Why Would a Dog's Tongue Turn White?
A dog uses his tongue for more than lapping up water and slobbering kisses--a dog's tongue is an important organ used in temperature regulation and digestion. If a dog's tongue turns white, it could be a sign of a serious health problem.
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Shock
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A white tongue can be a symptom of shock. A dog goes into shock when blood flow is inadequate. Shock is a dangerous condition that can result from severe physical trauma, dehydration, heat stroke, infection, or poisoning.
Anemia
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A white tongue can be an indicator of anemia (low red blood cell count). This could be caused by a number of things including canine leukemia, a tick-borne illness, or internal bleeding.
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Chew Toys
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The color from a chew toy can be transferred to a dog's tongue. Therefore, a white bone or toy could be the cause of a dog's white tongue. If this is the case, discoloration should be temporary.
Poison
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A white tongue could also indicate poisoning. Many household products and plants can be poisonous to a dog if consumed.
Significance
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If the discoloration doesn't appear temporary, the dog should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of João Paulo Corrêa de Carvalho
