P1 / PREVENTIVE HEALTH

Benefits of Pet Ownership

P2 / PREVENTIVE HEALTH

Pet Obesity

P3 / PREVENTIVE HEALTH

Veterinary Preventive Care

P4 / FOOD SAFETY

Slow-Cooker Food Safety 

Veterinary

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

Army Public Health Center

“Our pets bring many amazing 

qualities to our lives”

Benefits of Pet Ownership

The first reason that people give for adopting a pet is that they want 

companionship for themselves or their children. There is no doubt that pets 

provide this to families around the world. But did you know that pets have also 

been shown to provide specific physical and mental health benefits to children 

and adults?

One recent study by Tufts University and the Military Child Education Coalition looked at 

benefits of pet ownership for military children in grades 6-12. The researchers showed that in 

the case of a deployed parent, coping skills were better in children with strong attachment 

and investment in the care of a pet1

. The resiliency associated with children having to focus 

their care outward, appears to help establish and maintain relationships better than in 

children with no pet or with little involvement with the pet in the household.

While learning resiliency and responsibility are important skills pets can teach older children, 

exposure to pets within the first 2 years of life may actually decrease a child’s risk of allergyrelated diseases. Several studies have shown that having a pet present at birth to 2 years is 

correlated with lower risk of asthma, eczema (skin rashes), and allergic rhinitis (runny nose 

and eyes)2

. Theories on why include the idea that exposure to pet allergens may train the 

baby’s immune system not to overreact when exposed to allergens later in life.

What about adults? What benefits can they get from pets? One of the best-documented 

benefits is stress reduction. In one study, people with high-blood pressure were randomly 

assigned to adopt a pet. After just 6 months, patients with pets responded to stress with 

lower blood pressure and heart rate than patients without pets and returned to their baseline 

non-stressed values faster3

. The American Heart Association notes that while the bestdocumented studies are with pet cats and dogs, this stress reduction effect has been found 

in cases of pet goats, fish, and even snakes.

>> CONT. ON PAGE TWO
P2

> Article contributed by CPT Margaret James, DVM, Section Chief, JBLM Veterinary Services (PHA-JBLM)

With the human obesity problem rising every year in America, veterinarians are seeing an increasing 

trend in obesity in pets as well. Many pet owners do not realize that due to the size difference between 

most pets and humans, one pound of fat on a small dog or cat is comparable to 5 pounds of fat on a 

human. Just like humans, pets who are overweight are at a higher risk for many medical diseases. A 

few diseases overweight pets are at a higher risk for developing are: arthritis, heart disease, respiratory 

problems, diabetes mellitus, decreased life expectancy, and increased surgical and anesthetic risks, to 

name a few. 

Even the most loving, dedicated pet owner can let treats add up and allow “Fluffy” to get overweight. 

Add in the vast variety of dog and cat breeds with different body shapes and sizes and the proper weight 

of each individual pet can become quite complex. Below are a few guidelines to determine if your pet is 

overweight: 

• Difficultly feeling ribs under fat

• Sagging stomach (can grab a handful of fat) 

• Broad flat back 

• No waist (tummy tuck) when viewed from side or from above

• Fat rolls around neck and base of tail

Not every case of an overweight pet is the result of the owner. There are several diseases and medical 

conditions that can cause excess weight gain despite the best efforts of the owner. Hypothyroidism and 

Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease) are common metabolic diseases that cause excessive weight 

gain. Your veterinarian can help formulate a diagnostic plan to evaluate your pet for these diseases.

Fortunately, there are lots of ways for owners to help their pets lose weight and become healthy. First 

step is to have your pet assessed and tested for metabolic diseases by a veterinarian to determine if a medical condition exists. The veterinarian can 

also help determine an ideal weight range for your pet and a plan to get them there. Crash diets are as bad for your pet as they are for you. The weight 

took time to put on, so time is needed to safely take it off. Start by examining the type of foods that you feed your pet and make sure it is the right kind 

of food for its size, breed, and lifestyle (a couch potato pug does not need to be eating high calorie active dog food). If your pet needs extreme weight 

loss, speak to a veterinarian about a prescription diet made specifically for weight loss. Cut out all human food, and ensure everyone in the household 

understands to only give pet food to your pet. If this proves to be particularly hard for some, separate your pet from people when dinner is served. 

Feedings can be split into two to four smaller meals (this will help your pet feel full and make begging less of an issue). Increase exercise slowly such 

as slightly longer walks, swimming if the weather is nice, and more play time. It can take a while to see results, but with time and diligence, Fluffy can 

reach an ideal weight and live a happier and hopefully longer life. 

