P1 / PET BEHAVIOR

Bringing Home a Puppy 

or Kitten

P2 / TOXICOLOGY

Think Before You Share 

with Your Pet

P3 / ZOONOTIC DISEASE

Toxoplasmosis and 

Pregnancy 

P4 / FOOD SAFETY

Fruits, Vegetables, and 

Salmonella 

News about Animal Health, Food Safety, and One Health

Army Public Health Center

Veterinary

FALL EDITION

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distribution unlimited.

A new member of the family has recently joined your home, either 

barking or meowing their way into your heart. New pet owners may 

be unsure of what steps to take to make sure their new puppy or kitten 

receives the right medical care, training, and diet.

Take puppies and kittens to a veterinarian soon after arriving to their 

new home. The veterinarian can examine them and make sure they 

don’t have any existing medical conditions or signs of 

illness. They should be microchipped if they 

are not already. A microchip is about 

the size of a grain of rice and 

is placed just underneath the 

skin. It will help identify your 

pet in case they are ever lost or 

stolen. Microchips are required 

for overseas travel and are 

mandatory for most installation 

housing.

All puppies and kittens should 

receive a booster series of 

vaccinations, typically given every 

3 to 4 weeks beginning at 6 to 8 

weeks of age. These vaccines protect 

against deadly illnesses such as 

parvovirus and distemper in puppies 

and calicivirus and panleukopenia 

in kittens. All pets should receive 

their rabies vaccine between 12 and 

16 weeks of age (depending upon 

state laws). Other optional vaccines 

are available based on your pet’s 

lifestyle (Leptospira, Lyme, canine 

influenza). Flea and tick, and heartworm preventatives can also be 

started during these appointments, and 

your pet may also be given a dewormer.

Your veterinarian may discuss an appropriate diet for your new pet. 

Make sure they are being fed a diet labeled for puppies or kittens as 

these foods are higher in protein than adult diets. If you have a large or 

giant breed puppy (such as Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Great Pyrenees, 

etc.) make sure to get a puppy food specifically designed for large and 

giant breeds. 

Socialization of puppies and kittens is very important, but 

do not take them to public places such as pet stores or 

dog parks until vaccines have been completed. Invite 

people to your home while your pet is still young 

(they are most open to new experiences prior 

to 14 weeks of age) so they become used to the 

new interactions. Turn on vacuum cleaners, have 

them play with children (under close supervision), 

and begin brushing their teeth and trimming their 

nails. This way, once they are adults, these things 

will be part of their normal routine and will not stress 

them out. Start puppies in obedience classes if they are 

available. Puppies will also need to be kennel trained and 

house trained, and kittens will need to be litterbox trained 

(although this is typically much easier than house training 

for puppies!).

Keep your home safe for your new pet and “pet proof” 

your house. Keep human medications, toxic foods 

(such as garlic, onions, chocolate, sugar-free 

gum, greasy and fatty foods), electrical cords, 

and small items such as hair ties, string, coins, 

etc., away from your pets. They are curious 

and may try to eat these items. Make 

sure your pet has safe and appropriate 

toys available to keep them busy, 

especially while you are away.

> Content contributed by CPT Crystal Doyle, DVM, USAG Humphreys, South Korea

>> CONT. ON PAGE TWO

Bringing Home a Puppy or Kitten

2018
P2

Nothing says ‘I Love You’ to your dog like a bite of 

your dinner. And while most foods are fine in small 

amounts as a treat for our pets, there are a few that 

can actually be quite harmful. 

Chocolate

Everyone knows chocolate is bad for dogs and cats. However, the type 

of chocolate, the amount consumed and the weight of your pet all 

affect the severity and seriousness of the emergency. Theobromine is 

the compound in chocolate that makes it dangerous for your dog or 

cat. Baker’s chocolate and cocoa powder contain the highest levels 

of theobromine; as such, they are more toxic than milk chocolate and 

white chocolate. No type or amount of chocolate should be considered 

safe. Chocolate ingestion often results in vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, 

seizures, and death. 

Grapes & Raisins

Grapes and raisins are just the right size for sharing bites 

with our furry friends but DO NOT. Ingestion of these 

foods can result in kidney failure which is difficult and 

expensive to treat. 

