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Should I worry about dark spots in my senior dog's mouth and gums?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 9 years and 1 month old | 23 lbs

Hello! I have a chihuahua terroir mix who just turned 9. I consider her to be very healthy for her age (playful, normal diet, no unusual weight loss or gain, no changes in affection and hardly gets sick.) However my dog has had dark blue-ish/ black spots on the roof of her mouth and gums. She's had them as long as I've had her (8 years) and I don't have any access to vets around me. Should I be worried? She gets slightly out of breath after excercise but I assume that's from her age. Opinions?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Leigh, DVM

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 29th, 2017

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.
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