Tongue abnormalities in dogs can arise from a variety of causes. Common causes of tongue abnormalities in dogs include:
1. Trauma or Injury:
Cuts and Lacerations: Dogs can cut or lacerate their tongue by chewing on sharp objects, getting into fights, or playing rough. These injuries can lead to bleeding and pain.
Burns/Electrical burns: Dogs may burn their tongues by consuming hot food or liquids, which can cause swelling and discomfort. Dogs may obtain serious electrical burns on their tongue by chewing on electrical cords or outlets.
Foreign Bodies: Objects (such as sticks, stones, toys, bones, needles, etc.) stuck in the mouth or on the tongue can cause irritation, pain, and potential infection.
2. Infections:
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can affect the tongue and surrounding tissues, leading to redness, ulcerations, and other lesions.
3. Tumors:
Both benign and malignant tumors can develop on the tongue, causing swelling, pain, difficulty eating and swallowing, and foul breath odor.
4. Congenital Conditions:
Some dogs may be born with abnormalities of the tongue, such as a too-large tongue, too-small tongue, or incomplete/abnormal formation of tongue tissues. These changes can affect eating and drinking, especially in nursing puppies.
5. Systemic Diseases:
Chronic kidney disease, diabetes, respiratory disorders, liver failure, hyperparathyroidism, and other diseases can cause lesions to appear on the tongue or the tongue to change color.
What are the signs and symptoms to watch for?
Dogs with tongue injury or illness may exhibit symptoms such as:
- Difficulty eating or drinking
- Excessive drooling
- Bad breath
- Swelling or discoloration of the tongue
- Visible lesions or growths on the tongue
- Pain or sensitivity when the mouth is touched
- Changes in behavior, such as reluctance to play or interact
Consult a Dog Dentist in Houston
If you notice any symptoms related to your dog’s tongue or oral health, give us a call today to schedule an oral exam!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (1/24/2025). Photo by James Barker on Unsplash