WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW AND LOOK FOR
A dog may have fresh water nearby but will choose to drink out of a bucket of dirty mop water containing cleaning fluid or a cat may brush against a lily and then groom herself, ingesting toxins that can be fatal. Pet parents need to be aware of potential hazards not only in their own home and yard but, also in the surrounding neighborhood, parks we may frequent with our pets, etc. March is Poison Prevention Awareness Month and we want to help you keep your pet safe.
There are many substances that are poisonous to animals ranging from household cleaners to human foods and medicines, as well as indoor and outdoor plants. Learning what these substances are and keeping them out of the reach of our pets or doing away with them entirely is the first step to protecting them. A comprehensive list of some poisonous substances can be found at https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control.
If you witness or suspect your pet has ingested a poisonous or questionable substance call a Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian for assistance. Accurate and timely identification of the substance is very important. Having the container, package, or label in hand will save valuable time and may save the life of your pet. Prepare ahead by programming your phone with the number for Aztec, 254-699-6725, the nearest 24-hour animal hospital and a Pet Poison Helpline. 855-289-0358 is one number. There are a variety of helplines and there is a fee for the service.
After graduating from Texas Tech and Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. John H. Kuczek established a mobile large animal practice that he operated for 7 years, and spent 7 years as the veterinarian for the First Cavalry Horse Detachment, the Fort Hood Veterinary Treatment Facility, and the Military Working Dogs. In 2016, Dr. Kuczek and his wife, Emily, assumed ownership of Aztec Pet Hospital. Dr. Kuczek is passionate about internal medicine and critical care and continuously seeks educational opportunities and invests in the latest technology to ensure our clients receive the highest quality of medicine possible right here at Aztec with the doctors they know and trust.