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Maltipoo Question & Answer Blog
About this Q&A blog: In this blog section, the PetMaltipoo Team answers Maltipoo questions. You can leave comments and offer your thoughts and advice. Questions can range from quite serious to lighthearted ones in which you just want to receive some feedback. Have a question of your own? Great, we'd love to hear from you!
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Please note that the information in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions about your dog’s health. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
Post #22 Maltipoo Has Black Spot on Gums
- By The Team
- •
- 07 Sep, 2016
- •
Owner just noticed a black spot on his Maltipoo's gums; wants to know if this is normal
Question:
Hello, I have a wonderful playful & very lovable 5 month male Maltipoo. I've notice a black spot on his gums behind his bottom front teeth.? Do you know why this is?
Answer:
Given that your Maltipoo is only a 5 month old puppy, the top concerns for seeing a black spot on the gums most likely does not apply to your particular dog. Of concern for Maltipoos a bit older, would be dental issues including plaque, infection or decay. Plaque, when right at the gum line may appear as a thin black area that indicates periodontal disease. Infection could have caused a blister of sorts that appears with a blackish tint. And a large area of decay could appear as a black spot on the gums. Of course, all of these issues would warrant an immediate visit at the vet clinic as this would not only lead to discomfort, but also loss of teeth and possible spreading of infection up into the sinuses or even throughout the whole body.
The other issue, though most applicable to older adult and senior Maltipoo dogs, would be to rule out melanoma. Raised spots or bumps that are irregularly shaped is the top sign of this. However, the average age of melanoma developing in oral cavities of dogs is between 11 and 13 years old. Males are affected more than females and we should note that a black spot is not the only color of melanoma; in some instances it may be gray, white or even pink (though it will be raised).
This all said, in many cases, if the black spot is flat and not raised at all, this can be just a normal skin pigmentation element and nothing to be concerned about. Many dogs have some darker pigmentation in the mouth; this may be blackish spots on the tongue, inner lips, gums, roof of the mouth, etc. These may grow or diminish in size as the dog ages. Maltipoos can also have small black spots on the belly; these may appear more visible in the summer and less so in the wintertime. The most important element is the issue of flat vs raised.
Hopefully, you are already establishing a plan of at-home dental care that includes brushing your Maltipoo's teeth and offering at least 1 quality dental treat per day. In addition, each year when he has his wellness check, his teeth should be checked.
If you notice that this black spot on the gums is raised, becomes raised, changes in shape or texture, or if your Maltipoo shows any signs of discomfort (hesitant to eat,etc.), do report the spot to the vet right away. And when he has his next planned checkup, do point this out and have the vet take a look.
Love, Hugs & Maltipoo Kisses,
The PetMaltipoo Team
Hello, I have a wonderful playful & very lovable 5 month male Maltipoo. I've notice a black spot on his gums behind his bottom front teeth.? Do you know why this is?
Answer:
Given that your Maltipoo is only a 5 month old puppy, the top concerns for seeing a black spot on the gums most likely does not apply to your particular dog. Of concern for Maltipoos a bit older, would be dental issues including plaque, infection or decay. Plaque, when right at the gum line may appear as a thin black area that indicates periodontal disease. Infection could have caused a blister of sorts that appears with a blackish tint. And a large area of decay could appear as a black spot on the gums. Of course, all of these issues would warrant an immediate visit at the vet clinic as this would not only lead to discomfort, but also loss of teeth and possible spreading of infection up into the sinuses or even throughout the whole body.
The other issue, though most applicable to older adult and senior Maltipoo dogs, would be to rule out melanoma. Raised spots or bumps that are irregularly shaped is the top sign of this. However, the average age of melanoma developing in oral cavities of dogs is between 11 and 13 years old. Males are affected more than females and we should note that a black spot is not the only color of melanoma; in some instances it may be gray, white or even pink (though it will be raised).
This all said, in many cases, if the black spot is flat and not raised at all, this can be just a normal skin pigmentation element and nothing to be concerned about. Many dogs have some darker pigmentation in the mouth; this may be blackish spots on the tongue, inner lips, gums, roof of the mouth, etc. These may grow or diminish in size as the dog ages. Maltipoos can also have small black spots on the belly; these may appear more visible in the summer and less so in the wintertime. The most important element is the issue of flat vs raised.
Hopefully, you are already establishing a plan of at-home dental care that includes brushing your Maltipoo's teeth and offering at least 1 quality dental treat per day. In addition, each year when he has his wellness check, his teeth should be checked.
If you notice that this black spot on the gums is raised, becomes raised, changes in shape or texture, or if your Maltipoo shows any signs of discomfort (hesitant to eat,etc.), do report the spot to the vet right away. And when he has his next planned checkup, do point this out and have the vet take a look.
Love, Hugs & Maltipoo Kisses,
The PetMaltipoo Team
More Q&A:
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Do you have a Maltipoo question?
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and we'll answer it here in this Q&A blog. Please keep in mind that certain issues require that you immediately contact your dog's veterinarian. While we update this blog regularly, please do not wait for us to post your question if it regards a concerning health issue.