My 5-year-old dog has new black patches on his gums. Is it serious?

I would recommend getting your vet to check this closely, it appears in the pictures that the lower canine is making contact with the gum and chronic irritation can cause inflammation, scarring and occasionally tumour changes

This could be normal pigmentation in the gums. You can keep an eye on it now that your are brushing Snoopy's teeth daily. If it begins to grow or change rapidly, then he should be seen by your veterinarian.

It would be easier for us give you advice if you could post some photos. I would not say this is "normal". Some rule-outs would be: 1. vitaligo 2. lupus (DLE) 3. Mucocutaneous pyoderma (MCP) 4. Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) 5. Cutaneous reactive histiocytosis (CRH) 6. Uveodermatologic syndrome 7. neoplasia As you can see the list of differentials is very long (and that is not all of them) so I suggest you get your dog to your vet for an exam so you can discuss steps for testing. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

She is very cute! If she has had the dark spots for 8 years and they haven't changed then it is likely just normal pigmentation. She could be slowing down with age and may have a harder time after exercise, but if it gets worse then she really should be evaluated by a vet for a chest x-ray to make sure she doesn't have heart or lung disease.

From your description of the darker patch it sounds like another patch of hyper pigmentation due to old age. Melanoma (a type of tumor) could potentially start with this type of hyper pigmentation though and evolve in a proper growth. A picture of it would be extremely helpful, but it can be shown to us only by requesting a consultation. Otherwise a check up would be needed.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. Judging by the color and the fact that it is in the mouth, it is likely a melanoma, the most common oral tumor in dogs. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good one!

That could be completely normal and due to different pigmentation of the gums. A picture of it would definitively help understanding the underlying cause of it. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.