Blood from the mouth or in saliva in a dog or cat
Blood from the mouth or blood mixed into the saliva may appear together with excessive drooling. The source is not always obvious: it may be trauma, a damaged tooth, a wound, a foreign body, gingivitis or periodontitis, another oral lesion — or a non-dental cause that needs a broader clinical examination. A preserved appetite does not rule out a problem.
Important note for owners
Active bleeding that will not stop, difficulty breathing, marked weakness, significant trauma or a sudden deterioration in general condition require urgent veterinary care. If blood appears specifically from the gum margin during eating, play or brushing, see the material on bleeding gums.
Most common possible causes
- —Oral trauma. Injury to the mucosa, gums or lips can produce blood and drooling.
- —A damaged or fractured tooth. A fracture or exposed pulp may be accompanied by bleeding or blood-tinged saliva.
- —A wound or foreign body. A lodged object or a cut in the mucosa can cause discharge mixed with blood.
- —Gingivitis or periodontitis. Inflammation of the gums and periodontal tissues can cause bleeding and bad breath.
- —Other oral lesions. Ulcers, growths or other pathologies may also be a source of blood.
- —Not only a dental cause. Sometimes the source is outside the teeth; the vet assesses overall health and may recommend further investigation.
When not to postpone an exam
- ✓Blood from the mouth or blood-tinged saliva
- ✓Persistent marked drooling
- ✓Avoiding food, treats or touch to the muzzle
- ✓Redness or swelling in the mouth
Urgent help needed
- ✓Active bleeding that will not stop
- ✓Difficulty breathing
- ✓Marked weakness or a sudden deterioration in condition
- ✓Significant trauma to the muzzle or mouth
What not to do at home
- —Do not try to examine the mouth deeply in a painful or frightened animal
- —Do not use human mouthwashes, gels or pastes
- —Do not give human painkillers
- —Do not treat antibiotics as a universal fix without an examination
What diagnostics may be needed
- ✓Clinical assessment of general condition and accessible areas of the mouth
- ✓COHAT when clinically indicated
- ✓Dental radiography
- ✓Assessment of whether further investigation is needed if the source is not dental
The source of bleeding is often hidden under the gums, in the root, or needs assessment under anaesthesia. An external look without diagnostics does not always show the full picture.
How treatment may proceed
- ✓Professional cleaning and periodontal therapy where indicated
- ✓Tooth treatment or preservation when clinically possible
- ✓Extraction — only after diagnostics, if preservation is not possible
- ✓The plan depends on the cause found
Related services
Similar symptoms
Frequently asked questions
No. The source may be the gums, trauma, a foreign body, another oral lesion or a non-dental cause. The exact reason is determined after examination.
When the blood appeared, whether there was trauma, which symptoms accompany it, whether eating behaviour changed, which medicines the animal is on, and whether there was previous dental treatment.
Bleeding gums is more often linked to inflammation of the gum margin. Blood from the mouth or in saliva is a broader sign when the source may not be obvious. If the blood comes specifically from the gum margin, see also the material on bleeding gums.
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