Tartar Shield Launches “Second Smile” Initiative Integrating Preventive Dental Care Into Shelter Adoptions for 120+ Dogs in Recognition of National Pet Dental Health Awareness Month

Partnering with Second Shot and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay to Combine Preventive Oral Care and Professional Adoption Photography

NOBLESVILLE, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than 120 adoptable shelter dogs at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay will receive preventive dental care and professional adoption photography as part of a new partnership designed to improve both immediate comfort and adoption outcomes.

Announced in recognition of National Pet Dental Health Awareness Month, the “Second Smile” initiative underscores the importance of consistent, year-round preventive dental care. The program will provide preventive dental care products and sponsor professional adoption headshots for surrendered dogs seeking new homes.

Families who adopt a sponsored dog will also receive exclusive lifetime post-adoption dental care support from Tartar Shield, helping establish consistent oral health routines from day one.

The initiative reflects a growing consensus within veterinary medicine: preventive dentistry is most effective when introduced early and maintained consistently. By integrating oral care at the point of adoption, the program aims to improve immediate comfort while supporting healthier long-term outcomes for dogs entering new homes.

Why This Matters: Oral Disease Is Common and Often Overlooked

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, persistent halitosis, and in advanced cases, systemic complications affecting major organs.

For shelter and surrendered dogs, preventive dental care is often limited as resources focus on urgent medical needs. Yet oral health significantly impacts comfort, adoptability, and long-term veterinary costs.

“Preventive dentistry should not begin after disease is established,” said Lisa Hoover, President at Tartar Shield. “Adoption represents a critical intervention point. When families start daily oral care from day one, the long-term impact on health, comfort, and veterinary outcomes can be substantial.”

Science-Driven Prevention Made Accessible

Founded in 2005 and built on decades of dental research, Tartar Shield develops clinically evaluated, at-home oral care solutions designed to help reduce plaque and tartar accumulation while supporting healthier gums and fresher breath. The company has long advocated for earlier intervention in companion animal oral health, emphasizing prevention over reactive treatment.

The company’s comprehensive product lineup includes patented Soft Rawhide Chews, dental treats, advanced toothpaste formulations, tartar control food toppers, and water additives. Several products have undergone clinical testing conducted under established Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) protocols, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to measurable, prevention-focused care.

By offering multiple convenient formats, Tartar Shield directly addresses one of the most persistent challenges in companion animal dentistry: achieving consistent daily compliance with oral hygiene routines.

Through the “Second Smile” initiative, participating dogs will receive preventive dental support during their time at the shelter and as they transition into adoptive homes. The lifetime post-adoption benefits provided to families are designed to reinforce continuity of care and establish sustainable preventive habits.

Visibility Drives Adoption Outcomes

In addition to health support, Tartar Shield is sponsoring professional adoption photography through Second Shot. High-quality photography has been shown to increase online engagement and adoption inquiries, helping reduce length of stay in shelters.

“A powerful photo can completely change a dog’s trajectory,” said Adam Goldberg, Founder at Second Shot. “When a dog looks healthy, confident, and seen, families respond. Pairing visibility with proactive health support strengthens adoption success.”

By ensuring that dogs both feel better and present at their best, the initiative connects wellness and visibility to support sustainable placement outcomes.

A Community Partnership with Measurable Impact

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay serves thousands of animals each year through adoption, veterinary care, and community outreach programs.

“Preventive health plays an important role in successful adoptions,” said Regan Blessinger, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. “Support that helps us address oral health while increasing visibility for our dogs creates meaningful and lasting impact.”

A Model for Healthier Second Chances

The “Second Smile” initiative underscores a simple but powerful principle: preventive care and adoption success are interconnected. By combining clinically evaluated oral care solutions with professional visibility and long-term adopter support, Tartar Shield and its partners are advancing a scalable model that integrates preventive health into the adoption process itself, supporting both immediate welfare and sustained health.

As National Pet Dental Health Awareness Month draws attention to the importance of oral hygiene, the program highlights how early intervention and consistent daily routines can help ensure a healthier, more successful second chance.

For more information about Tartar Shield and the “Second Smile” initiative, visit https://tartarshield.com.

About Tartar Shield

Founded in 2005, Tartar Shield develops clinically evaluated, easy-to-use preventive oral care solutions for dogs. Its science-driven product lineup is designed to help reduce plaque and tartar accumulation while supporting healthier gums and fresher breath through convenient daily routines.

About Second Shot

Second Shot increases adoption outcomes through professional photography, storytelling, and community engagement initiatives. Learn more at https://secondshotpet.com.

About the Humane Society of Tampa Bay

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is a nonprofit animal welfare organization providing shelter, adoption services, veterinary care, and community programs to support animals and families throughout the Tampa Bay region.