Subtle clues your dog is having dental trouble.

There are subtle cues that your dog is having dental trouble:

1. Shyness. If your pet ducks when someone pets their head or neck, they are likely feeling sensitive.

2. Loss of appetite. If your pet  picks kibble out of her bowl and drops it on the floor, that’s the pet equivalent of pushing food around—and a sign that eating hurts.

3. Gums are more red than pink. As in humans, red, inflamed tissue means an infection is lurking.

4. Ignores chew toys. Gnawing on a toy is no fun when her gums ache.

5. Smelly breath. Pets should have sweet breath with no overwhelming scent. A stinky mouth is a sign of decay.