infections will only affect one specific area of the body, while others will spread throughout the body and affect multiple organs systems.
Many infections will cause fever, lethargy, and poor appetite as well as other symptoms depending on which organ systems are affected by the infection. A purple tongue can be a sign of an infection, particularly if it is accompanied by other symptoms.
A Symptom of Low Blood Sugar
A purple tongue can also be a symptom of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia occurs when the level of sugar in the blood drops below normal.
This can be caused by many different things, such as not eating enough food or not getting enough carbohydrates in the diet. Low blood sugar can cause a number of different symptoms, including weakness, dizziness, tremors, and seizures.
A purple tongue may be seen in dogs with low blood sugar as a result of poor oxygenation of the blood.
An Indicator of Cancer
Cancer is another potential cause of a purple tongue in dogs. Cancer can affect any area of the body and may spread to other organs if left untreated.
Many types of cancer will cause weight loss, lethargy, and poor appetite as well as other symptoms depending on which organ systems are affected by the cancer.
A purple tongue may be seen in dogs with cancer as a result of lack of oxygenated blood flow to the area or from metastasis to the tongue.
Liver disease
Another possible cause of a purple tongue is liver disease. Liver disease can cause a build-up of toxins in the blood, which can make the tongue turn purple. If you suspect that your dog may have liver disease, take him to the vet for testing.
Anemia
A third possibility Is anemia, which is a lack of red blood cells. Anemia can be caused by many different things, including blood loss, bone marrow problems, or even certain types of cancer.
If you think your dog may be anemic, take him to the vet for testing.
When to see a vet
1.If the Purple Tongue is Accompanied by Other Symptoms
If your dog’s tongue turns purple and they are also displaying other strange symptoms, it is always best to seek professional medical help right away. Some other potential indicators that something may be wrong include:
-Excessive drooling or drooling that is tinged with blood
-Lethargy or weakness
-Difficulty breathing
-Collapse
These are all signs that your dog is in distress and needs to see a vet as soon as possible in order to rule out any serious underlying health conditions.
2. If the Tongue Turns Purple Suddenly
Sudden onset of purple discoloration of the tongue can also be a cause for concern and warrants a trip to the vet. This could be indicative of an acute condition such as poisoning, which can lead to oxygen deprivation and tissue damage.
If you notice your dog’s tongue turning purple suddenly, do not delay in seeking professional medical care.
3. If the Purple Tongue Persists for more Than a Few Days
In some cases, a dog’s tongue may turn purple and then return to its normal color after a short period of time.
However, if the discoloration persists for more than a few days, this could be indicative of a chronic condition such as liver disease or diabetes.
These conditions require long-term management and treatment, so it is important to consult with a veterinarian if you notice your dog’s tongue remaining purple for an extended period of time.
What to do If my Dog’s Tongue is Turning Purple?
If you notice that your dog’s tongue is turning purple, the first thing you should do is take them to see a vet. While purple tongues can sometimes be benign, they can also indicate a serious health problem.
If your dog is showing other symptoms along with the purple tongue (e.g., lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.), this is even more reason to seek professional help right away.
There are a few different things that could potentially cause your dog’s tongue to turn purple:
- These include congenital conditions, infections, low blood sugar levels, and certain types of cancer. In some cases, the purple tongue may be accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, weakness, and collapse.
If this is the case, it is an emergency and you should bring your dog to the vet immediately.
- If your dog’s tongue turns purple suddenly and without any other obvious symptoms, this could be indicative of a condition called hypoxia.
Hypoxia occurs when there is not enough oxygen in the body tissues and organs. This can be caused by a variety of things including heart disease, lung disease, or anemia.
If you suspect that your dog is suffering from hypoxia, you should bring them to the vet right away as it is a potentially life-threatening condition.
- In some cases, a purple tongue may simply be due to a temporary increase in blood flow to the area (vasodilation). This can happen when dogs are excited or panting heavily.
- If the purple tongue does not go away after a few minutes and your dog seems otherwise normal, there is no cause for concern.
However, if the purple tongue persists for more than a few days or if your dog shows any other unusual symptoms, it is best to have them checked out by a vet just to be safe.
FAQs
Q: Is it bad if my dog’s tongue is purple?
A: While a purple tongue in dogs can be caused by a number of things, most of which are benign, it can also be indicative of more serious health conditions.
If your dog’s tongue turns purple and is accompanied by other symptoms, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing, it is important to see a vet right away.
Q: What does a dog’s tongue color mean?
A: A dog’s tongue color can indicate several things about their health. For example, a pale tongue can indicate anemia, while a blue tongue can indicate low oxygen levels.
If your dog’s tongue turns purple, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause.
Q: Why is my dog’s mouth turning purple?
A: A purple mouth in dogs can be caused by several things, including congenital conditions, infections, and low blood sugar. If your dog’s mouth turns purple and they are displaying other symptoms, such as lethargy or loss of appetite, it is important to see a vet right away.
Q: What causes low oxygen levels in dogs?
A: Low oxygen levels in dogs can be caused by several things, including heart disease and respiratory problems. If your dog has low oxygen levels, it is important to see a vet right away so that they can receive treatment.
Q: How can I help my dog with anemia?
A: Anemia in dogs can be helped by giving them iron supplements and feeding them foods that are high in iron content.
If your dog has anemia, it is important to see a vet so that they can determine the cause and recommend the best course of treatment.
Conclusion
A purple tongue in dogs can be caused by a number of conditions, some of which are serious. If your dog’s tongue turns purple, it is important to see a vet as soon as possible.
In most cases, a purple tongue is nothing to worry about and will resolve itself on its own.
However, if the purple tongue is accompanied by other symptoms or persists for more than a few days, it could be indicative of a more serious condition and professional medical help should be sought.
