The best dental care products for dogs

We researched and compared dozens of products to find the best dog food brands and formulas for all life stages. These dog foods have nutritional profiles and ingredients that are appropriate for the unique needs of different dogs, including puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with food sensitivities.

Whether you are looking for a bite-sized indulgence or a healthy treat for training your dog, our top picks for dog treats will please your pup. These are the best dog treats you can buy.

Nail clippers for dogs come in several different forms. Some are better for small dogs while others work for larger breeds. Because there are so many options to choose from, we did the research to find the best nail clippers you can buy.

There are many flea control and protection products that are specifically designed to protect your dog against these pests. We've done the research to bring you our top picks for the best flea treatments for dogs that do not require a prescription.

Dewormers for dogs come in several forms including tablets, granules, powders, and liquids, so talk to your veterinarian about the option that is best for your dog. Once you know what kind of dewormer you need, take a look at our top picks for the best non-prescription dewormer for dogs.

Dog shampoos are formulated to be gentle on your dog's sensitive skin, and they are generally free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. There is an array of options out there, but some dog shampoos are simply better than others.

here are countless over-the-counter (OTC) medicated dog shampoos on the market, but we've done the research to determine the best nonprescription medicated shampoos for dogs.

The best harness for your dog is the one that makes walks and other adventures easy while keeping them comfortable, secure, and pain-free. We've narrowed down a crowded field of more than two dozen options to find the six best harnesses for dogs of different sizes, needs, and abilities.

While there are plenty of science-based techniques to teach a dog to walk on a loose leash, sometimes the best solution to a dog that pulls is a no-pull harness that will do the bulk of the work for you. A good no-pull harness can make walks more enjoyable without causing your dog discomfort or pain.

The best dog collars are durable, comfortable for everyday wear, and won't lose their looks over time. We spoke to veterinarians to find out what kinds of collars are best for dogs and tested and researched popular brands.

Bringing a new puppy home is an important moment, so make it memorable and stock up on the right gear before it arrives. From a training collar to a bed and chew toy, here are the best items to buy to welcome your new dog.

A few key supplies will make a world of difference in getting your puppy quickly potty-trained. In this buying guide to puppy potty-training gear, a certified professional dog trainer breaks down the crates, barriers, pet stain removers, indoor toilets, and treats that I've found most successful over the years.

Dog muzzles serve a variety of purposes, from preventing biting during training and grooming to discouraging your dog from scavenging on walks. After consulting experts and doing extensive research, we narrowed down the best muzzles for different types of dogs and their needs.

Whether your dog has short or long fur, a slender or thick build, a warm, water-resistant dog coat is a winter necessity to keep them comfortable and protected during daily walks and outdoor play. These are the best snow jackets for dogs you can buy.

In addition to keeping your dog warm and dry, raincoats increase your dog's visibility, protect their coat, and give them a boost of security if they're nervous about getting wet. These are the best raincoats for dogs you can buy.

A dental chew is different from a regular dog treat because it is designed to break up plaque and tartar buildup on your dog's teeth while they chew. Our top pick for the best dog dental chew is Whimzees Variety Pack Dental Dog Treats because our test pup loved the flavor and variety, while we liked the quality and the affordable price.

Made with potato starch for flexibility, Whimzees Natural Grain-Free Dental Chews are completely natural and free from gluten, grains, and fillers. They come in a wide variety of unique shapes and several different sizes so you can choose the one your dog likes best. These chews are safe for daily use and designed to clean and polish a dog's teeth while also preventing plaque and tartar buildup.

Pros: All-natural ingredients, gluten-free and grain-free, highly digestible for dogs, available in a variety of shapes and sizes, safe for daily use, cleans and polishes teeth, prevents plaque and tartar buildup, freshens breath

Cons: May harden if storage container isn't sealed properly, some sizes may be too large for toy dogs or very small puppies

Dog dental gels are a little thicker than sprays, which means that they remain on the surface of the teeth a little bit longer. Though brushing is not required with a dental gel, it may help to speed up the results. Our top pick for the best dog dental gel is TropiClean Fresh Breath Clean Teeth Gel.

If your dog won't let you brush their teeth or if you're simply looking for a way to further boost their dental hygiene, a dog tooth-cleaning gel might be a good option. Our test puppy responded well to the use of a toothbrush and dog toothpaste, but we found that adding this dental gel kept his breath fresh for longer than toothpaste alone.

Safe for dogs of all ages, TropiClean Fresh Breath Clean Teeth Gel works quickly to reduce plaque buildup while also freshening your dog's breath. Simply apply it once in the evening and withhold food and water for about 30 minutes. As your dog licks their lips, the gel blends with saliva to start breaking down plaque and tartar. Without brushing, your dog may need daily treatment for 30 days after which you can maintain your results with twice-weekly applications.

Pros: Fights plaque and tartar buildup, freshens breath quickly, can be used alone or in combination with brushing, helps maintain healthy gums

Cons: Some dogs dislike the mint flavor, caution required when applying the gel with fingers, may not work as quickly as brushing to remove plaque and tartar

If you don't desensitize your dog to teeth-brushing when they are young, you may have trouble trying to brush their teeth when they get older. Some dogs simply do not like having their mouth touched, but this doesn't mean you can neglect your dog's dental health.

Using a water additive can help kill off plaque-causing bacteria both in your dog's bowl and in their mouth. Our top pick for the best dog water additive is Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Water Additive. My test dog didn't seem to mind the taste of the additive, and it helped with my cat's oral hygiene as well since they share a bowl.

Though it may not be as effective as regular brushing, Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Water Additive can help prevent tartar buildup between dental cleanings. It is specially designed to freshen breath and reduce plaque and tartar buildup by altering the pH of a dog's saliva. Simply add one tablespoon to 32 ounces of water and let your dog drink normally.

Pros: Easy to use, freshens breath, reduces plaque and tartar buildup, safe for dogs of all ages and breeds, kills plaque-causing bacteria in the bowl and mouth

Cons: Some dogs dislike the flavor, ingredients may affect dogs that suffer from allergies, not as effective as brushing or regular cleaning

To keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy, we recommend brushing after every meal with Virbac's C.E.T. Dual-Ended Toothbrush. In our testing, we found that the small head was ideal for our test puppy and the bristles were very soft. These toothbrushes are surprisingly inexpensive, too.

Each brush measures 8 7/8 inches long so you can reach all the way to the back of your dog's mouth, and there are two different-size brush heads. These brushes feature ultra-soft bristles so they won't irritate your dog's gums and the angled heads make it possible to clean those hard-to-reach surfaces where plaque tends to accumulate.

Pros: Double-ended design features large and small brush, angled heads to brush hard-to-reach places, extra soft bristles don't irritate gums, very inexpensive

Cons: Double-ended design makes the grip a little awkward, bristles may fall out with frequent use, handle may be too long for very small dogs

When choosing a toothpaste for your dog, you'll want to select one that gets the job done but is also appealing to your dog. Our top pick for the best dog toothpaste is Sentry Petrodex Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste.

In testing, we liked how well it cleaned our puppy's teeth, and he enjoyed the flavor. Never use toothpaste intended for humans on your pup's teeth because it may contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs.

Sentry Petrodex Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste supports all aspects of your dog's dental health. In addition to cleaning teeth and freshening breath, it helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup for long-term oral health. This toothpaste is made in the US from high-quality ingredients in a nonfoaming, poultry-flavored formula.

Pros: Specially formulated for dogs, cleans teeth and freshens breath, prevents plaque buildup, nonfoaming formula means no rinsing

Cons: Not appropriate for dogs that are sensitive to poultry