What causes a dog's tongue to turn purple?

A dog's tongue turning purple may be due to natural reasons, heat stroke, poisoning, hypoxia, or heart disease. Therefore, the first thing the owner needs to confirm is whether the dog's tongue suddenly turned purple or has always been purple. If the tongue has always been purple and the dog shows no other abnormal symptoms, it is likely a natural phenomenon and there is no need to worry too much. However, if the tongue suddenly turns purple or the dog shows signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, and other abnormalities, it is advisable to take the dog to a pet hospital as soon as possible for inspection and treatment to avoid delay in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

1. Natural

Some dogs have a naturally purple tongue due to their breed, such as the Pekingese, whose tongue is dark purple. This situation does not require too much concern and is a normal phenomenon.

1. Heat stroke

If the ambient temperature is relatively high, a dog suffering from heat stroke will exhibit symptoms such as a purple tongue, difficulty breathing, sluggish response, unstable gait, and lying on the ground looking listless. In this case, the owner needs to promptly move the dog to a shady and well-ventilated area. Ice blocks can be placed in the dog's armpits, neck, and abdomen, or slightly rub some alcohol on the dog to help it cool down.

1. Poisoning

If a dog's tongue suddenly turns purple, along with symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, cyanosed conjunctiva, and seizures, it may be due to poisoning. This situation is usually severe and it is best to take the dog to a pet hospital immediately for detoxification, otherwise the dog's life may be at risk.

1. Hypoxia

A dog's tongue turning purple may also be due to hypoxia. When the blood oxygen level decreases, the color of the mucous membranes changes to purple. Ensure the dog's normal respiratory function, keep the respiratory tract clear, place the dog in a well-ventilated area, and take it to a pet hospital for oxygen therapy as needed.

1. Heart disease

If a dog already has a heart disease, it may exhibit purple tongue symptoms after stress or stimulation, especially after strenuous exercise. This symptom is particularly common in dogs with heart disease. In this case, the owner needs to carefully observe whether the dog shows symptoms such as dry cough, panting, exercise intolerance, gasping for breath or suddenly fainting after stress, stimulation, or strenuous exercise. If these symptoms occur frequently, it is suspected of having a heart disease and the dog should be taken to a pet hospital for a comprehensive heart examination, such as echocardiography and X-rays.