P1 / PET BEHAVIORBringing Home a Puppy or Kitten

P2 / TOXICOLOGYThink Before You Share with Your Pet

P3 / ZOONOTIC DISEASEToxoplasmosis and Pregnancy

P4 / FOOD SAFETYFruits, Vegetables, and Salmonella

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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 heart-worm 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

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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

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Think Before You Share with Your PetIf 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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