Military working animals, along with their human counterparts, play an important role in protecting our nation and U.S. interests around the world.
From bomb- and drug-sniffing working dogs to working mules and horses, these animals are essential to safety and security on and off the battlefield.
THE US Army Veterinary Corps promotes the health, safety and welfare of all military working animals to maintain mission readiness. The corps also cares for military pets at veterinary treatment facilities around the world. The Defense Health Agency’s Veterinary Services Division supports the Veterinary Corps’ animal health mission by providing policy guidance, support, and coordination with other departments and agencies when needed.
“We accomplish this by providing veterinary public health capabilities through veterinary medical and surgical care, food security and defense, and biomedical research and development,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Patti Glen, Head of the DHA Veterinary Services Division. “In addition to the veterinary corps, officers provide military veterinary expertise in response to natural disasters and other emergency situations. We are an integral part of supporting a nation at war. Everything we do ultimately focuses on the warfighter, the soldier, the sailor, the airmen and the Marines.
Caring for military draft animals is a team effort
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Melissa Hehr, deputy chief of the DHA Veterinary Services Division, said military working dogs receive biannual physical exams at a minimum, along with other routine and preventive veterinary care including vaccinations against fleas, ticks, and heartworm prevention.
She said wellness exams are recommended for pets on an annual basis. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian to “determine which vaccines are most appropriate, taking into account their pet’s location, breed, age, health status and activities.”
“For our working animals, the owners have a very close relationship with the veterinarian so they can call them at any time,” Glen said. “There is an army veterinarian on call 24/7 for our working animals.
Glen noted that summer can be particularly harsh on working animals, especially dogs.
“Working dogs are out in the heat and their work is so intense that they have to follow work-rest cycles. They need a lot of shade. Their coat gives them more insulation, so it’s harder to keep them cool. It is important that they have access to shade and water to cool down and quench their thirst. »
Even something as common as walking your dog can be hazardous to their health during the warmer months.
“If the concrete is too hot for you to touch,” Glen explained, “then it’s too hot for them to walk on.” Find some grass to get them out of the hot concrete.
“Another thing military families need to keep in mind is maintaining their pets’ rabies vaccinations and titers.” She added that this is especially important if a service member is about to move outside the United States. It is essential to have up-to-date pet records to avoid delays.