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My dog has pale gums, is losing weight, and scooting. What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Bulldog | Female

Dog is losing weight, scooting. Noticed her gums are pale. She has food allergy and eats Hils ID food

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Susan England-Foster

Veterinarian

Published on June 12th, 2017

I am sorry Molly is not feeling well..If mollys mucous membranes (inside of there mouth) are pale I would be concerned she is anemic. It is possible Molly could have parasites. Tapeworms can cause weight loss,anemia,and an itchy rectum. Anemia happens to a patient when red blood cells are being destroyed ( parasite or immune mediated disease ), lost ( trauma, damaged spleen) or not being made (bone marrrow disease ). I would recommend taking Molly to a veterinarians to see if she is anemic and possibly the cause. A complete blood cell count will look at the concentration of her red blood cells and show if she is anemic. A fecal exam will test for parasites like tapeworms.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Poor Molly, I would be worried about pale gums and weight loss. Symptoms like that can indicate neoplasia (cancer), kidney disease, liver disease or less likely autoimmune disease. Molly should go in to see a vet immediately as pale gums indicate low red blood cell numbers. Treatment sooner rather than later will yield better results. The doctor will likely run bloodwork and radiographs to try to determine the cause. I hope Molly starts getting better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Pale gums are a sign of a serious medical emergency. She could be going through an Addisonian crisis (adrenal gland problem which is life threatening), internal blood loss, or she could be in shock. Please take her to your nearest ER veterinarian as soon as possible for medical care and a full work up. I'm so sorry your pet is so ill and I hope that she's able to make a full recovery. Best of luck to you and Molly.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sarah Box, BVSc
Veterinarian
I am sorry to hear Molly is unwell. Weight loss and pale gums are certainly not a good combination. You have not said how old Molly is, she looks like an older dog in her pictures so I will base my answer and advise on this.
I would recommend consulting with your regular veterinarian sooner rather than later. The pale gums concerns me as this can be an indication of blood loss internally (for example a bleeding ulcer, or a mass in her belly that is bleeding), or anemia related to another disease process (such as kidney disease). Weight loss coupled with the pale gums has me concerned for a possible cancer somewhere in her body.
A visit to your regular vet will involved a thorough physical exam, and a look at exactly how much weight Molly has lost. Your vet will then likely recommend some diagnostics such as X-rays, bloodwork and an ultrasound, to try and ascertain more about Molly's condition.
I hope you are able to determine what is going on for Molly-it is always distressing when our furry friends are sick.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rebecca, DVM
Veterinarian
I'm sorry Molly isn't doing well. Scooting can be a sign of anal gland issues, allergies or parasites. Pale gums and weight loss may also be parasites. But cancer, blood borne illness can also cause weight loss or pale gums. I would recommend getting Molly in to the vet for a checkup. Based on exam findings they may recommend bloodwork, parasite checks and/or radiographs or ultrasound. I hope she feels better soon
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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