Pet Obesity

Benefits of Pet Ownership

>> CONT. FROM PAGE ONE

Some other benefits of pet ownership are associated with a particular kind of pet. For example, studies have shown that children and adults who 

walk their dogs regularly are less likely to be obese3

. Another study has shown that losing weight together with their dog can be a great motivator 

for people to get out and start exercising.3 For cat owners, their quixotic behavior of purring may have health benefits for you and your cat. Scientists 

have discovered that cats (domestic and wild) purr at the same frequencies (20-100 hertz) that doctors have used for decades to help speed muscle 

and bone recovery from injury, increase bone density, and reduce pain4

. So if your workout has got you beat, maybe try convincing your cat to purr on 

your lap!

From encouraging mental resiliency to reducing stress, promoting healthy activity levels or reducing the risk of allergies, our pets bring many amazing 

qualities to our lives. They enrich our experiences, and through their unquestioning devotion, they encourage us to be the best—and healthiest—

versions of ourselves.

References

1. Mueller, M. K., & Callina, K. S. 2014. Human-animal interaction as a context for thriving and coping in military-connected youth: The role of pets during deployment. 

Applied Developmental Science, 18(4), 1-10.

2. Nafstad, P., Magnus, P., et al. 2001. Exposure to pets and atopy-related diseases in the first 4 years of life. Allergy, 56, 307-312.

3. Levine, G.N., Allen, K., et al. 2013. Pet Ownership and Cardiovascular Risk: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation, 127, 2353-2363.

4. von Muggenthaler, E. 2001. The felid purr: A healing mechanism? Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 110, 2666. 

> Article contributed by CPT Kolleen Nellett, DVM, Branch Chief, JBMDL Veterinary Services (PHA-Belvoir)
P3

Routine preventive care is essential to keeping your pet healthy and 

promoting longevity. As many people know, it is important to feed 

pets a healthy diet appropriate for their life-stage and to provide them 

with routine exercise to help maintain physical and mental fitness. 

However, addressing your pet’s overall health and wellness starts with 

a thorough annual veterinary exam, which should include several tests 

for preventing disease and identifying possible parasites. 

Heartworm disease, first discovered in the United States in 1847, 

was largely believed to exist only in the warm tropical climate of 

the Southeast. Over the last 50 years, Heartworm disease has slowly 

spread across the continent and has been diagnosed in all 50 states. 

This disease is spread when an infected mosquito bites your pet and 

deposits the heartworm larvae (microfilaria) under his/her skin. Over a 

6- month period, the larvae mature and migrate to the blood vessels 

near the heart where they can grow up to 12 inches in length. If left 

untreated, the worms will eventually cause lung disease and lead 

to heart failure. It is essential to have your pet tested for Heartworm 

disease yearly and administer an approved heartworm preventative 

every 30 days or as recommended by manufacturer. Heartworm 

preventatives kill the microfilaria that mosquitoes deposit under 

the skin, and many preventatives are also effective against intestinal 

parasites. Cats can also be infected with heartworms. Annual testing 

is not required for cats, but monthly heartworm preventatives are 

strongly advised. Regardless of your geographical location, the 

American Heartworm Society recommends year-round heartworm 

prevention for both dogs and cats.

Pets can be infected with both external and internal parasites. The 

most common external parasites include fleas and ticks. Fleas can make 

your pet miserable and can also result in an infestation in your home! 

In addition to being a nuisance, fleas can transmit diseases to people 

(murine typhus, cat scratch disease, plague). Ticks can also transmit 

serious diseases to you and your pet, including Lyme disease, Ehrlichia 

spp., Babesia spp., tularemia, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. There 

are many products available for flea and tick prevention. Talk with your 

veterinarian to determine which product will work best for your pet. 

Common internal parasites include hookworms, round-worms, and 

whipworms, which are intestinal parasites and can cause diarrhea, 

weight loss, and a dull hair coat in pets. Some intestinal parasites, 

including roundworms and hookworms, can be transmitted 

from animals to people, especially young children. Your 

veterinarian can examine and treat your pet for both 

external and internal parasites. 

Vaccines are categorized as core and non-core. Core vaccines are 

recommended for pets of all ages and lifestyles. The core vaccines 

for dogs are rabies virus, distemper virus, parvovirus, and hepatitis 

adenovirus. The core vaccines for cats are panleukopenia virus (feline 

parvovirus), calicivirus, herpes virus, and rabies.

