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My dog's tongue is dark. Is a discolored tongue a health concern?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pomeranian | Female | unspayed | 9 years and 5 months old

What is going on with the dark color in Peppers touge

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on July 28th, 2018

Some breeds can have naturally darker tongues, but this looks more like the tongue was bruised or scraped/burned. (Or she licked/ate something that would stain the tongue such as berries) Some illnesses that involve circulation or organ function can also cause the tongue to appear bruised or painful, as well as ingestion of substances that could affect organ function. If she is showing any signs of illness in addition to the change such as vomiting or diarrhea, lethargy, etc, the tongue is very painful or bothersome affecting her ability to eat, she got into something she shouldn't have, or she seems to be having trouble breathing/gasping for air, seeking veterinary care ASAP is best.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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