P1 / PET POISON

Protecting Pets from Poisons 

in the Garden

P2 / PREVENTIVE HEALTH

Spaying and Neutering 

P3 / PET BEHAVIOR

Service Animals

P4 / PET SAFETY

Petting Zoo Precautions

Veterinary

2017 SPRING EDITION News about Animal Health, Food Safety, and One Health.

Army Public Health Center

>> CONT. ON PAGE TWO

The spring thaw has begun, and many people will begin planting their 

gardens. Whether it is a vegetable garden with the promise of fresh 

produce or an aromatic bird and butterfly-enticing flower garden, know 

that some plants, bushes, and trees and their fruits are harmful to your 

pets. With careful planning and by picking the right plants, every Family 

member can enjoy the bounty of fresh berries and fruits or the vegetable 

garden.

Toxic Vegetables 

• Potatoes: Green potatoes and the leaves and stems are toxic to dogs 

and cats. These parts contain solanine and alkaloids that when eaten 

in large quantities can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, 

confusion, and slowed heart rate. Cooked potatoes are safe to eat.

• Onions, Garlic, and Leeks: These plants contain the toxin 

N-propyl disulfide, which can lead to a breakdown of red blood cells in 

dogs and cats. The destruction of red blood cells can lead to vomiting, 

blood in the urine and stool, weakness, and tachycardia (elevated 

heart rate), and if not treated can cause death. Cats are more sensitive 

to these plant toxins than dogs. The small quantities of garlic found in 

dog treats are usually safe for dogs.

• Rhubarb: The leaves of this plant are toxic, but the stalks are not. The 

toxins found concentrated in the leaves are soluble calcium oxalate 

crystals and oxalic acid. The leaves are bitter, which usually deters pets 

from eating them. If a cat or dog ingests a sufficient amount of the 

leaves, symptoms may include tremors, hyper-salivation (excessive 

drooling), kidney failure, and coma.

• Mushrooms: All varieties may cause dogs to get sick. Dogs will suffer 

from stomach pains, gas, diarrhea, hyper-salivation, and vomiting. 

There may be permanent changes to the liver and kidneys. 

• Broccoli: The plant and vegetable portion we eat has been reported 

to cause illness in dogs, and in rare cases, cats. The toxins are 

isothiocyanate, which is a gastrointestinal irritant, and oxalic acid, 

which interferes with calcium absorption. In small amounts, broccoli is 

safe for your pet to eat.

Protecting Pets 

from Poisons in the Garden
P2

>> CONT. FROM PAGE ONE

Toxic Fruits

In most cases, the fleshy pulp of the fruit is safe for pets to eat in small quantities. However, some fruits should not be fed to your pets:

• Grapes, Raisins, and Currants: These fruits are toxic to dogs, and there is some evidence that cats and ferrets may also become ill upon ingestion of 

grapes, raisins and currants. These can, even in small doses, cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, excessive drinking or urinating, and possibly acute 

kidney failure if left untreated. The toxicity is NOT dose-dependent, meaning even small doses can lead to toxicity in some animals. 

• Cherries and Apricots: The seeds, leaves, and stems (all parts except the fleshy pulp) of these two fruits contain cyanide. When eaten in sufficient 

quantities, your pet will experience dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, bright red gums, shock, and even death if the pet is not treated immediately.

• Fruit Pits and Seeds: Apple seeds, cherry and apricot pits, peach pits, and plum pits are poisonous to dogs. They contain cyanide and if eaten in 

large enough doses will cause breathing difficulties, bright red gums, shock, and possibly death. They may also cause obstruction of the bowel and 

gastric upset if eaten in a smaller, non-toxic dose.

• Tomatoes: The leaves and stems are toxic to dogs and cats. Ripe tomatoes are safe to eat raw or cooked.

After selecting the right plants for your garden, be wary of a few other hidden dangers when planting: 

• Compost piles: If you wish to create and use your own environmentally friendly fertilizer, remember to secure the compost in a closed container/

bin. Your pet may ingest the partially moldy and/or rotten food leading to stomach upset and other serious health problems. 

