Identifying and Treating Tongue Injuries in Dogs: A Complete Guide

Dogs are known for their lively and often impulsive nature, which sometimes leads them to injure themselves in unexpected ways. One such common issue is tongue injuries, which, despite not always being apparent, can cause significant discomfort and health concerns for your canine companion.

Understanding how to identify these injuries and knowing when to seek veterinary assistance is essential for responsible pet ownership. This comprehensive guide will help you recognise the signs, understand the causes, and learn effective first aid and treatment options for tongue injuries in dogs.

1. Signs of Tongue Injuries in Dogs

Tongue injuries can manifest in various ways due to the tongue's flexibility and its extensive blood supply, which can cause noticeable bleeding. Owners should watch for the following signs:

• Excessive drooling or blood-tinged saliva
• Visible cuts, punctures, or swelling on the tongue
• Difficulty eating or reluctance to drink
• Pawing at the mouth or unusual licking
• Bleeding inside the mouth or around the lips
• Signs of pain or discomfort when the mouth is touched

Because these symptoms may be subtle, keeping a close eye on your dog’s oral health regularly is crucial.

2. Common Causes of Tongue Injuries in Dogs

Dogs can hurt their tongues in a variety of ways, often quite accidentally. Here are seven common causes:

1. Biting the tongue: Dogs may bite their own tongues accidentally, especially during chewing or after sudden movements. Due to the tongue’s rich blood supply, bleeding can be profuse.
2. Injuries during play: Rough play with other dogs or encounters with sharp objects like collar tags can lead to nicks or puncture wounds.
3. Scald injuries: Eating food or drinking liquids that are too hot can cause burns or scalds, leading to pain and possible swelling.
4. Licking sharp or rough objects: Dogs explore with their mouths and may lick or chew abrasive surfaces that cause cuts or grazes.
5. Stings and bites: Biting flying insects such as bees or wasps can sting and injure the tongue, causing pain and swelling.
6. Allergic reactions: Some dogs have acute allergic responses to insect bites or stings on the tongue, which might cause severe swelling and breathing problems and require emergency veterinary care.
7. Self-inflicted trauma: Occasionally, dogs trap their tongue or cheek tissues between their teeth during chewing, causing wounds that might need veterinary attention to prevent complications.

3. Immediate First Aid for Tongue Injuries

Providing prompt and appropriate first aid can make a significant difference in your dog’s recovery. Use these steps:

1. Stay calm and secure your dog: Approach your dog gently and keep them calm to avoid further injury.
2. Control bleeding: Apply gentle but firm pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to any bleeding area. Holding the tongue outwards can help prevent blood from being swallowed and reduce the risk of stomach upset.
3. Cool the area: Use an ice cube outside the mouth near the injury to constrict blood vessels and reduce bleeding and swelling.
4. Avoid giving food or water immediately: Especially if the injury is painful or bleeding, avoid feeding until a vet has assessed your dog.
5. Do not attempt to bandage the tongue: This is generally not possible or safe due to breathing and movement of the tongue.

If bleeding continues beyond 10-20 minutes despite pressure or if your dog shows signs of distress, contact your vet immediately.

4. When to Consult a Vet

While small cuts may heal on their own, veterinary assessment is important in several situations:

• Bleeding that persists despite first aid
• Large, deep, split, or torn wounds
• Swelling causing difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Signs of infection such as foul smell, pus, or increased discomfort
• If your dog refuses to eat or drink for more than 24 hours
• Burns or chemical injuries to the tongue or mouth

Veterinary treatment may include cleaning the wound, suturing, or medication to prevent infection and control pain.

5. Veterinary Treatments and Recovery

At the veterinary clinic, the following treatments might be administered depending on the injury’s severity:

• Cleaning and debridement: Removing dead tissue and debris under sedation or anaesthesia for a thorough clean
• Suturing: Expertly stitching torn or split tongue tissue to facilitate healing
• Medications: Pain relief, antibiotics to reduce infection risk, and sometimes anti-inflammatories
• Soft diet recommendations: Feeding soft or liquid foods to reduce pain while healing
• Follow-up care: Monitoring healing, preventing reinjury, and managing complications

While the tongue is a delicate and complex organ, it generally heals quickly due to its excellent blood supply. Most dogs recover fully with appropriate care.

6. Preventing Tongue Injuries in Dogs

Prevention is always better than cure. Consider these practical tips to reduce the risk of tongue injuries:

• Avoid giving your dog hot food or drinks
• Remove or safely manage sharp or rough objects your dog could lick or chew
• Supervise play sessions, particularly with other dogs, to prevent accidental nips
• Use safe, durable toys that do not splinter or break easily
• Keep your dog away from stinging insects and their nests
• Regular oral health checks to spot early signs of injury or disease

7. Understanding Allergic Reactions on the Tongue

In rare cases, an insect sting or bite on a dog’s tongue can trigger an acute allergic reaction, leading to:

• Rapid and severe swelling
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Lethargy or weakness

This condition is a veterinary emergency requiring immediate professional treatment. Signs include noisy breathing, gagging, or collapse. If you suspect this, seek emergency care at once.

Conclusion

Tongue injuries in dogs, while common, often require keen observation and timely care to avoid complications. With the right knowledge of symptoms and causes, you can provide first aid safely and know when to seek veterinary help. Preventative measures and regular health checks help keep your dog’s mouth healthy and injury-free. Remember, your vet is your best partner for any concerns about tongue injuries or oral health in your dog.

Responsible ownership means understanding all aspects of your dog’s wellbeing—including the seemingly small but important issue of tongue injuries—and providing the best care possible through knowledge, vigilance, and veterinary support.