IAC Canine Physical Exam Practice – Comprehensive Prep Guide 2025

The presence of bright red and swollen gums is a key indicator of gum disease or gingivitis, highlighting an important finding when assessing oral health in dogs. Healthy gums should typically appear pale pink and should not show signs of inflammation. When gums are red and swollen, it indicates that there is likely an underlying issue such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease, which can lead to more severe health problems if not addressed timely.

In contrast, while tartar buildup can also be a concern and is often a sign of poor dental hygiene, it does not specifically assess the health of the gums themselves. Similarly, colored teeth may signal issues such as staining or decay, but again, they do not provide direct information about the state of the gums. Normal gum texture is a sign of healthy gums, but in the context of identifying problems, swollen and red gums are a more critical finding that requires immediate attention.