A kitten who was very small for his age is now running around with two other cats, forming the cutest friendship. SchusterTails HighWhen Schuster the kitten arrived at Tails High, a volunteer-run rescue, he was half the size he should have been for his age.Over the following weeks, he showed little growth and was placed in the care of Ryen, an experienced fosterer. "He was always a happy boy with plenty of energy, but it was clear when he was transferred to me that something was off," Ryen told Love Meow.But Schuster never let his size stop him or dim his cheerful spirit. Tails High"He is the sweetest kitten you could possibly imagine. He just wants to cuddle, be held, and give kisses."After working closely with veterinarians, the team discovered that Schuster was born with hypothyroidism. "It's a rare condition in kittens where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormone to regulate metabolism," Tails High shared. "This can lead to slower growth, lower energy, and sometimes a 'forever kitten' appearance." Tails HighAt three and a half months old, Schuster was only the size of an eight-week-old kitten. Even so, he refused to let his stature define him. "The good news is that with the right medication, these kittens can thrive and live full, happy lives."As Schuster began treatment, he found encouragement and companionship in other foster kittens. Simon Says, an orange tabby who cannot use his back legs, immediately took him under his wing. Simon and SchusterTails HighWhen Penguin, a black-and-white kitten, joined the group. Simon and Schuster eagerly greeted her at her pen. Penguin was a bit shy at first, but soon found comfort in the presence of her confident new friends.While Schuster and Simon can't quite reach the counters, "Penguin graciously steps in, scaling the counters to knock down the treat container so everyone can enjoy." Simon, Schuster, and PenguinTails HighSchuster is finally growing and catching up in weight, while his energy and playfulness have multiplied. "He has always had a zest for life, and he loves cuddling with me and his foster siblings," Ryen added.He may be the smallest of the trio, but what he lacks in size, he more than makes up for in personality and mischief. The three buddiesTails HighSchuster races through the house alongside his foster siblings, always searching for adventure. Together, they fill the space with endless antics and the pitter-patter of happy feet. Schuster proves that a small body can hold a mighty personality.With encouragement from Simon and Schuster, Penguin has learned to be brave around people. Tails High"The three kittens have formed the cutest relationship and absolutely love each other."Schuster needed a little extra time before he was big enough for his neuter surgery. When he came home from the vet, Simon greeted him with gentle sniffs and reassuring purrs. Soon, all three were curled up together in their fluffy bed, happy, warm, and content. Tails HighSchuster has never let anything stop him from living life to the fullest. He takes his medication like a champ, embraces each day with enthusiasm, and works his hardest to grow big and strong."He is proof that with attentive fosters, great vets, and lots of love, we figure it out, and maybe being low to the ground makes it easier to rise to the occasion." Tails HighThe kittens came from different beginnings, but thanks to a second chance, they are thriving together and ready for their next chapter: their happily ever after.They continue to lift each other's spirits and melt the hearts of everyone they meet. Tails HighShare this story with your friends. More on the trio (they are looking for homes) and Tails High (in the DC area) on Instagram @tailshigh and Facebook. Thanks to Ryen @mintwood.fosters.Related story: Kittens Go from Huddling in a Corner to Bouncing Around When They Live as Indoor Cats for the First Time

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Your dog’s oral health directly impacts their overall wellbeing, yet 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease by age three. Poor dental hygiene leads to pain, tooth loss, and serious health complications. We at DogingtonPost know that selecting the right dental care dog treats makes a significant difference in preventing these problems. The right treats actively remove plaque while keeping your pet engaged and happy. Understanding Your Dog’s Dental Health Needs What Dental Problems Should You Watch For Yellow teeth, bad breath that clears the room, and red gums signal serious dental trouble in your dog’s mouth. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that most pets suffer from dental health problems, with periodontal disease affecting the majority of adult dogs. Watch for loose teeth, excessive drool, difficulty chewing, or pawing at the face. These symptoms indicate bacteria buildup that can spread to vital organs through the bloodstream and cause heart, liver, and kidney damage. How Dental Treats Fight Plaque and Tartar Dental treats work through mechanical action as your dog chews, with studies showing they can reduce plaque coverage by 30% to 40%. The textured surfaces scrub teeth clean while they promote saliva production, which naturally fights harmful bacteria. Products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council must meet specific standards to earn their seal. Daily tooth brushing remains the gold standard, but dental treats offer an effective alternative for dogs that resist brushing. Why Breed Size Matters for Dental Care Small breeds face higher dental risks due to crowded teeth in tiny mouths, which makes them prone to faster plaque accumulation and tooth loss. Large breed dogs need harder, bigger treats to effectively clean their 42 teeth, while toy breeds require smaller, softer options to prevent choking. Brachycephalic breeds (like bulldogs) struggle with breathing during chewing and require specially designed treats that clean efficiently without extended chew time. Match treat size to your dog’s mouth – treats should be large enough to prevent swallowing whole but small enough for comfortable