P1 / PET SAFETY

Cold Weather Care 

for Our Pets

P2 / ZOONOTIC DISEASE

World Rabies Day and Six 

Things to Know About Rabies 

P3 / PREVENTIVE HEALTH

Military Working Dog 

Spotlight

P4 / FOOD SAFETY

Milk Anyone?

Veterinary

2016 FALL EDITION

Cold Weather Care 

for Our Pets

News about Animal Health, Food Safety, and One Health.

Army Public Health Center

With the cold weather months now upon us, it is time to think about 

preparing our homes, vehicles, and ourselves for the drop in temperatures. 

If you have pets, you should also start thinking about how to protect them 

from the elements and from the potential health risks that accompany 

cold weather. Pets can develop dry, itchy, and flaky skin just like we can, 

so it is important to understand how to protect their skin. Perhaps 

more importantly, pets that go outdoors can be exposed to harmful 

chemicals such as antifreeze and ice-melting agents or can even 

develop hypothermia. 

Antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Just one lick can 

provide enough toxin to cause kidney failure and death. Do not let 

your pet roam free outside and be sure to clean up any spills from your 

vehicle. If you suspect your pet may have licked up any antifreeze, seek 

emergency veterinary care immediately.

A common ailment that many of us experience during the weather is 

dry skin. Pets can develop this on their skin as well as on their foot pads 

and in between their toes. One way to combat this is to keep your home 

humidified to counteract the hot, dry air from our closed heating systems. 

Consider wiping paws off during and after walks to remove any potential 

ice, salt, and chemicals that can build up or stick to the fur or between 

toes and cause cracks in the paw pads or redness between the toes. You 

can place petroleum jelly or other protectants into the paw pads before 

and after walks. Booties are also a good alternative if your pet will 

tolerate them. 

>> CONT. ON PAGE TWO

You should also start thinking about how to protect them from 

the elements and potential health risks from the cold weather

“

”
P2

When you hear the word “rabies,” what image comes to mind? For 

most people around the world, it is a salivating, angry dog. In some 

places around the world, this image is still accurate. The dog is the most 

common vector, or transmitter, for the rabies virus to humans around 

the world. However, the dog is not the only animal that poses a threat 

of spreading rabies, especially in North and South America. 

The Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) organized the first World 

Rabies Day on September 28, 2006. This day is important because it is 

the anniversary of the death of Dr. Louis Pasteur. Many may recognize 

the name as he developed the method of “pasteurization” that kills 

microorganisms in liquids and in some cases solid foods using heat 

to decrease the bacteria that can cause food spoilage and foodborne 

illness. Pasteur also played a significant role in developing the first 

vaccine against rabies virus to prevent human deaths. 

Six Things You Should Know About Rabies 

1. There is no cure for rabies. Once symptoms are present, it is nearly 

100% fatal in humans and always fatal in animals. Rabies 

is a virus and cannot be treated with antibiotics. 

There have been a few noted exceptions of humans 

surviving rabies. However, they are the rare 

exceptions, and most survivors suffer long-term 

side-effects from the disease. 

2. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 40,000–60,000 

human rabies deaths worldwide each year. The majority of the 

deaths occur in the continents of Asia and Africa. In the United 

States, rabies is the cause of about 2 to 3 human deaths per 

year—a very dramatic difference. The WHO estimates that 95% 

of rabies deaths around the world are attributed to bites from a 

dog. However, in certain locations around the world, particularly in 

Central and South America, bats are the most common vector for 

rabies causing human deaths. In the United States, bats, raccoons, 

coyotes, foxes, and skunks are the most common wildlife vectors 

of the rabies virus. In the United States, the incidence of rabies in 

domestic cats is on the rise. The Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention (CDC) reported that cats accounted for 61.1% (272/445) 

of the rabid domestic animals reported in 2014, a 10.12% increase 

compared with the 247 reported in 2013. 

3. In the United States, local, state, and county laws require 

vaccinating companion animals. In most instances, a puppy or 

kitten receives its first rabies vaccine at 3 to 4 months of age. The 

pet must receive a booster 1 year later, and again every 3 years. 

Some municipalities and counties have different requirements for 

rabies vaccination. Consult with your veterinarian to determine 

what the vaccine requirements are for your state/county.

4. Be a smart traveler for you and your pet. If you and your family are 

relocating overseas, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. 

Several countries have very strict regulations and requirements for 

rabies vaccination in order to bring your pets into their country. 

Do not shave your pet’s hair during the cold weather months as this removes the thick undercoat that 

is meant to shield your pet from the elements. Resist bathing too frequently in the winter as this can 

dry out the skin even further. If you use ice melts, look for a pet-friendly product. 

