What: Dr. Kim Barnes from Heaven at Home Pet Hospice, Grand Rapids, demonstrates how to check your dog’s mucous membranes and gums for color, and how to test Capillary Refill Time (“CRT”) – the time it takes for color to return to the gums after you depress an area with a finger.
Why It Matters: This quick check can help you determine if your dog is suffering dehydration, shock, or other ailments. In senior pets especially, dehydration needs immediate attention. When speaking with Heaven at Home staff, you may be asked to report on your dog’s tongue and gum color, feel and CRT.
Key Takeaways include looking for a pink, wet tongue and a “bubble gum” pink color on the gums. A relatively fast CRT – eg. 1-2 seconds, is ideal. The longer it takes the color to return to the gums when you test, the more likely it is that your companion is dehydrated or suffering an issue with blood flow to tissue.