Military work animals, along with their human counterparts, play an important role in protecting our nation and American interests around the world.
From bomb-sniffing and drug-sniffing working dogs to mules and draft horses, these animals are essential to safety and security on and off the battlefield.
THE United States Army Veterinary Corps promotes the health, safety and welfare of all military work animals to maintain mission readiness. The corps also cares for military pets at veterinary treatment facilities around the world. The Defense Health Agency’s Division of Veterinary Services supports the Veterinary Corps’ animal health mission by providing policy direction, support, and coordination with other departments and agencies as needed.
“We do 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’s Veterinary Services Division. “In addition to the veterinary corps, officers provide military veterinary expertise in response to natural disasters and other emergencies. We are an integral part of supporting a nation at war. Everything we do ultimately focuses on the Fighter, Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marines.
Caring for military work animals is a team effort
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Melissa Hehr, deputy chief of DHA’s Veterinary Services Division, said military working dogs receive biannual physical exams at a minimum, along with other routine and preventative veterinary care. including vaccinations against fleas, ticks, and heartworm prevention.
She said wellness checkups are recommended for pets on an annual basis. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian to “determine which vaccines are the most appropriate, taking into account the location, breed, age, state of health and activities of their animal.
“For our working animals, the owners have a very close relationship with the vet so they can call them anytime,” Glen said. “There is an army vet on duty 24/7 for our work 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 go through work-rest cycles. They need lots 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 off and quench their thirst. »
Even something as common as walking your dog can be hazardous to his health in 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 pet’s rabies vaccines and titers.” She added that this is especially important if a service member is about to move out of the United States. It is essential to have up-to-date pet records to avoid delays.