• Bone meal: An all-natural additive used to enrich soils, this product can be an attractive snack for dogs. Ingestion of sufficient quantities can cause 

vomiting, gastric upset, gastrointestinal obstruction, and in some cases, pancreatitis. Keep pets away from the area when applying the meal. 

Remember to turn the soil so the meal is sufficiently mixed into the soil to decrease its attraction to dogs.

• Cocoa Bean Mulch: Popular for its color and smell, this mulch also contains the same toxins as chocolate: theobromine and caffeine. Dogs are 

attracted by the smell, but if eaten in sufficient quantities, it has the same toxic effects as eating chocolate. Depending on the amount ingested, the 

clinical signs may include vomiting, diarrhea, and tachycardia (rapid heart rate). If left untreated, or if large quantities of this mulch are eaten, the 

signs may progress to hyperactivity, muscle tremors, and possibly seizures and death.

This is by no means a complete listing of toxic garden plants. There are many resources available to assist you in planning a spring garden. If you 

believe your dog or cat is sick from ingesting one of these plants, contact your veterinarian immediately or contact the Pet Poison Helpline® at: 

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com. [Use of trademarked name(s) does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Army but is intended only to assist in 

identification of a specific product.]

Protecting Pets from Poisons in the Garden

Spaying and Neutering Saves Lives

Spaying (females) or neutering (males) your dog is an important step 

towards preventing pet overpopulation—doing so can save lives! 

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to 

Animals (ASPCA®), approximately 3.9 million dogs enter animal shelters; 

1.2 million of these dogs are euthanized each year. Because dogs are able 

to have multiple litters per year and many pups per litter, their population 

can grow at an exponential rate. Spaying and neutering are crucial 

steps to keeping dogs out of shelters. There are also many medical and 

behavioral benefits to spaying and neutering your dog.

Additional Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

In addition to preventing unwanted litters, there are a number of health 

and behavioral benefits to spaying or neutering your dog. 

» Female dogs will live longer and healthier lives. 

Spaying your dog can prevent several disorders of 

the female reproductive system. 

• Spaying can prevent pyometra, an 

infection of the uterus that generally 

occurs in female dogs 3 years or 

older that have had multiple 

heat cycles. This infection of 

the uterus is life-threatening 

and requires emergency 

surgery.

• Reduces the risk of mammary gland and reproductive system 

cancers. 

• Eliminates the heat cycle (estrus).

• May decrease roaming and escape behaviors.

» Neutering your male dog eliminates testicular cancer and prevents 

some prostate problems. 

• Neutering before or shortly after puberty can result in fewer 

stereotypical male activities such as urine marking, unwanted sexual 

behaviors (mounting), and territorial aggression. 

• Reduces roaming and escape tendencies, which may lead to being 

hit by a car or fighting with other dogs. Some dominance-related 

behaviors may be significantly reduced.

When is the Ideal Time to Spay or Neuter Your Dog?

Many veterinarians will spay and neuter dogs as young as 8 weeks. The 

procedure should be considered before female dogs experience their first 

heat cycle. In some breeds, there may be health benefits to waiting until 

your dog has reached 1 year of age before spaying or neutering. 

Talk to your veterinarian about when it is best to spay or 

neuter your dog. They will help you make the decision 

that’s best for you and your pet! 

The Ideal Time to Spay and Neuter Your Dog

> Content contributed by MAJ Marc Knobbe, DVM, 

MPH, DACT, 98th Civil Affairs BN

> Content contributed by Joseph G. Williamson, VMD, MPH, DACVPM, Veterinary Services and Public Health Sanitation Directorate, Army Public Health Center
P3

SERVICE 

DOGS

EMOTIONAL 

SUPPORT ANIMALS (ESAs)

THERAPY 

ANIMALS

Assist a disabled individual with major life 

tasks.

Primary role is to provide psychological and 

emotional comfort. 

Provide affection and comfort to people. 

What tasks do they perform?

Work as part of a team to complete tasks 

such as ring a doorbell or navigating 

through a doorway.

Provide companionship and unconditional 

affection.

Assist with recovery, provide comfort, 

alleviate suffering, and lift spirits. 

Where can these animals legally go?

They are legally allowed in any place the 

public is welcomed, such as planes, housing, 

businesses, hotels, etc., at no additional cost. 

