Seeing a dogs teeth bleeding after tug of war can be alarming for many owners. However, in many cases, minor bleeding is quite common and not necessarily a cause for concern. That said, it’s important to understand what’s behind the bleeding and how to recognize when it could indicate a more serious issue.
In this post, I’ll break down why bleeding happens, when to be concerned, what signs might require a vet visit, and how to make sure your tug sessions stay fun and safe while keeping your dog’s mouth healthy.
Why Your Dog’s Teeth Might Bleed After Tug of War
As someone who’s all in when it comes to tug and bitework games with my dog, spotting blood during play used to stress me out too—until I learned what’s really happening. Dog gums are delicate and packed with blood vessels, so even a tiny nick can lead to noticeable bleeding. What matters most is figuring out whether it’s a harmless scrape or a sign of something more concerning.
Reasons why you might see your dogs teeth bleeding after tug of war?
There are a few possible reasons why you might see your dogs teeth bleeding after tug of war. Sometimes, it’s just a small gum tear or surface abrasion from rough tugging, a sharp toy edge, or bits of debris lodged in the toy.
Other times, bleeding can point to underlying dental issues like gingivitis, broken teeth, or even early-stage periodontal disease. Being familiar with these signs can help you catch problems early and keep your dog’s play sessions safe and fun.
1 – Friction and Abrasions
The most common reason I’ve seen for a bit of blood on a tug toy is just simple friction. When dogs get really into tugging, it can cause tiny scrapes on their gums or lips—especially if there’s a little dirt or grit stuck to the toy. Usually, it’s nothing to worry about; just a few small spots of blood that clear up on their own.
2 – Puppies and Teething
If you’ve got a puppy, teething is probably the culprit. Their gums are super sensitive while their adult teeth are coming in, and tugging can sometimes irritate them or even knock out a loose baby tooth. I’ve gone through this with a teething pup myself, and while it can look a little dramatic, the bleeding is usually light and doesn’t last long.
3 – Improper Play
Sometimes the issue comes down to how your dog is playing. If they’re grabbing the hard part of the toy, like the handle, or pulling in sharp, jerky motions, it can hurt their gums or even loosen a tooth. I’ve found it really helps to keep an eye on how they tug and gently guide them to play in a safer way.
4 – Toy Material
Using the wrong kind of toy for tug can lead to issues, especially with your dog’s teeth. If your dogs teeth bleeding after tug of war it is important to choose toys specifically made for tugging—ones that are durable yet gentle on the mouth.
I’ve made the mistake of using sticks or rough rope toys with Jasper, and over time I noticed they weren’t doing his teeth any favors. Test a few different materials to see what your dog enjoys while also keeping their dental health in mind—and be ready to swap out toys once they show signs of wear.
5 – Tongue and Lip Bites
Just like us, dogs can accidentally bite their tongue or lip during play—and yes, it can be just as painful and even draw blood. It’s usually nothing serious and tends to heal quickly, but it’s good to keep an eye on it. If you notice dogs teeth bleeding after tug of war, monitor them and check again once they’ve had a drink of water—this can help you spot if any bleeding continues or if further care is needed.
6- Dental Issues
If your dogs teeth are bleeding after tug of war, it might be a sign there’s something more going on with their dental health. Sure, teeth can bleed a little from cuts or scrapes during play, but if it keeps happening, it’s worth paying attention to.
Things like gum inflammation, gingivitis, loose teeth, or tartar buildup could be the real culprit. I’ve noticed with rescue dogs, especially, tartar buildup is pretty common since they often haven’t had proper dental care in a while. It’s always good to check in with your vet if you see bleeding that doesn’t seem to stop.
The texture of the toy matters a lot. It’s important to choose a toy specifically designed for tugging and pay attention to its texture—does it have padding? Opting for something softer can be better, especially for puppies and older dogs.
Also Read : How to Tire a Puppy Out?
When Should You Worry?Is tug of war bad for dogs?
Minor irritation, small cuts, abrasions, or teething discomfort usually aren’t a big concern. However, you should monitor how often these problems happen and watch out for signs that might indicate a more serious issue…
1. Frequent or Heavy Bleeding
If your dog bleeds a little after playing, that’s usually okay—but it should stop pretty quickly, usually within a few minutes. If the bleeding keeps going or looks worse than just a small scratch, it’s probably time to check with your vet. Lots of bleeding might mean there’s a deeper cut, a loose tooth, or something else going on that needs attention.
2. Checking Inside Their Mouth
If your dog lets you, try to gently peek inside their mouth. Take it slow and don’t push if they seem uncomfortable—if their mouth hurts, they might pull away, and you don’t want to accidentally hurt them or get bitten. Look for things like wobbly, broken, or oddly angled teeth. If you spot something off, it’s best to get your vet involved so your pup doesn’t end up in pain or with an infection.
3 – Clear Signs Your Dog Is in Pain
You might notice your dog avoiding biting down during play, pulling away from activities, showing uncomfortable body language, or even yelping. Dogs are naturally resilient and often push through discomfort, so if your dog does vocalize, it’s usually a sign that something needs attention. Other warning signs include spotting blood, excessive drooling, or a sudden loss of appetite after chewing or playing.