Onions, Garlic, & Chives 

Onions, garlic, and chives make for some truly 

delicious entrees. When ingested by your pets, 

mild toxicity may cause nausea, abdominal 

discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

However, more severe toxicity can 

also cause damage to red blood 

cells that can lead to life threatening 

anemia (low red blood cell counts).

Nuts, Oils, Fried Foods, & Meat Trimmings

Nuts, oils, fried foods, and meat trimmings (foods that are high in fat) 

can lead to a condition called pancreatitis. The pancreas is a curious 

little organ that is involved in the digestion of fat, among other 

important functions. Because our pets tend to eat a very consistent 

diet, their pancreas can be especially sensitive to diet changes and the 

ingestion of fatty foods. Symptoms of pancreatitis include vomiting, 

diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy (acting tired). If not treated 

quickly, pets can decline rapidly and may require hospitalization. 

Additional foods to keep away from your pets include raw or 

undercooked meat, raw eggs, bones (which can puncture or become 

lodged in the digestive system), raw dough containing yeast, and 

essential oils.

We all wish we could freshen up our animal’s breath, but don’t be 

tempted to give them gum. Many types of sugar-free chewing gum 

contain an ingredient called Xylitol. This is perfectly safe for humans, but 

when ingested by pets, it can cause a dangerous drop in 

blood sugar, seizures, liver failure, and death. Stick 

with good old-fashioned teeth brushing and 

pet-specific dental chews to keep your pet’s 

breath smelling fresh. 

 If you are unsure if a food is safe for your 

pets, stick to commercially produced 

treats, go for a belly rub instead, or 

consult with your local veterinarian. If 

you suspect your pet has ingested a 

toxic food item, call your vet 

immediately. You can also 

call the ASPCA Animal Poison 

Control Center at (888) 426 

4435, but you may be charged 

a fee for the call.

Think Before You Share with Your Pet

> Content contributed by CPT Colleen E. Mans, DVM, Section Chief, Ft. Carson Veterinary Services

Consider starting an emergency fund for your new family member 

in case of an accident or illness. There are pet insurance companies 

available if you would prefer to carry a policy on your pet. The most 

important thing is to have a plan in case of an unexpected medical 

expense.

There are many things to consider and put into place when getting a 

puppy or kitten. These are just the basics, but they will help you begin 

the road to success in forming a long, healthy relationship with your 

new family member.

Bringing Home a Puppy or Kitten

>> CONT. FROM PAGE ONE
P3

If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, you likely 

have seen many lists of foods and situations that pregnant women 

should avoid. You may have been advised to avoid handling raw meat 

or cleaning your cat’s litterbox. These recommendations are intended 

to protect you from Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that causes a disease 

called toxoplasmosis. 

What is toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is a disease that in the United States is primarily spread 

though food, but can also be passed to people through contact with 

cat feces from a litter box and contaminated soil. Food sources include 

undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk, and contaminated produce or 

water. Cats play a major role in spreading toxoplasmosis – they become 

infected after eating infected prey and then pass the parasite in their 

feces for up to 3 weeks. After the initial infection, it is unusual for cats 

to continue spreading Toxoplasma. Since cats may go to the bathroom 

outdoors, Toxoplasma parasites can be present in soil, which can in turn 

contaminate water or produce growing in a garden. The parasite is very 

hardy and can survive for a long time outside. 

Should I be concerned about toxoplasmosis?

Pregnant women and others that have compromised immune systems 

are at greater risk. If these people become infected they may have 

flu-like symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes and muscle aches 

that can last for over a month, or eye or neurologic disease. If pregnant 

women are infected, their unborn infants are at risk. Infants who are 

infected during pregnancy often have no symptoms at birth but can 

develop issues later in life, including blindness or mental disabilities. 

Toxoplasmosis can cause a miscarriage or stillbirth. An otherwise 

healthy woman who had contracted Toxoplasmosis before becoming 

pregnant should develop antibodies which would protect her and her 

unborn baby against Toxoplasmosis during the pregnancy. 

Precautions for Pregnant Women

You do not need to rehome or board your cat during 

your pregnancy. 

• If possible, have someone else change your cat’s litterbox daily 

(Toxoplasma parasites are not infectious until 1-5 days after being 

shed in a cat’s feces).

• If you must be the one to clean the litter box, wear disposable gloves 

and wash your hands well with soap and water afterwards. 

• Do not touch your mouth or face after changing the litterbox.

