The holiday season brings to mind family, friends, great food, traditions, 

and gifts! If your family or friend is four-legged and furry, you may be 

wondering what is best to give them for the holidays. 

Toys are fun gifts for both people and animals to receive no matter 

your age. But toys are actually extremely beneficial to your pet as they 

positively contribute to their environmental enrichment, mental health, 

and welfare. Choosing toys that stimulate their mind and bodies will 

keep them engaged and active. However, not every toy is perfect for 

every pet. Keep in mind these helpful tips when picking out toys and 

treats for your pets.

Toys come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It is important to choose one 

that is appropriate for the size (usually in weight) of your pet, especially 

your dog. Small toys present a choking hazard for larger breed dogs 

if swallowed whole or if a large piece is bitten off. Swallowed toys can 

also block the digestive tract at certain points and require emergency 

surgery to remove them. Recommended sizes and breeds for the toy 

can be found on the packaging.

Dogs and cats prefer different activities, often driven by their natural 

instincts. 

• Dogs tend to prefer activities such as fetch, tug, and chewing. Hard 

rubber balls or Frisbees are great for a game of fetch. Make sure the 

balls are large enough to not pose a choking hazard and that the 

Frisbees are made of shatter-resistant materials. Large hanks of ropes 

with knots tied in each end are ideal for tug-o-war with your dog. 

Make sure to supervise your pet when they have access to toys and 

they are being used according to what they were designed to do. 

Durable, chew-resistant toys or large rawhide bones last longer and 

may seem ideal for your wallet but these are not ideal for your 

dog’s teeth. Chewing on hard materials for prolonged periods 

can break down the enamel on your dog’s teeth or cause a 

fracture. A good rule to remember is if you don’t think you 

should chew on it, your dog probably shouldn’t either. 

The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) provides 

information on their website (www.vohc.org) for 

acceptable chews for both dogs and cats. 

• Cats - Toys should appease your cat’s hunting and exploratory drive. 

Large stuffed animals are great for pouncing and chewing. Catnip 

can be added to garner more interest in the object, however, not 

every cat responds. Small toys or feathers can be used to simulate 

a small bird or rodent, enticing your cat to chase and pounce. Be 

careful that your cat does not have unsupervised access to string 

because they can swallow it and cause severe digestive tract 

blockage requiring emergency surgery to fix. Cats also enjoy the 

opportunity to explore and scratch. Large “cat condos” or even 

cardboard boxes provide cats with an outlet for excess energy.

Interactive food-dispensing toys present a puzzle for your pet to solve 

and rewards them with food. These toys are 

beneficial to both dogs and cats 

and keep them mentally 

engaged. 

P1 / PET SAFETY

Picking the Perfect 

Holiday Gift

P2 / PET SAFETY

Giving Pets as Gifts

P3 / PREVENTIVE HEALTH

New Year’s Resolutions for 

You and Your Pet

P4 / FOOD SAFETY

Leftovers: a Holiday 

Tradition

News about Animal Health, Food Safety, and One Health

Army Public Health Center

Veterinary

HOLIDAY EDITION

Approved for public release, 

distribution unlimited.

> Article contributed by MAJ Sarah Watkins, Veterinary Services and Public Health Sanitation Directorate, Army Public Health Center

>> CONT. ON PAGE TWO

Stocking Stuffers

2018
P2

It is hard to resist the adorable cuteness of a bright-eyed puppy or 

kitten adorned with a big red bow waiting under the tree on Christmas 

morning to surprise unsuspecting loved ones. It is a tempting memory 

to create but how do you know if getting a puppy or kitten is the best 

decision for your family? Unfortunately, many dogs and cats originally 

brought home during the holidays are surrendered to animal shelters 

within the first 3 months. Before taking the plunge there are a few 

important things to consider. 

1. Approach any new pet with the mindset that this should be a 

lifelong commitment. Puppies and kittens eventually grow up and 

many breeds have a normal lifespan that can reach 10-15 years. 

Consider if you have time now and in the future to handle the 

daily responsibilities of feeding, walking, exercising, or changing 

litter boxes. These duties can drastically impact an already busy 

schedule. Also, consider if you have the ability to provide the type 

of long-term stability needed to care for a pet its entire life. 

2. New pets require a significant financial commitment to keep 

them healthy and safe. Veterinary services such as vaccinations, 

preventive medications such as dewormers, and wellness 

checks are important to protect the health of pets and even 

the health of other family members. Keeping up with medical 

recommendations should be included in household budgets. 

While there are pet insurance options available on the market 

many owners are often unprepared for emergency veterinary 

costs when an unexpected injury or illness occurs. Skipping 

important vaccinations against diseases such as Canine parvovirus 

in puppies or Feline panleukopenia in kittens can result in a new 

pet contracting a potentially deadly disease that can be expensive 

to treat. Make sure to research what costs can be expected for the 

first few months of pet ownership and beyond. 