Keep pets indoors at night and during the daytime with a warm comfortable bed, away from drafty 

windows and doors. If you must keep your pet outdoors for any length of time, ensure you have a 

well-insulated cat or dog house that is slightly larger than the pet (large enough for them to stand up, 

turn around, and lay down), ideally with a flap to cover the entrance and sufficient dry bedding. Make 

sure they have access to a fresh, non-frozen water source at all times. Consider dressing the pet in a 

coat or sweater if he or she is of the short-haired variety. Do not leave pets unattended in vehicles, as 

the vehicle can become very cold quickly and actually can act as a refrigerator, effectively holding in 

the cold air. Pets can quickly develop hypothermia in freezing weather. If you think your pet has a lowbody temperature, you should seek veterinary care for them immediately. If you are going to warm 

your pet, use caution with warm rice packs, electric blankets, heating pads, and hot water blankets as 

they can cause burns. Do not leave any animal unattended when warming. Always monitor for signs 

of discomfort and increased redness or heat to the skin while warming your pet because of the risk of 

causing burns. 

Follow these tips to help keep your pet warm, safe, and healthy during the cold weather months!

Cold Weather Care for Our Pets

>> CONT. FROM PAGE ONE

World Rabies Day and Six Things to Know About Rabies

>> CONT. ON PAGE THREE

World Rabies Day:

September 28, 2016

> Article contributed by veterinary personnel at FT Leavenworth, KS
P3

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Military Working Dog Boby, pronounced “Bobby,” 

is a 5-year-old patrol and explosive detectiontrained German shepherd dog assigned to 

Holloman Air Force Base, NM. Boby was most 

recently deployed to Southwest Asia, returning 

home in January 2016.

In late April, Boby’s handler noticed a firm, 

5-centimeter swelling that seemed to have 

appeared overnight on the left side of his lower 

jaw. Worried, the handler brought Boby to the 

Holloman Veterinary Treatment Facility, where 

Army Veterinary Corps Officer CPT Lambden 

examined Boby. “Initially, we weren’t sure what 

caused the swelling, but upon aspiration of the 

mass with a needle and the removal of green 

and white fluid, I suspected it was an abscess. I 

still didn’t know what caused it, but it could have 

been a dental-related issue, an abscess from an 

insect bite, or more commonly a foreign body.” 

However none of these could be immediately 

ruled out, and the origin/cause of the swelling 

remained unknown. Examination of the inside 

of Boby’s mouth showed some inflammation 

of the gingiva (gums) but no obvious tooth 

abnormalities except for routine wear on the 

canines.

The clinic staff took x-rays of the swollen jaw 

and saw a telltale sign: radiolucency, or reduced 

density of the bone, in a halo around the root of 

the lower canine tooth. In a collaborative effort, 

Air Force Capt. Kyle Astle, a dentist at Holloman, 

also participated in Boby’s case adding valuable 

insight that, although he was not a veterinarian, 

was beneficial in correctly evaluating Boby’s 

condition. The abscess had most likely occurred 

due to micro-trauma to the tooth enamel, 

possibly during bite work while training or 

deployment and was not evident on Boby’s 

annual dental exam. Bacteria can track down 

those micro-fractures into the periodontal 

ligament that surrounds the tooth and then into 

the bone. The abscess may have been building 

for some time within the jawbone but only 

became visible from the outside when it broke 

through the bone.

In an animal, a canine tooth-root abscess can be 

addressed with removal of the affected tooth, or 

with a root canal, which is the standard of care. 

Because working dogs depend on their canine 

teeth to bite and hold during patrol work, it is 

essential to avoid removing the teeth unless 

absolutely necessary. After a successful root canal 

performed by the team of CPT Lambden and 

Capt. Astle and a 4-week course of antibiotics, 

Boby is fully recovered and has returned to duty.

Dental disease, caused by either severe tartar 

buildup or trauma to teeth, can result not only 

in abscesses like Boby’s, but also in painful teeth 

and gums, bacteria in the bloodstream, and/or 

heart, kidney, and other systemic problems. CPT 

Lambden reports, “We recommend daily tooth 

brushing—it is not as hard as you think—and 

the use of products approved by the Veterinary 

Oral Health Council for reducing tartar and the 

prevention of periodontal disease. We also warn 

pet owners against letting their pets chew on 

bones, antlers, hooves, or anything hard enough 

to fracture a tooth. Finally, it’s important to have 

regular veterinary checkups to assess oral health 

and anesthetized Comprehensive Oral Health 

Assessment and Treatment as often as your pet 

requires.”