• Keep your cat indoors and do not feed them raw or undercooked 

meats. Avoid stray cats, especially kittens, and do not get a new cat 

during your pregnancy.

In the Kitchen and Garden

• Cook all food to safe temperatures and check using a food 

thermometer. 

• For whole cuts of meat (excluding poultry): Cook to at least 145°F at 

the thickest part of the cut, and allow the meat to rest for 3 minutes 

before carving.

• For ground meat (excluding poultry): Cook to at least 160°F.

• For all poultry (whole cuts and ground): Cook to at least 165°F, and 

allow whole cuts to rest for 3 minutes before carving.

• Freezing meat for 3 or more days at -4°F or below before cooking also 

reduces the chance of infection.

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under cool running water 

prior to peeling, cutting, or eating. 

» Firm produce, such as potatoes and melons, can be scrubbed 

with a brush while washing. 

• Wash all utensils, cutting boards, and countertops thoroughly with 

hot, soapy water after preparing raw meat, poultry, seafood, or 

produce.

• Do not consume raw or undercooked meat, poultry, or seafood, raw/

unpasteurized milk (especially goat’s milk), or untreated water.

• Wear gloves when gardening or working outdoors, especially if you 

are in contact with soil or sand. Do not touch your mouth or face 

while you are working and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

If you have concerns about a possible exposure to toxoplasma talk with 

your healthcare provider. They can make specific recommendations for 

you and your personal situation. 

Toxoplasmosis and Pregnancy 

> Content contributed by CPT Kaitlin Foley, DVM, First Year Graduate Veterinary Education (FYGVE) Intern, Public Health Activity, JBLM, WA

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Many people are familiar with 

Salmonella from learning to 

wash their hands after handling 

chickens and reptiles, or from 

learning how to cook meat and 

eggs. However, fresh produce is 

also a source of Salmonella. 

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a bacteria that can make 

humans and animals sick. Most infections 

cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach 

pain for 4-7 days. While most people 

recover on their own, some cases lead to 

hospitalization and even death. Young 

children (under age 5), older adults (over 

age 65), and people with a compromised 

immune system are at a higher risk of 

getting sick. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 

1 million illnesses, 19,000 hospitalizations, and 380 deaths occur each 

year due to Salmonella. Many recent outbreaks have occurred from 

fresh fruits and vegetables. These include mangos, sprouts, cucumbers, 

tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and melons. 

How do fruits and vegetables get contaminated with Salmonella?

Salmonella can be spread by humans, wild and domesticated animals, 

and contaminated water sources. Fruits and vegetables can be 

contaminated with the bacteria if they come in contact with human 

or animal waste or contaminated water during growing, harvesting, 

shipping, or processing. Salmonella can also be spread when produce 

is prepared. If bacteria are present on the outside of a melon, the knife 

used to cut the melon will drag bacteria 

onto the cut fruit. Another route of 

exposure is in the kitchen when the same 

utensils or cutting boards are used for both 

raw meat/poultry and produce. Fruits and 

vegetables carry an extra risk because they 

are often consumed raw and bacteria will 

not be killed during cooking.

How can I prevent Salmonella infections?

There are several important things that can 

be done at home to protect you and your 

family from Salmonella.

• Separate raw meat, poultry, and eggs 

from other foods in your grocery cart and 

refrigerator.

• Wash all knives, utensils, cutting boards, 

and hands with soap and hot water after 

preparing raw meat, poultry, or eggs. 

• Use separate cutting boards for meat and 

for fruits & vegetables.

• Thoroughly wash all produce under cool 

running water before consuming it. 

» This includes washing the outside of fruits and vegetables that 

you will be cutting (melons, mangos, cucumbers, etc.). 

» Firm surfaces, such as melons and potatoes, can be scrubbed 

with a brush. 

» Using detergents or soaps on produce is not recommended.

• Do NOT wash meat, poultry, or eggs – this can spread bacteria to 

other parts of your kitchen.

• Cut away bruised or damaged areas when preparing produce. 

Bacteria can thrive in these areas.

• Store perishable fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator, as well as all 

cut/prepared fruits and vegetables. Cooler temperatures will slow the 

growth of bacteria.

Fruits, Vegetables, and Salmonella 

> Content contributed by CPT Kaitlin Foley, DVM, First Year Graduate Veterinary Education (FYGVE) Intern, Public Health Activity, JBLM, WA

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