Skin and gum colour / Capillary refill test
We know that our furry friends come with a fur coat (some more furry than others), which makes it a little complicated to see how they are doing in terms of colour. That’s why vets have developed a foolproof trick: check the colour of the mucous membranes, i.e. the whites of the eyes and, above all, the gums.
Your furry friend’s gums should be a pretty shade of pink, like fresh-from-the-package strawberry bubblegum. If instead they look like a catalogue of weird colours – ghost-white, Smurf-blue, aubergine-purple, lemon-yellow or, even worse, alien-green – be alarmed! That’s not normal. Grab your keys, put on your shoes and run to the vet. Your pet will thank you for it (even if he or she looks a little unfriendly at the time).
What if my pet has pigmented gums?
If your furry or mongrel has dark spots on his gums, don’t worry! It doesn’t mean he’s eaten a down, in which case, look for an unpigmented spot on his gums or lips to test. In that case, look for an unpigmented part of the gums or lips to test. Can’t find one? Well, here comes the slightly uncomfortable part: you can check the vulva or foreskin. Yes, yes… we know it’s not the most glamorous moment, but in the name of your furry’s health, it’s worth it!
Gum colour: what your pet’s mouth is telling us
Here’s a handy guide to interpreting the colour code of your four-legged friend’s gums:
- Pink: Everything’s in order! Your pet is happy and oxygenated.
- Pale or white: Warning! May mean blood loss or shock.
- Yellow: Something is wrong with the liver. Time to see the doc.
- Bluish or purple: Lack of oxygen. Full emergency!
- Bright red: Could be fever, infection or poisoning.
Capillary filling test: the express circulation test
Capillaries are those microscopic little tubes that carry blood to the gums and give them that pretty pinkish hue, as if they were always flushed with happiness. With the capillary refill test, we can spy how well our furry friend’s blood is circulating — it’s like an express check-up for his circulatory system!. How is this done? It’s easy:
Lift your pet’s upper lip (gently, not like a soap opera villain).
Gently press a pink part of the gum with your finger for a second. You will notice that it turns white.
Release and count how many seconds it takes to return to normal pink.
Results:
- Less than 2 seconds: Circulation in good condition, your furry is in ‘all good’ mode.
- More than 2 seconds: Something is wrong, there could be a circulatory problem.
If you see something odd, strange or something that makes you arch an eyebrow, don’t hesitate — call your vet! Better an extra consultation than an ‘Oh, I wish I’d checked him out sooner.