chewing. The right dental treat depends on more than just your dog’s size. Specific features in these treats determine how effectively they clean teeth and support oral health. Key Features to Look for in Dental Dog Treats Texture Creates the Cleaning Power The texture of dental treats determines their cleaning effectiveness, with ridged and knobby surfaces providing superior plaque removal compared to smooth alternatives. Research shows that treats containing specific ingredients can efficiently decrease plaque and calculus accumulation in dogs. Hard treats scrape away stubborn plaque deposits, while softer options work better for senior dogs or those with sensitive teeth. Treats that crumble easily lose their mechanical cleaning action before your dog finishes chewing, making them ineffective for oral health. Size and Shape Selection Strategy Match treat size to your dog’s weight and jaw strength, not just their breed. A 20-pound dog needs treats roughly the size of their back molars to prevent gulping without chewing. Bone-shaped treats with textured ends clean back teeth effectively, while twisted or braided designs increase surface contact time during chewing. Dogs weighing under 25 pounds should receive treats no larger than 2 inches to prevent choking, while dogs over 50 pounds need treats at least 4 inches long for proper cleaning action. Active Ingredients That Fight Bacteria Polyphosphate coatings reduce tartar formation by 55% according to dental studies, making this ingredient a powerful tool for problem cases. Chlorophyll and parsley extract neutralize odor-causing bacteria, while enzymes like glucose oxidase break down biofilm formation on teeth. Natural fiber sources like sweet potato provide gentle abrasion, and calcium carbonate helps strengthen tooth enamel. Products with zinc compounds actively fight bacterial growth (though some dogs may experience stomach upset with high concentrations). What to Avoid in Dental Treats Skip treats with excessive sugars or artificial colors that feed harmful bacteria in your dog’s mouth. Products that dissolve quickly provide minimal cleaning benefit and waste your money. Treats harder than your dog’s teeth can cause fractures and expensive dental procedures. Rawhide products without proper processing may contain harmful bacteria that pose health risks. The Veterinary Oral Health Council sets strict standards for dental product approval, requiring products to reduce plaque by at least 10% or tartar by 20%. These approved products represent the most effective options available for maintaining your dog’s oral health. Which Dental Treats Actually Work VOHC-Approved Treats Deliver Proven Results Greenies Regular Chewy Dental Dog Treats earn the most widespread veterinary recommendations among VOHC-approved options, with their unique texture and shape that reduces both plaque and tartar buildup. Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Rawhide Chews feature a distinctive Z-shape that increases contact with tooth surfaces, which makes them 42% more effective than standard round treats. OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews contain delmopinol, which has shown a 42% reduction in plaque and 54% reduction in halitosis with daily use. These VOHC-approved products must demonstrate proven effectiveness in controlled studies, which makes them the most reliable choices for serious dental care. Natural Chews Versus Synthetic Options Natural dental chews like WHIMZEES use limited ingredients such as potato starch and glycerin, which makes them suitable for dogs with food sensitivities. However, synthetic options like Greenies contain precisely controlled abrasives and enzymes that natural products cannot match for effectiveness. Natural rawhide chews provide excellent mechanical action but carry contamination risks and digestive concerns that synthetic alternatives avoid. Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care treats use synthetic fibers that maintain their texture throughout the chew session, while natural alternatives often soften and lose their power. For maximum dental benefit, synthetic VOHC-approved treats outperform natural options (though natural chews work better for dogs with ingredient allergies). Size-Specific Product Recommendations Small dogs under 25 pounds need Greenies Petite or Virbac VeggieDent Extra Small to prevent choking while they provide adequate time for thorough teeth contact. Medium dogs between 25-50 pounds benefit from Greenies Regular or Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wild Bones, which offer the right balance of hardness and chew duration. Large breed dogs over 50 pounds require Greenies Large or Pedigree Dentastix Large, which provide sufficient challenge and action for powerful jaws. Giant breeds need extra-large options that prevent gulping while they last long enough to clean all 42 teeth effectively (these dogs can easily swallow smaller treats whole without any benefit). Final Thoughts Effective dental care dog treats require VOHC approval, proper size for your dog’s weight, and textured surfaces that provide mechanical action. Products with polyphosphate coatings and enzyme ingredients deliver superior plaque reduction compared to basic chews. Start new treats gradually with half portions for three days while you monitor for digestive upset or allergic reactions. Supervise initial sessions to verify your dog handles the size and hardness appropriately. Never switch multiple dental products at once (this prevents you from identifying which product causes any adverse reactions). Consistent daily use of quality treats reduces plaque by up to 40% and prevents costly veterinary dental procedures. Poor dental hygiene affects 80% of dogs by age three, but proactive care prevents pain and systemic health complications. Combined with regular brushing and professional cleanings, these treats maintain your dog’s oral health throughout their lifetime. We at DogingtonPost provide comprehensive guidance on responsible dog ownership that enhances your pet’s quality of life.

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