4 – Bad Breath Warning
Persistent foul odor from your dog’s mouth is a common sign of dental issues or infections. Along with bad breath, watch for symptoms like increased drooling, tartar buildup, trouble chewing, chipped or loose teeth, and swollen gums. While it might just mean your dog needs a dental cleaning, it’s wise to consult a vet to prevent the problem from getting worse.
Tips for Safe Play and Avoiding Injuries
1) Use Tug Toys
Use tug toys made just for playing tug. Don’t use towels, clothes, or weak toys because they can tear and hurt your dog’s mouth.Choose a toy that is the right length and made of strong material. The toy should be long enough to keep your hands safe. If your dog bites the handles, try a toy with shorter handles or cut one handle off. This helps keep play safe and fun.
2) Use Gentle Play With Puppies and Older Dogs
When playing with puppies and older dogs, be careful not to use too much force. Puppies have developing teeth that are still fragile, while older dogs may have more sensitive teeth that aren’t as strong as they used to be.
3) Play side to side not up and down
When picturing two dogs playing tug, think of their movement as side to side and back and forth, rather than up and down. Avoid pulling or jerking their necks upward, as intense tugging in that direction can put strain on their neck and spine. Lifting a dog off the ground during play can also risk damaging their teeth, especially if their grip isn’t secure.
4) Set clear rules for the game
Establishing clear rules for the game helps prevent injuries and accidents and gives you control to pause or stop play if needed. You should always be the one to start and stop the game, and your dog must wait for permission before grabbing the toy—this simple rule can help avoid unexpected mishaps.
It’s also important to take turns letting your dog win. Play is a two-way street—just like dogs naturally do, where one chases, then the other chases; one fights, then the other fights. This back-and-forth builds your dog’s drive and confidence. Celebrate when your dog wins and jump right back into the fun!
5) Keep Your Dog’s Teeth and Gums Healthy
Regularly inspecting and cleaning your dog’s teeth and gums helps prevent and reduce bleeding. Establishing a consistent routine of brushing, along with providing chew toys, can keep plaque and tartar—common causes of bleeding gums—under control.
In addition, dental chews, toys, and crunchy foods like carrots and apples can naturally help remove buildup during daily activities. Dental care is often overlooked in dogs, but it’s much more important for their overall health than many realize!
6) Keep Your Dog Away from the Handle
First, ensure your dog steers clear of the handle for both their safety and yours—getting nipped is the last thing you want. If your dog keeps going for the handle, it might be because that part is easier to grab due to its larger size. Try bunching up the handle and presenting the part you want your dog to bite instead, then praise them and continue the game from there. Another great tip is to choose a tug toy with a shorter handle, which helps prevent this issue altogether.
7) Pick the Right Material
Since tugging involves a lot of friction, the material you choose for the tug toy matters a lot. For younger dogs or those new to tug, softer toys that are gentle on their teeth are best. Bigger dogs or experienced tuggers can handle tougher, more durable toys.
8) Let Your Dog Win!
It’s important to let your dog win occasionally. If they never get a chance to win, they might get frustrated or lose interest in the game. Keep it fun by letting your dog have some victories —it’ll keep them excited and eager to play again!
Dog dental care often gets ignored until bad breath, plaque buildup, or gum problems start to appear. While it might seem challenging, keeping your dog’s mouth clean and healthy doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here are 3 easy ways to help maintain your dog’s dental hygiene before issues arise:
1) Make brushing their teeth a habit.
It really works! Even though it can feel annoying or frustrating, brushing a few times a week—or every other week like I do—makes a big difference. Begin slowly; brushing for just 30 seconds is better than skipping it altogether. With time, it becomes easier for both you and your dog.
2) Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Just like people, dogs benefit from professional dental cleanings now and then. Vets can spot plaque buildup or early dental issues that might go unnoticed at home. Try to schedule a dental checkup at least once a year, especially if your dog tends to develop tartar or has bad breath.
3) Try dental sticks, chews, powders, or fresh fruits!
Not all dogs enjoy brushing, so dental chews are a great alternative to help keep their teeth clean. You can also offer natural treats like carrots and apples, which are gentle and effective. Another easy option is dental powders that mix into your dog’s food or water—these help reduce plaque and keep breath fresh without any hassle. Personally, I love using powders because they’re simple to add to Jasper’s meals with no mess!
How to stop dog gum bleeding after tug of war?
After playing tug-of-war, I noticed my dog’s gums were bleeding a little, and it really worried me. I gently looked inside his mouth to see if anything was stuck or if he had hurt his gums. Then I rinsed the area with cool water and pressed a clean cloth on it to help stop the bleeding.I kept him calm and didn’t let him eat or chew anything for a bit so it could heal. If the bleeding doesn’t stop in about 10–15 minutes or happens again, it’s a good idea to call the vet. Sometimes it’s just a small scrape, but it can also point to a dental problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
If your dogs teeth bleeding after tug of war it’s probably just because they were playing really hard. A few spots of blood aren’t usually a big deal, especially if you keep up with their dental care. Most of the time, it’s just from the friction or rubbing during the game. As pet owners, we usually can tell when something feels off or more serious.
But if you’re unsure or think it might be more than just a small scrape, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet to be safe.
