Pale gums

Are Pale Gums an Emergency?

Let’s cut to the chase. If you’re reading this because your dog’s gums are pale, yes, it is an emergency. Now, yes, different breeds have differently colored gums. My dogs’ gums are very dark, mostly black. Other breeds have gums that are straight pink. Become familiar with what your dog’s normal gum color is. Pale gums are gums that are…

by Jana Rade

Pale Gums Are An Emergency: Bailey’s Story

Pale, gray or white mucous membranes can be a sign of anemia, shock, blood loss or, severe dehydration, and more. In other words, if your dog’s gums are pale, they are in big trouble and could die. Pale gums are always an emergency and your dog needs medical help immediately. Thank you, Dr. Krista, for sharing Bailey’s story. Bailey’s story…

by Jana Rade

Jana Rade

I am a graphic designer by day, dog health advocate, dog writer, member of the Dog Writers Association of America, and an award-winning author in my spare time. Jasmine, the Rottweiler of my life, was the largest female from her litter. We thought we were getting a healthy dog. Getting a puppy from a backyard breeder was our first mistake. Endless veterinary visits without a diagnosis or useful treatment later, I realized that I had to take Jasmine's health care into my own hands. I learned the hard way that simply seeing a vet is not always enough. There is more to finding a good vet than finding the closest clinic down the street. And, sadly, there is more to advocating for your dog's health than visiting a veterinarian. It should be enough, but it often is not. With Jasmine, it took five years to finally get a diagnosis for her initial issue. Unfortunately, other problems had snowballed for that in the meantime. Jasmine's health challenges became a crash course in understanding dog health issues and how to go about getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. I had to learn, and I had to learn fast. Helping others through my challenges and experience has become my mission and Jasmine's legacy. I now try to help people recognize and understand signs of illness in their dogs, how to work with their veterinarian, and when to seek a second opinion. My goal is to use 20 years of hard-earned experience to save others from the steep curve of having to learn things the hard way, as I did.

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