It is effortless to notice and respond if your dog is not eating, bleeding externally, lethargic, or visibly sick. However, dog owners often overlook checking their pet’s mouth for any discoloration or other alterations.

When your dog’s Tongue appears white instead of its natural color, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition or disease.

If your dog has a white tongue, this guide will help you identify the possible issues and what actions you should take. Additionally, we will provide a brief overview of a dog’s natural tongue color for those who are interested.

Why Is My Dog’s Tongue White?

Several factors can cause your dog’s tongue to turn white, and while some may be less concerning than others, it is important to take prompt action in any case.

• Is dehydrated
• Has a vitamin deficiency
• Is suffering from anemia

Take Note! If your canine’s tongue is abruptly turning pale, it could be because your pup: 

• Lacks hydration
• Is deficient in vitamins
• Is anemic

• Has consumed a toxic substance
• If there is no visible external bleeding, the dog may be experiencing internal bleeding.
• Is severely anemic   
• Is experiencing septic or anaphylactic shock

If your dog’s tongue turns white suddenly, it is crucial to call your vet immediately and schedule an emergency appointment to provide them with the necessary assistance they require.

Additional explanations (including some of the aforementioned reasons in greater depth) for why your canine’s tongue appears white include:

Reason 1: Shock   

If your dog experiences shock, it may result in a white tongue due to decreased blood pressure, which can lead to insufficient breathing and even cardiac distress.

There are several reasons that could suggest shock:

• Septicemia caused by a sudden, recurring, or long-term bacterial infection such as endocarditis, pneumonia, an infected surgical wound, a bite wound, or a urinary tract infection
• Experiencing anaphylactic shock due to an allergic reaction

Illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, adrenal disease, or any other condition that impacts the lining of the gastrointestinal tract in dogs can lead to shock.

Reason 2: Anemia   

Untreated anemia in dogs can be life-threatening, and it may stem from various causes such as malnutrition, tick-borne diseases, trauma, cancer, infectious diseases, or an immune-system disorder.

A dog that is anemic exhibits the following indications:

• White tongue 
• Pale gums 
• Lethargy 
• Presence of blood in their urine, stool, and/or vomit

Reason 3: A Chronic Condition  

Conditions such as liver, cardiovascular, gastric, and respiratory diseases, as well as leukemia, which affect circulation over a prolonged period of time can lead to pale gums and a white tongue.

Another possible cause of a pale tongue and gums in dogs is immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, which is a chronic autoimmune disorder that attacks their red blood cells.

Reason 4: Infections or Injuries   

Various injuries or infections can lead to white patches on your canine’s tongue. One of these is cauliflower tongue (or oral papillomatosis), which is a wart virus. Fortunately, while it spreads quickly, it usually resolves without treatment.

White spots on your dog’s tongue can also result from burns, ulcers, or sores, which are often indicative of an underlying condition such as hypothyroidism, periodontal disease, kidney disease, immune system disorders, or cancers; furthermore, tongue sores may develop due to injury and become ulcerated when infected.

Reason 5: A White Coating   

If there’s a white coating on your dog’s tongue, the actual tongue tissue is turning pale. Candida yeast, also known as yeast stomatitis or thrush, can cause such a white covering. However, a Candida yeast infection is quite rare in dogs. If your pup has thrush, it’s an indication that their immune system is severely weakened.

What to Do If My Dog’s Tongue Is White?

If your dog’s tongue is white, the appropriate action to take depends on the underlying cause, and seeking veterinary advice and treatment is essential in all cases.

Treatment for Shock

If your dog’s tongue is white, it may be accompanied by symptoms such as a fast pulse, feeling cold and clammy, dizziness, and weakness. These symptoms become more severe as your dog’s brain lacks oxygen, so it is crucial to contact your local veterinarian right away.

Unless instructed by your veterinarian, refrain from feeding or providing water to your dog and ensure that they remain stationary.

To promote blood flow from the heart to the brain, place a folded blanket under your dog’s lower back while lying on their right side and ensure they are kept warm. It is imperative to seek veterinary attention immediately.

Treatment for Anemia 

If your canine companion is anemic, your veterinarian must make the diagnosis by taking a blood sample. If the anemia is life-threatening, after blood typing has been done, your pup will require a blood transfusion.

It is necessary to diagnose and cure the root cause of anemia, and the treatment options may include corticosteroids, antibiotics, surgery, vitamin K1, or anthelmintics.

Assuming your dog is healthy, the outlook is positive. Nevertheless, if autoimmune diseases, cancers, severe trauma, or toxins are responsible for the anemia, the prognosis is typically unfavorable.

Treatment for a Chronic Condition 

The specific treatment for your dog’s chronic illness will vary depending on the disease, but typically involves medication, surgery, dietary adjustments, or modifications to your home environment to improve your dog’s quality of life.

You could also consider dog supplements, acupuncture, physical therapy, or alternative and holistic treatments such as herbal medicine, chiropractic care, reiki, hydrotherapy, or therapeutic ultrasound therapy.

Consult with your veterinarian regarding the optimal treatment for your dog to enhance their quality of life and minimize discomfort, while also assisting them in coping with their illness in a compassionate manner and reducing the psychological burden of caring for your pet.

Treatment for an Injury or Infection  

If your canine has a lesion or disease on their tongue, it is recommended to seek veterinary care. The veterinarian may suggest administering antibiotics or topical treatment to cure the infection if present or prevent it in case of an injury. You might have to use an oral antiseptic solution to rinse your furry friend’s mouth for several days or weeks.

It is essential to diagnose and address the root cause of the infection.

Treatment for a White Coating 

It is recommended to bring your dog to a veterinarian if their tongue has a white coating, as the vet can perform a biopsy to verify the existence of Candida colonies. Additionally, yeast or Candida can be detected through a urine analysis or ear swab.

Enhancing your dog’s immunity is the key to treating thrush. The veterinarian will recommend a treatment plan to address Candida, followed by managing the root cause such as diabetes, to avoid the formation of a white layer on your dog’s tongue in the future.

What Color Should a Dog’s Tongue Be?

Typically, a dog’s tongue should be pink or black, although it may appear purple, blue, or gray under certain lighting conditions depending on the breed.

Certain canine breeds that have tongues that are not pink or black include: 

• Shar Pei 
• Rottweiler 
• Chow chow
• Korean Jindo 
• Tibetan mastiff 
• German shepherd 
• Akita 
• Border collie 
• Dalmatian 
• Airedale 
• Australian shepherd 
• Irish setter
• Golden retriever 
• Newfoundland 
• Doberman 
• Pomeranians