Military Working Dog (MWD) Boby 

Military Working Dog (MWD) Boby’s 

tooth radiograph during root canal

Often, these regulations require at least 6-9 months of prep and lead-time in order to ensure your pet is properly vaccinated/tested. If you and 

your family are traveling, check to see what the risk of rabies is for your destination. Plan and know where the approved medical facilities are 

located in the case of an emergency, such as an animal bite.

5. Prevention is the key. Vaccinate your pets for rabies. Another important strategy is to learn about animal bite avoidance, and teach children 

effective methods to avoid animal bites. The Army Public Health Center Veterinary Services, as well as the The American Veterinary Medical 

Association and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, publish educational brochures, posters, and information on their 

Web sites concerning bite avoidance and rabies. 

6. Lastly, if you are bitten by an animal follow these steps: 

a. If the bite is severe and is a threat of loss of life, loss of limb, or loss of eye sight, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

b. If the bite wound is not severe, wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes then immediately seek treatment from your primary care 

 physician or emergency room.

World Rabies Day and Six Things to Know About Rabies

>> CONT. FROM PAGE TWO

Military Working Dog Spotlight

> Article contributed by veterinary personnel at 98th Civil Affairs Battalion (ABN), FT Bragg, NC

> Article contributed by veterinary personnel at Holloman AFB, NM
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-349-0916 APHC Veterinary Services

Veterinary

http://phc.amedd.army.mil

1-800-222-9698

The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not 

necessarily reflect the official policy of the Department of Defense, Department 

of the Army, and U.S. Army Medical Department.

Milk Anyone?

Everyone enjoys a cold glass 

of milk, especially when it 

accompanies a warm batch of 

freshly baked cookies. While 

milk and milk products provide 

a range of nutritional benefits, 

consuming raw milk or eating 

cheese made from raw milk 

can make you and your family 

members very sick. Raw milk 

from cows, sheep, and goats 

may contain disease-causing 

bacteria, such as E. coli, Salmonella, 

Campylobacter, and Listeria. The 

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention (CDC) determined that in 

the last decade, over 1,500 people in 

the United States became sick from 

drinking raw milk or eating cheese 

made from raw milk. 

Pasteurization is a process used to 

destroy harmful bacteria in foods 

such as milk and create a safe product for consumption. The process 

of pasteurization has been around for over a century and was first 

developed by the French scientist, Dr. Louis Pasteur, to prevent spoilage 

of beer and milk. The pasteurization of milk requires every single 

milk particle to be heated to a specific temperature and held at that 

temperature for a set period of time to kill any harmful bacteria. 

Unpasteurized/raw milk containing harmful bacteria often does not look, 

taste, or smell different than pasteurized milk. The only way to make sure 

that a milk product does not contain harmful bacteria is to verify that the 

label states it was pasteurized. 

Pasteurization does not affect the nutritional value of milk. Although 

there are many myths that pasteurization can cause food allergies and 

lactose intolerance, these myths have been scientifically disproven. 

Lactose is present in the same quantities in both raw and pasteurized 

milk. Therefore, the pasteurization process has no effect on an individual’s 

ability to metabolize lactose. 

Additionally, the CDC has determined that consumption of raw milk 

or unpasteurized milk products makes an individual 150 times more 

likely to develop foodborne illness than consumption of pasteurized 

products. Foodborne diseases resulting from consumption of raw milk 

may cause stomach cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea and can lead to 

severe and even life-threatening illness. Less commonly, consumption 

of raw or unpasteurized milk products may result in paralysis (Guillain 

Barre Syndrome) and kidney failure (Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome). 

Raw-milk consumption is especially dangerous for children, the elderly, 

people with weakened immune systems, and women who are pregnant. 

Pregnant women are at an increased risk for developing listeriosis, which 

can lead to a mother becoming ill and possibly loss of the unborn child. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises that pasteurized milk 

and cream, hard cheese aged over 60 days, and products made from 

pasteurized milk (such as yogurt, pudding, ice cream, cottage and 

ricotta cheese) are safe to consume. Unpasteurized milk and cream, 

soft cheese (such as Mexican style cheese) and other products made 

from unpasteurized milk are not recommended for consumption. Most 

milk and milk products sold commercially in the United States are 

pasteurized products. Milk and milk products sold on military installations 

by the Defense Commissary Agency, The Exchange (or AAFES), or the 

Navy Exchange are also pasteurized products. Store pasteurized milk in 

the refrigerator. Do not leave milk at temperatures above 45 degrees 

Fahrenheit for over 4 hours. 

> Article contributed by veterinary personnel at Aviano Air Base, Italy