Some animals in our care need a little extra funding to get them healthy and ready for adoption! Consider sponsoring an animal below as they travel the path towards recovery and a life filled with less pain, lots of love and compassionate care.
Ongoing “Fund-A-Need” Cases:
Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats – Health problems found in association with periodontal disease include kidney, liver, and heart muscle changes. It starts with plaque that hardens into tartar. Tartar above the gumline can easily be removed, but plaque and tartar below the gumline is damaging and sets the stage for infection and damage to the tooth and jawbone. Animals who arrive in our shelter with dental disease often experience bad breath, missing or loose teeth, severe tartar, pain and discomfort, unable to eat a normal diet, usually have to be transitioned to a wet food only diet, sometimes their pain can even make them become aggressive.
Dental problems are common among dogs entering animal shelters. There are several reasons for this:
- Neglect: Dogs may come from homes where dental care was not prioritized, leading to plaque buildup, tartar accumulation, and eventually dental disease.
- Poor diet: Low-quality diets or inappropriate feeding habits can contribute to dental issues in dogs. For example, feeding only soft, canned food can lead to plaque formation more easily than feeding a diet that includes crunchy kibble or dental chews.
- Lack of dental care: Many pet owners may not realize the importance of dental care for their dogs or may not know how to properly care for their dog’s teeth. Regular brushing and dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining good oral health.
- Genetic factors: Some breeds are more prone to dental problems due to their genetics. For example, small breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers are more likely to develop dental issues than larger breeds.
- Age: Older dogs are more susceptible to dental problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss due to years of wear and tear on their teeth.
It’s important for animal shelters to provide dental care for dogs upon intake and throughout their stay. This may include dental cleanings, extractions if necessary, and educating adopters about the importance of dental hygiene for their new pet.
