Your dog’s tongue can tell you a lot about what’s going on inside their body. It’s one of those simple things we don’t always notice, but once you know what’s normal and what’s not, it becomes way easier to spot early signs of health issues.
So let’s get started on what different tongue colors mean, which dog breeds naturally have colored tongues (yes, that’s a thing), and when a strange color might be a red flag.
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Dog Tongue Colors And Their Meanings
Most healthy dogs have pink tongues. It’s the standard, and it means their blood flow, oxygen levels, and circulation are working as they should but there are many dog tongue colors and they all mean different things. This chart right here tells you every detail you need to know.
| Tongue Color | Common Breeds | Possible Health Concerns |
| Pink (Normal) | Most dog breeds | Healthy and normal tongue color |
| Black/Blue (Normal in Some Breeds) | Chow Chow, Shar Pei | Normal for these breeds but abnormal for others |
| Purple/Dark Blue | Any breed | May indicate oxygen deprivation or circulatory issues-seek vet care immediately |
| Pale or White | Any breed | Possible anemia, blood loss, or shock-urgent vet visit needed |
| Bright Red | Any breed | May indicate heat stroke, fever, allergic reaction, or inflammation-seek veterinary advice |
| Yellowish Tint | Any breed | Possible liver disease, jaundice, or gallbladder issues-consult a vet |
| Gray or Bluish Tint | Any breed | Could indicate lack of oxygen, poisoning, or poor circulation-seek immediate medical attention |
| Spotted or Speckled (Normal in Some Breeds) | Dalmatians, Australian Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers | Normal genetic variation, no health concerns unless sudden changes occur |
| Black Patches Developing Over Time | Any breed | Often harmless pigmentation changes, but if new or spreading rapidly, consult a vet |
| Brown or Dark Stains | Any breed | May be due to excessive licking, yeast infections, fungal infections, or dental issues-monitor closely |
| Deep Purple or Black (Sudden Change) | Any breed | May indicate bruising, blood clotting disorders, or internal bleeding-urgent vet care needed |
| Orange Tint | Any breed | Could be caused by diet, dental disease, or potential metabolic issues-monitor closely and consult a vet if persistent |
| Greenish Tint | Any breed | Possible bacterial or fungal infection-seek veterinary attention |
| White Coating on Tongue | Any breed | May indicate dehydration, oral thrush, or severe illness-veterinary consultation advised |
Abnormal Dog Tongue Colors And Their Meanings
When a dog’s tongue suddenly changes color, or just looks really different than usual, it can be a sign that something’s going on beneath the surface. Some color changes are minor, but others may need quick attention.
Pale or White Tongue: This could be a sign of anemia (low red blood cells), poor circulation, or even internal bleeding. If your dog also seems tired or weak, it’s time to call the vet.
Blue or Purple Tongue: This is often a sign of low oxygen or breathing trouble. It might happen during a choking incident, heart issue, or severe allergic reaction. Blue tongues are always an emergency unless your dog is a breed known to have that color naturally.
Bright Red Tongue: A bright, almost cherry-red tongue might point to heatstroke, fever, or inflammation. Dogs can overheat quickly, especially in hot weather, so a red tongue paired with heavy panting should be taken seriously.
Yellow Tongue: A yellowish tint can sometimes point to liver problems. It might show up along with yellow gums or eyes (a condition called jaundice). This isn’t super common, but if you notice it, definitely get it checked out.
Black Patches That Appear Suddenly: Unlike birthmark-style spots some dogs are born with, new or growing black areas on the tongue might need to be looked at, especially if they’re raised, painful, or crusty. It could be something like an infection or even a tumor.
Dog Breeds with Naturally Colored Tongues
Now here’s something a lot of dog owners don’t know: some breeds are born with blue or black tongues. It’s not a health issue, it’s just how they’re built.
Chow Chows: Basically known for their blue-black tongues, it’s one of their signature traits.
Shar Peis: Like the Chow, they have blue or purplish tongues from birth.
Mixed Breeds with Chow or Shar Pei ancestry: If your dog has some of that DNA, they might inherit the tongue color too.
Some other breeds may have dark spots or patches on otherwise pink tongues. These spots are kind of like freckles or birthmarks, and you’ll see them in dogs like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Akitas, Newfoundlands.
In other cases if the dark spot is flat, hasn’t changed in size, and your dog has had it for as long as you can remember, it’s probably just a natural pigment mark.
Health Conditions Linked to Tongue Color Changes
The tongue is full of blood vessels, which makes it a surprisingly good indicator of what’s happening inside the body. Here are some health conditions that can affect tongue color:
Anemia: A pale or white tongue can be a sign of anemia, which means your dog’s body isn’t making enough healthy red blood cells. This could be caused by internal bleeding, parasites, or chronic illness.
Respiratory Issues: If your dog is struggling to breathe, their tongue might look blue or purplish due to a lack of oxygen. This can happen with conditions like tracheal collapse, pneumonia, or asthma-like issues in smaller breeds.
Heart Disease: Dogs with heart problems may not circulate oxygen properly, leading to a bluish tint in the tongue or gums. It’s often paired with coughing, fatigue, or fainting.
Liver Problems: A yellow tint on the tongue (and sometimes the eyes and gums) can be a sign of jaundice, often linked to liver disease or bile duct blockages.
Heatstroke: An overly red or inflamed tongue, especially if it’s dry or swollen, can mean your dog is overheating.
Mouth Tumors or Infections: New dark patches, ulcers, or bumps on the tongue can point to infections, growths, or oral cancer. Anything that looks raised, painful, or bleeds easily needs to be looked at by a vet.
Also read: Dog Ear Wax color Meanings
When to See a Vet
Not every tongue color change means something serious, but some do. A vet visit is never a bad idea when you’re unsure, but here are some signs that really shouldn’t wait:
- Your dog’s tongue turns pale, blue, purple, or very bright red, and it’s not going back to normal quickly.
- You notice yellow coloring on the tongue, gums, or eyes.
- Your dog’s tongue is swollen, dry, cracked, or looks painful.
- Your dog also seems lethargic, short of breath, or is acting differently.
Sometimes, the issue might just be something temporary, like mild dehydration or stress. But since tongue changes can be linked to serious health problems, it’s better to play it safe and have your dog checked out.
FAQs
Why does my dog have black spots on their tongue?
Black spots are usually completely normal and are just areas of darker pigmentation, like freckles. They’re common in breeds like Labs, Golden Retrievers, and Shepherds. As long as the spots are flat, not raised, and haven’t changed suddenly, there’s nothing to worry about.
Can a dog’s tongue be cold or warm?
A dog’s tongue can feel warm when they’re excited or after a walk, and a bit cooler when they’re resting. If the tongue is very hot, dry, or your dog is panting hard in cooler weather, that could be a sign of overheating or fever.
My puppy had a pink tongue, but now it has spots, should I worry?
As puppies grow, their skin and pigmentation can develop more fully. It’s totally normal for spots or darker areas to appear as long as your pup is acting healthy, eating well, and the spots don’t look sore or unusual.
Can a blue tongue mean choking?
If your dog’s tongue suddenly turns blue or purple, and they’re gasping, drooling, or pawing at their mouth, it could be choking or a breathing emergency.
How often should I check my dog’s tongue?
You don’t need to inspect it daily, but it’s a good idea to take a look every now and then, especially during grooming, after walks, or if your dog seems off. Getting familiar with what’s normal makes it easier to catch something not normal early on.