On airplanes, in housing, and in educational 

institutions. They have no legal right to go in 

other places.

Special permission must be requested, 

unless the facility is pet-friendly. They have 

no legal right to go in other places.

May I ask questions to confirm that the service animal is legitimate?

No, it is against the law. You may only ask 

two questions: (1) Is the dog a service animal 

required because of a disability? 

(2)What task is the dog trained to perform?

There is no law against asking. There is no law against asking. Certain 

public places that aren’t pet friendly, such as 

hospitals and libraries, may allow access. 

Is special identification required?

No. They are not required to wear a special 

vest or badge. 

No. There is no official certification agency 

or registry. 

No. Depends on the requirements of the 

facility they are visiting. 

What type of animals are allowed?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

only recognizes dogs and in some cases 

miniature horses. 

All domesticated animals can serve as 

an ESA, such as: dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, 

pocket pets, and miniature pigs. 

Typically a dog, but other animals may be 

used. 

Can I pet them?

No. Petting or distracting these dogs can 

interfere with their ability to work and may 

pose a threat to their handler.

No. Petting may distract the ESA. It depends on the circumstances. Always ask 

the handler first. 

Have they received specialized training?

Yes. They have received training to perform 

specific tasks for their disabled handler.

No specific training is required. However, they 

should be well-behaved. 

No specific training is required. They should be 

screened for temperament and be obediencetrained. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: Frequently Asked Questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act: https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html

Differences between Service Dogs, Emotional 

Support Animals, and Therapy Animals. 

> Content contributed by Michelle Willis, 

RVT, USAPHC-SE Vicenza Italy
Comments or questions regarding content can be 

directed to ARMY-VSPublications@mail.mil

Locate your local Veterinary 

Treatment Facility at 

https://tiny.army.mil/r/JG66r/VTFs

Goal of publication:

• Veterinary Connections is a quarterly publication written by Army Veterinary Services personnel and published by the Army Public 

Health Center to inform and educate Service members, beneficiaries, and retirees about Animal Health, Food Safety, and One Health.

• One Health refers to the intersection and overlap between animals, humans, and the environment. 

• Army Veterinary Services personnel serve around the world supporting the Department of Defense as proponents for Animal Health 

and Food Protection.

Approved for public release, distribution unlimited. TA-349-0317 APHC Veterinary Services

Veterinary

http://phc.amedd.army.mil

1-800-222-9698

Petting zoos are great experiences for 

people of all ages and walks of life. They’re 

a fun way to get up close and personal with 

life on the farm, but certain precautions 

must be taken if the experience is to be a 

safe one. Following these safety measures 

will help keep you and your family safe! 

Animals at petting zoos can make you sick. 

Sometimes an animal can bite, kick, step on 

toes, push or move into you, and trap you 

againist fences and buildings.

Reduce Your Risk

1. Always supervise children! Watch your 

children, and remove them from the 

zoo if you are uncomfortable with the 

way an animal is behaving towards 

you or your child. Immediately notify 

the staff of your concerns to protect 

others.

2. WASH YOUR HANDS!!! Everyone who 

comes into contact with an animal 

must thoroughly wash their hands 

afterwards, before they eat, drink, or 

place their hands in their mouths. 

3. Do not take toys, food or other 

important items into the petting zoo, 

because they may get dirty. 

4. Do not prepare foods, serve foods, eat, 

or drink anything while visiting the 

petting zoo.

5. Wash all shoes and clothes after 

visiting the petting zoo. If there are 

hand and shoe-washing stations at 

entrances and exits, use them. 

6. Only attend if you are up to date on 

all of your vaccinations and are feeling 

healthy. If you are on medication that 

causes your immune system to be 

weaker or you are not feeling well, 

stay home. 

7. Report all injuries to employees at 

the petting zoo and promptly seek 

medical care. Thoroughly wash all 

bites and scratches with soap and 

water immediately after injury.

8. Take special care and precautions 

when taking children under 5 years, 

pregnant women, the elderly, and 

immunocompromised individuals to 

petting zoos.

Petting Zoo Precautions

> Content contributed by CPT James S. Corrigan, 

DVM, NAS Pensacola Veterinary Services