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My 8-week puppy has pale gums. Is she anemic? Should I be concerned?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 1 month and 29 days old

Following up... Kota is 8 weeks, her litter mate just got diagnosed with anemia, so I checked her gums and inner ears and they were white like the litter mates new owner said. I have an appointment for her Monday, just wondering if I need to be more concerned right now - she’s active, she’s drinking, she’s eating but not the full 1/3 cup - has the runs a bit, but thickening up as the day goes on.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on April 7th, 2018

The gums do look pale. Anemia in a puppy is usually caused by fleas or intestinal parasites. Please use a flea comb to remove any fleas. You can dip it in warm soapy dishwater to rinse it off and kill the fleas. I'm glad you are taking her in for an exam tomorrow. Please bring a fecal sample also so they can do a exam for parasites. If she's feeling good and playing she should be fine, I would not have her be too active, let her rest since they get tired and weak from anemia. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Kota.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Amy Poole, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 20th, 2017
i would take Dot into an emergency clinic to be evaluated and treated as soon as possible. Puppies this young and small can decompensate quickly if left untreated. There are numerous causes for why she is so ill. Her gums do look pale in the pictures and I worry about anemia (low red cell count) as a potential cause of her being so weak. Some puppies need a blood transfusion if they are that anemic. Anemia can be caused by several things, but in puppies I worry about potential flea anemia. If she previously had a lot of fleas on her body biting her, she could have a low red cell count from that and subsequent weakness. She also could have a virus or bacterial infection somewhere that is causing her to be so sick. She needs to be seen by a vet as soon as possible to figure out the underlying cause is and get her treated and feeling better!
8Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 10th, 2018
I would suspect a tick bone parasite that is causing the abnormally low platelets and poor oxygen carrying capacity of his red blood cells (low Hgb). We can't predict survival based on just bloodwork results and no other confirmatory tests as to what blood parasite he may be infected with unfortunately. However, there are only a handful of blood parasites that have a poor prognosis. Also other causes of both anemia and thrombocytopenia, are an immune mediated disorder, which is not common in pets this young.

At any rate, I would start with Doxycycline antibiotics for treatment as well as steroid therapy and cautious fluid therapy. Ask your vet about this possible treatment course and also consider a blood transfusion due to his severe anemia (low RBC count). I hope that your puppy survives this ordeal. Best of luck to you both! Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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What color are healthy puppy gums? What if my puppy has worms?

Healthy puppies have light pink, moist gums. If they are anemic from intestinal parasites the gums will be a paler pink or more whitish. You can press on the gums with your finger and a normal gum will turn white for a second then pink right up again. If the pressed area stays white longer they may be dehydrated also. Fleas can also cause anemia and pale gums. If there is any question about them being healthy please take them in for an exam. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Angel.

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My dog won't eat, is lethargic, and has pale gums. What's wrong?

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My puppy is not eating, lethargic, and has white gums. What to do?

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My cat has pale gums but seems normal. Could she still be anemic?

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