Non-core vaccines for pets are available and administered based 

on geographic location and lifestyle. Talk with your veterinarian to 

determine if your dog should receive the Bordetella (kennel cough), 

Leptospira, or Lyme disease vaccines. Your veterinarian can also help 

you determine if you should vaccinate your cat against Feline Leukemia 

Virus or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. While all of these diseases 

cause pets to be extremely sick and are sometimes fatal, all are easily 

prevented with a series of vaccines. Your veterinarian will create the 

proper vaccination schedule for your pet based on local laws and your 

pet’s age, risk factors, previous immunizations, and lifestyle. 

Oral health is often overlooked in our pets. Many signs of dental disease 

can be easily noted and can include a fractured tooth, bad breath, or 

difficulty eating. However, some signs of oral pain are easily hidden. 

Dental care starts at home and can be achieved by routinely brushing 

your pet’s teeth. Be sure to use toothpaste that is specifically designed 

for pets, as human toothpaste can be toxic. Gradually introduce your 

pet to teeth brushing until you are brushing each day. Regular teeth 

brushing can remove plaque and prevent tartar. Once tartar has built 

up on the teeth, a dental cleaning by a veterinary professional under 

general anesthesia is required to remove it. Many pets require a yearly 

dental cleaning to remove tartar buildup and extract any diseased 

teeth. In addition to routine care at home, discuss options for dental 

treatment with your veterinarian. 

There are several aspects of veterinary medicine to consider when 

discussing your pet’s complete health with your veterinarian. 

Addressing preventive measures including annual exams, vaccines, 

parasite control, and oral health will improve your pet’s overall health 

and wellness while reducing the risk of disease, making for a happier 

and healthier pet.

> Article contributed by CPT Aidan Wolfe, 

DVM, Branch Chief, Oklahoma Branch 

Veterinary Services, (PHA-Hood)

Veterinary Preventive Care

“Preventive measures 

including annual 

exams, vaccines, 

parasite control, 

and oral health will 

improve your pet’s 

overall health and 

wellness.”
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-349-0117 APHC Veterinary Services

Veterinary

http://phc.amedd.army.mil

1-800-222-9698

Slow Cookers have become a standard for 

cooking and serving nutritious meals for the 

family while we work and play through our 

days. Any time of the year, a slow cooker can 

make preparing nutritious and safe meals easier 

and life a little more convenient. 

Slow cookers, also know as crockpots, will heat 

and cook food at a lower temperature for a 

longer period of time, so the question of food 

safety becomes a concern. The average slow 

cooker cooks at approximately 175°F on low 

and up to 375- 400°F on high. Bacteria thrive at 

temperatures below 140°F with most bacteria 

killed at 165°F. Slow cookers are designed to 

cook food above the 140°F threshold when left 

covered. Do not stir or “check” the meal in the 

crockpot as this interrupts the cooking process.

Follow these tips when using your electric slow 

cooker:

• Always begin with a clean cooker, utensils, 

and work area. Wash hands before and 

during food preparation.

• Avoid using frozen foods in your slow 

cooker. Defrost them before adding them 

to the pot. 

• Always thaw meat or poultry before 

putting it into a slow cooker. 

• Keep all perishable ingredients refrigerated 

until it is time to use them.

• When preparing meats and vegetables 

in advance, avoid cross-contamination 

and do not mix them together until you 

are ready to cook. If you need to defrost 

ingredients or intend to sauté your meat 

and/or vegetables, do so just before 

adding them to the slow cooker.

• Meat and poultry should be cooked 

entirely within the slow cooker and not 

removed and reheated later. 

• Most slow cookers heat from the sides, so 

for even heating and the best results, fill 

the crock to at least half and no more than 

three-fourths full of ingredients.

• It is best to cut large pieces of meat into 

smaller ones, and it is not recommended 

that you use a slow cooker to roast a 

whole chicken. 

• For most recipes, you should start cooking 

at the highest setting to allow the food to 

reach an internal temperature above the 

140°F “danger zone”, then adjust the dial 

to a lower temperature for extended slow 

cooking. 

• Do not open the cooker and do not stir 

the ingredients in the crock while cooking, 

it is not necessary and interrupts the 

cooking process. 

• Check for doneness of meats with a 

quick-read meat thermometer. Meat 

should be cooked to the following internal 

temperatures: Poultry breasts to 165°F, 

and beef/pork/lamb/veal (steaks, roasts 

and chops) to 145°F.

• Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of 

serving. Never store leftovers in the crock.

• Never use a slow cooker to reheat foods. 

• Read and follow the recipe and slow 

cooker’s manufacturer’s instructions when 

cooking in this manner.

Slow-Cooker Food Safety 

> Article contributed by Joseph G. Williamson, VMD, MPH, 

DACVPM, Veterinary Services and Public Health Sanitation 

Directorate, Army Public Health Center