What is wrong with my puppy? White gums?

by Tammy
(Stearns, Kentucky)

I have a 9 week old mixed puppy, he has a good appetite, but he has white gum's, and watery eyes, and i also noticed his heart beats really fast not like the other puppies, he will follow me around but he won't play, he hasn't ever really played like a normal puppy.

He is eating food and drinking water just fine, he is not vomiting and does not have diarrhea, nor has a bloody stool, i just can't put my finger on it, he has been dewormed and has had the 8 in 1 shot for Parvo virus and such, but he just seems so mopey, and is weak, can you tell me what it is?


Hi Tammy
White gums are often a sign of anemia, but there could be several different reason for this condition...... the most likely one at first glance would be puppy worms. Even though he's been wormed, he could have a serious infestation, hookworms are particularly troublesome in terms of anemia.

If he's a small breed puppy he could be having trouble regulating his blood sugar levels, and be a bit hypoglycemic. That can cause pale gums.

It's also possible that there is a heart condition or something more serious at the root of his problems, but only your veterinarian can make a diagnosis.

In my opinion this is an urgent situation and you need to have him examined by your vet immediately so that he can get the help he needs. Please get him an appointment right away.

Best of luck, hope this little guy is doing much better soon.