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My dog's gums bleed when brushing his tartar. Should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 3 years and 5 months old | 25 lbs

My rescue dog has tarter on his canines and when I tried to gently brush them his gums bled. Does he need to see his Vet?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 16th, 2019

Hello, congratulations on your new pup. He may indeed require that this tartar be removed with scaling as it may have a thick plaque that is tightly adhere to the enamel and unlikely to come off with brushing. This will also allow your veterinarian to examine Bernie and become acquainted with him. They will then be able to determine if a cleaning procedure is necessary or if he could benefit from dental chews/other hygiene approaches to remove this thick tartar. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 27th, 2018

    A little bit of blood is common from gums which are inflamed and not used to being brushed. Brushing alone will help to removed the soft plaque/bacteria which coat the teeth but will not remove the calcified tartar which is dried onto the teeth. Active chewing of bones can help but professional dental cleaning under anaesthetic is required for a full clean. This would be recommended once he is used to daily brushing and chew treats so that you can maintain the clean mouth after they have been cleaned (there will be some discomfort after a dental procedure and it is better if he is used to brushing before this happens so he does not blame the brush for the pain and will allow you to maintain the new, clean teeth easily at home)

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