If you have noticed a black spot on your dog’s tongue, it is important that you get some information before rushing to any conclusions.
While it is natural to worry when you find a strange looking blemish on your dog, you’ll want to get the facts first.
Importance of Checking Your Dog’s Mouth
Most veterinarians will recommend that dog owners check the inside of their pet’s mouth once in a while. A simple visual infection of your dog’s mouth can help you keep them healthy over the years.
You’ll want to look for things like swollen gums, broken teeth, and strange-looking spots on their tongue, roof or sides of their mouth. All of these things can indicate a serious issue that may require treatment.
The sooner you discover something that doesn’t look right, the sooner you will be able to find out what is really going on. Your veterinarian should be able to give you a definitive answer.
Appearance of the Black Spots
These black spots will most likely be consistent with every other part of their tongue in terms of texture. You might want to run your finger along with the spot just to make sure.
These spots are a natural part of your dog’s tongue. It is normal for these spots to become larger or smaller over time. They may even become a slightly different shape.
Black Spot Breeds
There are certain dog breeds that are more likely than others to have black spots on their tongue, such as Mastiffs and Akitas. While it is possible for any dog to have these spots, they tend to occur with breeds that have black points.
Any dog that naturally has a dark nose and lips can have black spots on their tongue.
Some of the other breeds that are known for having these black spots include:
- Cockier Spaniel
- Dalmatian
- Pug
- Siberian Husky
- Australian Cattle Dog
- German Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever
- Rottweiler
- The great Pyrenees
- Pomeranian
When to See Your Veterinarian
It is very possible that the black spots on your dog’s tongue are perfectly harmless, but there are a few things to watch out for. If you notice that the spots have changed in shape and/or size over a short period of time, you’ll want to take your dog to the vet. This could be a sign of cancer, but not necessarily.
You’ll also want to go see your vet if the black spot has a different texture/feel than the rest of their tongue. This is not normal and could be an indication of a serious health issue. Another thing to look out for is a foul odor coming from your dog’s mouth. There are a lot of possible explanations for this, but it’s better to play it safe and see the vet.
If your dog was not born with any black spots on its tongue, you’ll probably want to take them to the vet just to be safe. While benign black spots can develop in older dogs, it could also be a melanoma. You’ll want to know if this is the case, as waiting longer than necessary to have your dog examined could put its overall health at risk.
What is the Black Spot on my Dog?
The black spot that you have noticed on your dog’s tongue could be any number of things, but it’s most likely a natural marking/point. Some dogs have these spots from the time they are born, while others develop them as they get older.
Either way, it is usually not a cause for concern. As we mentioned above, there are lots of different breeds that have these spots. They can also have a dark blue coloration, which is also perfectly normal.
You can think of the black spots on your dog’s tongue as freckles because that is essentially what they are most of the time.
Monitor Your Dog’s Spots
It is a good idea to keep a close eye on any black spots that your dog may have on its tongue. Look for changes in the size and/or shape of the spots. If noticeable changes to the spot’s appearance occur over a few days or weeks, it could mean something is wrong.
The easiest way to monitor your dog’s spots is by brushing their teeth on a regular basis. This will allow you to maintain your dog’s oral health while also looking for any concerning changes in the appearance of their spots.
There are certain dog treats that you can buy to help with maintaining your dog’s oral health. These treats can also make it easier to brush their teeth. If you have a difficult time getting your dog to sit still, you’ll definitely want to keep this in mind.
Do Black Spots On My Dog’s Tongue Mean It Is a Mutt?
Some people mistakenly believe that black spots on a dog’s tongue are an indication that they are not purebred. The fact is that these spots have nothing to do with your dog’s pedigree. While it is possible that they are not a purebred, the presence of these spots is not an indication of this whatsoever.
Conclusion
- It is extremely important that you make a point of checking your dog’s mouth for any abnormal spots or blemishes on a regular basis.
- Brushing your dog’s teeth once a week will help with maintaining their oral health while allowing you to check for signs of illness.
- Black spots are perfectly normal for many dog breeds.
- These spots can be present from birth or develop over time.
- If the size and/or shape of the spot changes quickly, you’ll want to take your dog to the vet.
- It’s also a good idea to make sure that the texture of the spot is consistent with the rest of their tongue.
- Make sure that you keep a close eye on any black spots on your dog’s tongue so you’ll know if their appearance changes.