3. Know what to expect from different breeds and make sure a new 

pet has the environment it needs for healthy development. It is 

best to choose a pet that fits your lifestyle. For instance, a Belgian 

Malinois is a dog breed that needs access to a lot of intense 

exercise and mental stimulation or it can develop behavior 

problems. It is not an ideal candidate for spending the whole 

day in a small apartment with nothing to do. Take the time to 

know what environment is best suited for the type of pet being 

considered. 

4. There are plenty of shelter animals that could use a forever home. 

When trying to decide where to get a new pet, the Humane 

Society of the United States estimates there are about 2.4 million 

healthy, adoptable cats and dogs euthanized in animal shelters 

across the United States every year. Many of these animals could 

make great companions if given the chance, so don’t forget to 

check local shelters first and foremost to see who might be waiting 

for a new family to come along and take them home. 

There is no doubt the many benefits to be gained with welcoming 

a new furry friend into the family. Research shows that having a pet 

offers people a sense of stability, continuity, and meaning in their life. 

But it is important to understand the responsibilities of ownership 

to ensure the best life for you and your pet. With the right research 

and assistance from qualified pet experts such as veterinarians and 

trainers, you can find the best time, situation, and pet for your family. 

Make sure to include 

the thought of 

making many holiday 

memories together 

when considering a 

new pet and you 

will be set up for 

success. 

Considering Giving the Gift of Endless Love?

> Article contributed by MAJ Emilee Venn, DVM, MS, DACVECC, Veterinary Services and Public Health Sanitation Directorate, Army Public Health Center

Stocking Stuffers

>> CONT. FROM PAGE ONE

Tasty treats are an easy gift and great for behavior modification and reinforcement for your pet. Remember 

to keep your pet’s health and dietary restrictions in consideration when picking or giving treats. Read the 

ingredients list to ensure there are no items that may cause an allergic reaction or are toxic (such as onion 

and garlic). Avoid raw meat products as they can make your pet and your family sick. Treats also add to 

your pet’s daily caloric intake. If given excessively, they may contribute to obesity and secondary health 

conditions. Consult with your veterinarian for recommendations on the best treats for your pet. 

The best way to ensure your pet plays safely during the holidays is to watch them play with your gift, 

especially the first time. Following these tips when picking out toys and treats can ensure that you and 

your pet have a safe and enjoyable holiday season. 
P3

New Year’s Resolutions for You and Your Pet

New Year’s Day is a time for fresh starts and new goals. Everyone 

gets ready and motivated to achieve something new such as eating 

healthier, incorporating more exercise into their daily schedule, 

and even learning something new. This year make your New Year’s 

Resolutions a team effort! 

Weight loss and losing inches is a common resolution each January 

and is especially important because of the number of people and pets 

who are overweight. Overweight pets are at risk for medical conditions 

such as diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and liver disease. Sedentary 

lifestyles and frequent treats results in excessive weight gain. With the 

wide variety of breeds and sizes for cats and dogs it can be difficult to 

determine the ideal weight. While there are average weights for 

different breeds, the best way to determine your pet’s 

ideal size is through their outward appearance. A 

dog or cat at an ideal weight will have a tucked 

waist when viewed from the side and ribs will 

be easy to feel but not prominent. Talk to 

your veterinarian about ideal weights to 

determine if “slimming down” should be a 

resolution for your pet this year. 

Exercise reduces you and your pet’s risk for 

cardiovascular disease, strengthens your 

bones and muscles, and generally makes 

you feel good! Instead of signing up for a 

gym membership, consider resolving to 

exercise 2-3 times a week with your pet. 

The activity doesn’t have to be extreme. 

A simple walk will safely stimulate your 

pet mentally and physically. Daunted 

by the thought of walking a pudgy 

indoor cat? Simply engaging your 

cat in play with stimulating toys 

can encourage them to be more 

active without braving the great 

outdoors. Extreme obesity or pre-existing conditions such as arthritis or 

a heart murmur can make sudden intense exercise dangerous for pets. 

Your veterinarian can provide recommendations for slowly increasing 

your pet’s daily physical activity. 

If you resolve to eat better, ensure your pet does too. Good nutrition 

enhances your pet’s quality of life and their longevity. It begins with 

the diet you select. There are so many options in today’s markets, it can 

seem overwhelming. Begin with a diet specific to the species and breed 

of your pet. Quality diets will have a Nutritional Adequacy statement on 

the bag by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). 

This organization tests commercial foods to ensure complete and 

balanced nutrition for the animal and life stage labeled on the bag. 

Measure your pet’s food every time and follow manufacturer feeding 

instructions to reduce over-feeding. Raw diets are not recommended 

due to the risk of contamination with harmful pathogens or “bugs” that 

can make you and your pet sick. Pre-existing conditions such as bladder 

stones or diabetes may require special prescription diets. Consult with 

your veterinarian on the best diets and feeding practices for your pet. 

Resolutions don’t always have to be about more exercise and less junk 

food. Resolutions can also include learning something new, such as a 

skill, language, or hobby. This is equally true for your pet. Learning a new 

skill keeps your pet mentally stimulated and engaged. Studies show 

that mental stimulation can reduce cognitive deterioration in aging 

animals. In other words, you can teach an old dog new tricks! Teaching 

an obedience command such as “sit”, “stay”, or “down” can mentally 

stimulate your pet and help with control and manners. Or try problem 

solving activities such as searching for the treat or toy in the room. Make 

the learning fun and engaging by using toys or treats as rewards. Just 

remember to keep the treat rewards to small bites to avoid weight gain. 

