Dogs are man’s best friend, as the saying goes. And if you have a dog, you’ll know that this couldn’t be more true.

Dogs are pretty amazing creatures when you think about it. Experts are still discovering all of the ways that dogs interact with humans, and make our world a better place. They can identify their owners by scent alone, whether they’ve just gotten out of the shower or have been sweating profusely all day. Many experts believe that dogs can laugh, although it looks much like panting and humans can’t tell the difference. Dogs have been known to sniff out cancers of the lung and skin, and it’s likely that they can detect emotions in others through their sense of smell, too.

Your own dog is definitely the best of all dogs, although you don’t need anyone to tell you that! If you’re like most pet owners, you’d do anything for your dog. From buying Fluffy’s favorite flavor of treats to letting him curl up in your bed on cold winter nights, it’s all the little things that matter the most.

One thing many pet owners forget about is the importance of pet healthcare, specifically in regards to dental care for dogs. Many pets aren’t big fans of having their humans brush their teeth, even when the “toothpaste” does taste like chicken. Although dental care for your dog might not be considered a “treat,” it’s still important. Paying attention to your dog’s dental health is just one way of keeping him happy and healthy.

If you just can’t seem to get much done with a dog toothbrush, here are a few other tips on dental care for dogs:
Treats: There are many kinds of chewy treats that are formulated specifically to clean your dog’s teeth. Keep in mind that most of these treats are made for different sizes of dogs. Even if your tiny chihuahua can scarf down a dental chew in two minutes flat, you don’t want to give him a bigger dental chew made for 50 lb. dogs.

Toys: Some chew toys can be great for dog dental care. Chewing on a rope or a leather toy, for example, can help clean away plaque. Other rubber toys are designed specifically to help clean teeth. These may not be as good as brushing, but they’re definitely helpful in between brushes.

The Vet: Vet clinics typically offer cat and dog dental care services in the form of a good teeth cleaning. This is one of the easiest ways to make sure that your pup gets his teeth cleaned just like you do. These dog clinics typically anesthetize the animals before the procedure, but this is only so Fluffy doesn’t get too nervous or scared. It’s a simple and painless process, and it’s easily the most effective strategy for cleaning a pet’s teeth.

Caring for your pet is something that you, and only you, can do better than anyone else. Dog dental care might not seem like a top priority at first, but it’s something that really does matter.