Pets need extra care during the dog days of ... winter?

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher R. Morales
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Pets are fur babies, scaly ankle-biters and feathery nestlings that want to play and be loved. They, like children, may need doctors for all sorts of shots and checkups.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson can provide medical care to animals at the Veterinary Treatment Facility, whose mission is to give veterinary care to military working dogs and household pets.

The facility is a detachment of the Public Health Command District Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

"We are here to help support the community with their animal family member," said Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Treftz, the  Veterinary Treatment Facility non-commissioned officer in charge. "We specialize in dogs and cats, but we have seen the occasional rabbit, guinea pig and ferret."

In one day, the clinic sees pets ranging from Chihuahuas to huskies and many in between.

Keiley Harrell, wife of Senior Airman Christopher Harrell, 673d Civil Engineer Squadron, got her blue Chihuahua, Freyja, checked and cleared, with a health certificate  ready for a move.

"The service was quick and easy," Harrell said. "They made sure everything was good for a health certificate and also clipped her nails."

Senior Airman Riley O'Neal, 703rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, brought his 18-month-old red Alaskan husky, Murphy, to the clinic for a few shots and a blood draw, soon to be neutered as well.

"We are getting this procedure done so he can be a healthy, happy puppy," O'Neal said. "The clinic has a wonderful, friendly staff, and I couldn't ask for anything better."

Additionally the Veterinary Treatment Facility has some cold-weather tips for families' animal companions.

Some pets, like huskies, have nothing to fear when it comes to a little cold. Some animals can take a little cold, but others - like cold-blooded pets - must remain heated all year-round.

Animals can experience the same cold-weather injuries people do such as frostbite and hypothermia.

Frostbite on animals usually occurs on hairless patches of skin, like the nose and paws, and on the tips of ears and the tail.

A first-aid measure for animals in these scenarios is to warm them as soon as possible with warm packs close to the body and wrapping them up in warm towels.

To prevent cold-weather injury, have an animal slowly acclimate to the weather. Provide pets with plenty of water and shelter from the wind and weather.

Even though cold weather can take its toll, not going outside at all can negatively affect animals.

"The biggest problem we see in the winter is lack of exercise," Treftz said. "Animals gain a lot of weight during this season, because it's cold and no one wants to go outside.

"Take them for walks and snowshoeing despite it being a little cold," Treftz said. "Any activity you can do during the winter time, they can do, just remember to keep them on a leash."

Jackets can be helpful for small animals with thin coats, but not all animals benefit from them.

"Jackets are counter-productive because of the way the dog's fur is constructed," Treftz said. "It traps air to regulate the temperature of their body so adding that extra layer restricts that. Baby booties can protect dog feet from abrasions, but not necessarily from the cold itself."

Get to know your animals and what they are comfortable with. The cold is no reason to stay inside all season.

For more information or to make an appointment, call the Veterinary Treatment Facility at 384-2865.