[bullygirl807]

I have 2-3 dogs on my yard that are very touchy and their gums get pale every now and again. I've had them all tested for worms, etc. and I also stay up on heartworm prevention as well as worming but can never figure out why that happens. They all maintain their normal attitude and spunky selves, it just puzzles me why this happens. We keep the yard bleached once every 2 weeks. Does this happen to anyone else? Either way, does anyone have any feedback or helpful info to pass on? I just end up giving them a good raw diet and they end up back to normal in no time. Any ideas would be most helpful. Thanks.

[PitRottMommy]

Pale gums are relative to what is normal for that animal. And by pale do you mean pale pink? white? cyanotic? Everyone's description is different.

Have you had any bloodwork done while your pups are sick? I'd be curious about anemia. Any chance your kids could have hookworms? What kind of HWP are you using? (You said they were UTD on HWP and you also deworm--HWP also deworms against some intestinal parasites).


Sami

[bullygirl807]

Yes, I do have them all up to date. I use safeguard/panacur for regular worming along with ivermectin once a month. To be honest with you. I never thought about hookworm, however they are given are given hookworm tablets once a month and if my memory serves me correctly they're made by Happy Jack.

[Miakoda]

I agree with PitRottMommy. There is a true "pale" in terms of gum color & then there are several different versions offered by several different owners.

If you are deworming regularly with Panacur, you should be safe from hooks, rounds, & whips. However, keep an eye out for tapeworms (look for segments around the anus that resemble tiny pieces of rice or even moving, flat sections). If you are truly concerned, have your vet do a fecal check.

But again, that particular gum color/shade may just be relative to that particular dog.

[bullygirl807]

Thanks for the info, I will consult with my vet and see what he says.