- 120+ shelter dogs supported: The initiative provides preventive dental products and professional adoption photography for adoptable dogs at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
- Dental care at adoption: Families adopting sponsored dogs receive lifetime post-adoption dental care support to establish daily oral health routines from day one.
- Focus on early prevention: Periodontal disease remains the most commonly diagnosed clinical condition in adult dogs, underscoring the need for proactive intervention.
- Health + visibility model: Combining oral health support with professional photography aims to improve comfort, adoptability, and long-term outcomes.
In recognition of National Pet Dental Health Awareness Month, Tartar Shield® has launched the “Second Smile” initiative in partnership with Second Shot and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay to provide preventive dental care and professional adoption photography for more than 120 shelter dogs.
Through the program, adoptable dogs at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay will receive preventive dental products during their shelter stay. Families who adopt a sponsored dog will also receive lifetime post-adoption dental care support designed to help establish consistent oral health routines from day one.
Periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed clinical condition in adult dogs, with most showing signs by age three. Without preventive care, plaque and tartar accumulation can progress to gingivitis, tooth loss, chronic oral pain, halitosis, and in advanced cases, systemic complications. In shelter environments, preventive dentistry is often limited as resources are prioritized for urgent medical needs.
Tartar Shield, founded in 2005, develops clinically evaluated at-home oral care solutions, including dental chews, toothpaste formulations, food toppers, and water additives. According to the company, several products have undergone testing under Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) protocols to support measurable plaque and tartar reduction.
In addition to oral health support, the initiative includes professional adoption photography through Second Shot. High-quality images are intended to increase online engagement and adoption inquiries, helping reduce length of stay and improve placement outcomes.
Leaders at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay noted that integrating preventive health measures with increased visibility can create meaningful impact for shelter animals entering new homes. The program positions preventive dentistry as a foundational element of canine wellness while connecting early intervention with adoption success.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
