Why Is My Dog’s Tongue Blue: 7 Causes & What To Do

Last Updated on April 19, 2023 by The Puppy Mag

As a dog owner, you may have noticed that your dog’s tongue is blue and are wondering what this means.

A blue tongue in dogs is not a common sight, and as such, it is natural to be worried about your furry friend.

While it can indicate an underlying health issue, in some situations it may be completely normal depending upon the breed you have. I’ll explain everything below!

In this article, we will explore the reasons why your dog may have a blue tongue, whether or not it is serious, and when to seek veterinary care.

What Color is Your Dog’s Tongue Supposed to Be?

Most dogs have pink tongues, which is considered normal.

However, some dog breeds have different colored tongues, such as black, blue, or spotted tongues.

For instance, the Chow Chow and the Shar Pei breeds have blue-black tongues, while the Australian Cattle Dog and the Dalmatian have spotted tongues.

It is essential to note that these breeds have had these traits for thousands of years, and their unique tongue color is considered normal.

Dog tongue colors and what they mean:

Pink:

A healthy dog’s tongue is typically pink. However, some breeds, such as the Chow Chow and Shar Pei, may have a blue-black tongue, which is normal.

Blue:

A blue tongue in dogs can be a sign of cyanosis, a condition that causes a lack of oxygen in the blood, which can turn the tissues blue. Cyanosis can be caused by various underlying health conditions such as respiratory or cardiovascular problems, ingestion of toxic substances, hypoxemia, or medications.

Black:

A black tongue in dogs can be a normal trait in some breeds, such as the Chow Chow and Shar Pei. However, a black tongue can also be a sign of oral melanoma, a type of cancer that can occur in dogs.

Red:

A red tongue in dogs can be a sign of inflammation, infection, or injury. It can also be a sign of heatstroke or heat exhaustion.

White:

A white tongue in dogs can be a sign of oral thrush, a fungal infection that can occur in the mouth.

Yellow:

A yellow tongue in dogs can be a sign of liver disease or jaundice, which is caused by an excess of bilirubin in the blood.

Purple:

A purple tongue in dogs can be a sign of heatstroke, shock, or cardiovascular problems.

Dog Breeds with Different Colored Tongues or Spotted Tongues

Here are some dog breeds with different colored tongues or spotted tongues:

1. Chow Chow: This breed is well-known for its blue-black tongue and lips, which is a genetic trait. Interestingly, puppies are born with pink tongues, and their tongue color changes to blue-black as they age.
2. Shar Pei: Just like the Chow Chow, the Shar Pei also has a blue-black tongue and lips, which is a genetic trait.
3. Australian Cattle Dog: This breed has a unique tongue with dark spots on a pink base. Their spotted tongue is a genetic trait that is considered normal.
4. Dalmatian: This breed is famous for its spotted coat, and they also have a spotted tongue. The spots on their tongue can be black, blue, or brown.

7 Reasons Why Dog’s Get a Blue Tongue

Let’s run through the main several causes of a blue tongue in dogs. I’ll explain each below.

1. Cyanosis

If your dog does not belong to any of the breeds mentioned above, and its tongue suddenly turns blue, it could be a sign of cyanosis.

Cyanosis is a condition where there is a lack of oxygen in the blood, which causes the tissues to turn blue.

Cyanosis can be caused by various underlying health conditions that affect your dog’s ability to breathe or circulate blood effectively.

What Are the Causes of Cyanosis?

Cyanosis can be caused by various underlying health conditions, including:

1. Respiratory problems: Any condition that affects your dog’s ability to breathe, such as pneumonia, asthma, or lung cancer, can cause cyanosis.
2. Cardiovascular problems: Heart conditions such as heart failure, congenital heart disease, and pulmonary embolism can cause cyanosis.
3. Hypoxemia: Hypoxemia is a condition where there is a low oxygen level in the blood. This can be caused by altitude sickness, anemia, or carbon monoxide poisoning.

When to be Concerned About Cyanosis?

Cyanosis is a sign of an underlying health condition and should be taken seriously. If you notice that your dog’s tongue is turning blue, you should seek veterinary care immediately.

Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam, run diagnostic tests, and recommend appropriate treatment based on the underlying cause of the cyanosis.

2. Respiratory problems

Any condition that affects your dog’s ability to breathe can cause cyanosis, leading to a blue tongue. Respiratory problems can include pneumonia, asthma, or lung cancer.

3. Cardiovascular problems

Heart conditions such as heart failure, congenital heart disease, and pulmonary embolism can cause cyanosis, which can also turn the tongue blue.

4. Hypoxemia

Hypoxemia is a condition where there is a low oxygen level in the blood. This can be caused by altitude sickness, anemia, or carbon monoxide poisoning, and can also result in a blue tongue.

5. Medications

Some medications can cause cyanosis as a side effect, leading to a blue tongue. It is essential to inform your veterinarian of any medications your dog is taking.

6. Cold temperatures

Cold temperatures can cause vasoconstriction, where the blood vessels in the tongue narrow, causing a blue appearance. This is not typically serious and can resolve when the dog warms up.

7. Ingestion of toxic substances

Ingestion of toxic substances such as rat poison or metaldehyde (found in some snail and slug baits) can cause cyanosis, leading to a blue tongue.

Do You Need to Be Concerned About Your Dog’s Blue Tongue?

If your dog’s tongue is naturally blue, such as in the breeds mentioned above, then there is no cause for concern.

However, if your dog’s tongue suddenly turns blue, it could be a sign of cyanosis, and you should seek veterinary care immediately.

It is always best to play it safe and get a professional opinion.

Can a Blue Tongue Be Related to Cancer on a Dog’s Tongue?

Thought much rarer, it is possible for a blue tongue to be related to cancer on a dog’s tongue. Oral melanoma is a type of cancer that can occur in dogs and can cause the tongue to appear blue or black.

However, it is important to note that most cases of blue or black tongues in dogs are related to cancer.

Oral melanoma is a highly malignant cancer that can metastasize to other parts of the body, making early detection and treatment essential.

In addition to a blue or black tongue, other symptoms of oral melanoma may include bad breath, difficulty eating or swallowing, drooling, and bleeding from the mouth.

When to See a Veterinarian

If you notice that your dog’s tongue is turning blue, it is essential to seek veterinary care immediately.

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, run diagnostic tests such as blood work, x-rays, or ultrasound, and recommend appropriate treatment based on the underlying cause of the cyanosis.

Last thoughts

In conclusion, a blue tongue in dogs can be normal or a sign of an underlying health condition.

Some breeds have naturally blue or spotted tongues, while others may develop blue tongues due to cyanosis.

Cyanosis is a sign of an underlying health condition and should be taken seriously. If you notice that your dog’s tongue is turning blue, seek veterinary care immediately.

Remember to monitor your dog’s overall health and take note of any changes in behavior or physical appearance to catch potential health issues early.

Hills Pet: Blue tongue, cyanosis and more: Extra resource

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