5. Pale or White Gums
One of the quickest ways to check for a serious internal problem is to look at your dog’s gums. Healthy gums are typically a salmon-pink color, but if you find they are pale pink, white, or even greyish, it’s a major red flag that is often accompanied by weakness and lethargy. You can also perform a capillary refill test: press gently on the gum for a second—the color should return from white to pink almost instantly. If it returns slowly or not at all, it signals a problem. Pale gums are a classic symptom of shock, severe anemia, or internal bleeding (perhaps from trauma or a ruptured tumor), meaning the body’s vital organs are not getting enough oxygen. It’s a critical window into your dog’s internal state and warrants an emergency visit.