In the eyes of our dogs (and our wallets), treats may sound like the more appealing option as opposed to a vet visit — however, those visits are vital to ensure that your pet is staying healthy. So when is it time to make the call and get professional care for your best friend? Here are some key signs that something else is going on besides the basic need for daily dental hygiene:

Rancid Breath

Let’s be real, “dog breath” isn’t the most pleasant smell on the planet. However, it should at least be tolerable. If you find yourself consistently cringing over the stench of your dog’s breath, it’s time to hop in the car and get it checked out. Foul-smelling breath can be a sign of bacterial infection and buildup, two symptoms that are often linked with periodontal disease. While dental treats can help mask the smell temporarily, they don’t erase the problem at hand.

Irritated Gums

Take a look at your dog’s gums. If they’re pale pink, you’re in the clear. If they’re red, swollen, inflamed, or if they bleed very easily after chewing or being touched, it’s a sign to check in with a vet and examine further. These symptoms all tend to be warning signs of gingivitis, which is the early phase of periodontal disease. These symptoms also suggest your dog is experiencing mouth pain.

Tooth Troubles

If your dog has teeth that appear missing, fractured, chipped, or wobbly, it’s a tell-tale sign of dental disease or trauma. Get these checked out by your local vet as they are very painful for your pup and can lead to further infection. The sooner they get a professional examination on this, the better.

Changes in Eating Habits

Pay attention to see if there is a shift in the way your dog eats. Indicators that it’s time to get professional dental care include your dog struggling to chew, refusing to eat as a result of eating being too painful, excessive drooling/drooling blood, pawing at their mouth or rubbing their face on furniture in an attempt to relieve mouth pain, and weight loss due to eating being too painful.

Visible Buildup

Plaque and tartar buildup are dental red flags to look out for. Plaque is a sticky and soft film that forms onto teeth and is usually hard to see due to being clear. When this goes unchecked, it hardens into tartar. These are yellow and/or brown bits near the dog’s gum line. Tartar doesn’t just affect teeth; if they go unchecked, they can lead to infections that damage other body parts such as the heart, liver, or kidneys. Plaque and tartar cannot be removed solely by dental chews and buildup is a sign that it’s time to seek professional cleaning.

But what can you as an owner do to help? In between sessions, you can help maintain your dog’s healthy smile by keeping dental treats on deck. These will help prevent plaque and tartar formation and give them a tasty snack — a win-win for everybody.