Two Problems

Pudd

Firstly, I have a 10 year old Mongrel, she is a smaller build, who we believe is mostly made up of terrier breeds.
She has been breathing really heavily lately and sometimes sort of snorting, or dry heaving. I never thought much of it, since our other dog, who was 1 year younger than Molly (The mongrel) did this when she was about 3 or 4. But it's recently been worrying me.
Can anyone tell me what this is and if it's harmful or not?
Our 1 year old deer hound also does this every so often, over maybe 2 - 3 months.

Secondly, our 1 year old Deer Hound, Peanut has a thin band of darker pink on her gums, just around her teeth, on all visible teeth and on both sides of her mouth. Is this a cause for concern?

Thanks
~Pudd

Mikey

I would see a vet. A friend had a dog who was doing something funny with breathing and they just left it. Finally saw a vet and treated for allergies. All the while a nasal tumor was growing.
It could be nothing-but it's not worth risking. Better safe then sorry-especially with any change like that.


Is the gum color something you just noticed changed, or something you just noticed?

Pudd

I just noticed this with the gums.

The breathing is a bit worrying, since Bella, the non-mongrel died last year by cancer. I'll be sure to get Molly to the vets as soon as I can.

Criosphynx

yeah, could be anything from kennel cough to cancer. Let us know what the vet says

Pudd

I was thinking Kennel Cough, but my mother quickly dismissed that idea..

I'll update with the vet's verdict.

Tess

The dark pink at the teeth/gum line there is probably gingivitis. Humans get it too if they don't properly clean their teeth. Does she have brown discoloration on her teeth or are they white? If there is calculus (brown stuff) on her teeth, and her gums are brighter pink where they meet the teeth, she would benefit from doing something about it. You could try chews made for cleaning teeth. There are some out there that really work, rawhides specially infused with teeth cleaning stuff. You can get them from some vets. Most dogs fed on commercial dog food have this sort of gum disease by age three years.

Of more concern might be the breathing difficulties. This can be a sign of anything from allergies to heart disease to laryngeal paralysis. Maybe make some notes of what causes the symptoms to help your vet figure out the cause.

jasminesmom

I hope you have a positive visit at the Vet's. My Stella is having surgery today to see why she throws up after she eats. I will think good thoughts for you and Molly.

Hugs,

Cheryl and Angel Jasmine