Melanosis Gingivae

Melanosis gingivae is a harmless pigmentation change of the gums, where dark to black spots form due to melanin deposits. This discolouration is completely normal in certain dog breeds and is not a health problem.

Why does my dog have dark gums?

The pigmentation is caused by melanin – the same pigment that also colours skin and fur. In some breeds, dark gums are part of the natural appearance.

Is dark gum dangerous in dogs?

Pure pigmentation causes no pain and does not affect eating or oral health. However, it is no free pass: dogs with heavily pigmented oral mucosa are considered potentially more susceptible to oral melanoma, so regular checks of the mouth remain important.

The discolouration differs significantly from gum inflammation. Healthy pigmented gums feel firm and do not bleed when touched. The breath also does not smell unpleasant.

When should I go to the vet with dark gums?

A vet visit is necessary if the pigmentation changes suddenly. New dark spots that grow quickly or have irregular edges may indicate a melanoma.

It also becomes concerning with additional symptoms: swelling of the gums, bleeding when eating or if your dog suddenly refuses food. These signs point away from harmless pigmentation and towards a disease.

In older dogs over eight years old, you should generally have any changes in the gums checked. Oral tumours occur more frequently at this age.

How do I distinguish melanosis from a tumour?

A malignant melanoma appears on the gums, oral mucosa, palate or top of the tongue as an ulcerative, proliferating mass, pigmented or unpigmented. Such tumours metastasise relatively quickly; from a diameter of two centimetres, the prognosis is poor.

In case of doubt, the vet takes a tissue sample. Because oral tumours can look very different, a biopsy is essential for a definitive diagnosis; how it is performed is decided by the practice.

Does pigmented gums require special care?

No, you care for it just like normal gums. Regular tooth brushing and chew toys are more than sufficient.

When caring for the teeth, make sure that no discolouration forms due to tartar. This looks similarly dark to pigment spots but feels rough and smells unpleasant.

Which breeds often have dark gums?

Melanosis Gingivae is particularly common in:

• Chow Chows (usually completely black oral cavity)
• Labrador Retrievers (dark spots)
• Dalmatians (focal pigmentation)
• Rottweilers (patchy discolouration)
• Pitbull Terriers (mixed pigmentation)

In crossbreeds from these breeds, the likelihood of dark gums is also increased. The pigmentation is inherited in a dominant manner.