Adopt A Tooth

Did you know that February is national pet dental health month? We might make jokes about dragon breath in our dogs or cats, but bad breath actually can be a sign of dental disease. Veterinarians estimate that 80 percent of adult pets suffer from dental disease, which can lead to heart, kidney, intestinal and even joint problems. This is because bacteria that start in the mouth can travel and wreak havoc in other parts of the body.

So get out an animal-friendly toothbrush and tooth paste, please, and get busy brushing your pet's teeth. (Don't use people toothpaste, by the way. It's not made for animals.) Initiate the brushing slowly and gradually, one or two teeth at a time, to help your pet become acclimated to brushing. Specially flavored toothpaste that appeals to pets will help with the process. And don't forget to schedule your pet for teeth cleaning when it's required. If you think it's a chore to brush your pet's teeth, here's something positive to think about: at least you don't have to floss!

Here's something else to think about: Furkids operates the largest cage-free, no-kill shelter for cats in the southeast, along with a free-standing dog shelter, cares for more than 1,000 animals per year. Our animals, just like your pet, need dental care. Dogs have 48 teeth and cats have 30 teeth, so rough calculations show Furkids responsible for almost 32,000 individual animal teeth. That's a lot of brushing! And right now, 30 Furkids cats need teeth cleaning at a cost of nearly $300 per cleaning and multiple dogs. Donate now to adopt a few teeth or an entire mouth for $300!

Will you help us? You can adopt a Furkids tooth for a donation of just $10 to help us care for our animals' teeth. The best part is, you don't even have to lift a dog's lip or peer into a cat's mouth to help. Donate now: [add_to_cart item="010101" quantity="user:1" ]

Good dental health is an investment in preventive health care for your pet, just like healthful food, regular exercise, vaccines and visits to the vet. The added reward for you: no more wincing from doggie kisses or lip rubs from your cat.