New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be complicated. Making an annual 

veterinary appointment can be an easy goal to meet and an essential 

step for keeping your pet healthy in 2019. 

> Article contributed by MAJ Sarah Watkins, Veterinary Services and Public Health Sanitation Directorate, Army Public Health Center

milPetEDAPP

Available for

Download milPetED this holiday season Free

Easy to use

Find a Veterinary 

Treatment Facility 

near you

Veterinary Connections 

Articles

The Military Pet Education (milPetED) Mobile application is the one 

place Service members, beneficiaries, and retirees need to go to obtian 

animal health information, tips, and resources. 
Comments or questions regarding content can be directed to ARMY-VSPublications@mail.mil

Subscribe to the electronic issue of Veterinary Connections by emailing: usarmy.apg.medcom-aphc.mbx.iph-vet@mail.mil. 

Place ” Veterinary Connections” in the subject line.

Locate your local Veterinary Treatment Facility at https://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/animed/vtfo/Pages/Veterinary-Treatment-Facility-Interactive-Map.aspx

Goal of publication:

• Veterinary Connections is a quarterly publication written by Army Veterinary Service 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 Service personnel serve around the world supporting the Department of Defense as 

proponents for Animal Health and Food Protection.

Veterinary

http://phc.amedd.army.mil

1-800-222-9698

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.

TA-349-1218

The holidays are approaching and leftovers are as much a tradition as 

Thanksgiving turkey. The question becomes how do you know leftovers 

are safe to eat? An old-fashioned sniff test is not enough to determine 

safety. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that roughly 1 in 

6 Americans (or 48 million people) gets sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, 

and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases each year. Mishandled leftovers 

could send you or a loved one on a trip to the nearest emergency room. 

Avoid a holiday disaster by taking necessary precautions before and 

after those big holiday smorgasbords. 

When food becomes contaminated, mishandling the food like 

undercooking or leaving it out at unsafe temperatures can make those 

unpleasant “stomach bugs” more likely. It is a common misconception 

that heating and cooking “kill” everything, but unfortunately, that is 

not the case. Bacterial growth is optimal at temperatures between 

40 °F and 140 °F, it is not always the bacteria or virus itself that causes 

illness. When food is exposed to these temperatures for a long time, 

microscopic critters may have already created heat-resistant toxins that 

can make you very sick, even after proper cooking. 

You can protect yourself and your loved ones from foodborne illnesses 

associated with leftovers through two easy steps: cook and chill.

Cook. Kill it before it multiplies! Keep a thermometer at home and 

make sure that foods are cooked to their recommended temperatures; 

color and texture are not sufficient to tell you that the food is safe. 

Appropriate cooking temperatures for different foods can be found 

on the US Department of Agriculture – Food Safety and Inspection 

Service’s website (www.fsis.usda.gov). After food has been prepared, 

keep it above 140 °F. If you are reheating it, make sure the internal 

temperature of the food is 165 °F or above. 

Chill. Do not over-stuff your refrigerator. This prevents cold air from 

circulating properly, and your food may not reach the recommended 

safe temperatures. Your refrigerator should be between 40  ̊F and 32 

 ̊F. Placing foods in shallow containers will allow them to chill faster, 

slowing the growth of illness-causing bacteria. It is crucial that leftovers 

are put away within 2 hours of being served and should be used within 

3 to 4 days. Unfortunately, food is often left out until the party is over. At 

this point food has been exposed to temperatures that favor bacterial 

growth. Freezing halts bacterial growth but frozen foods should never 

be thawed on the counter. The safest ways to thaw food are by placing 

them in the refrigerator, submerging them in cold water and changing 

the water every 30 minutes, in the microwave, or cooking the food 

straight from the freezer. 

Properly handling leftovers during all steps will greatly reduce your risk 

of foodborne illness. This will ensure you have a happy and healthy 

holiday season!

Leftovers: a Holiday Tradition

> Article contributed by WO1 Mirgel Jimenez, Food Safety Officer, Public Health Activity-Fort Belvoir

#milPetED

Photos submitted may be 

used by the U.S. Army Public 

Health Center in the milPetED 

app and on social media. 

Send us photos of 

your pet using our 

milPetED hashtag

Category Food Refrigerator (40 F or below) Freezer (0 F or below)

Salads Egg, Chicken, ham, tuna, and macaroni salads 3 to 5 days Does not freeze well

Luncheon 

meats

Open package or deli sliced 3 to 5 days 1 to 2 months

Unopened package 2 weeks 1 to 2 months

Soups and 

stews

Vegetable or meat 3 to 4 days 2 to 3 months

Leftovers Cooked meat or poultry 3 to 4 days 2 to 6 months

Chicken nuggets or patties 3 to 4 days 1 to 3 months

Pizza 3 to 4 days 1 to 2 months