Houghton Vet House Calls

08/23/2026

Our babies, Daisy and Annie, in the bath ❤️

08/11/2026

I had a patient who had to have all of their teeth removed because of anesthetic free teeth cleaning! The teeth looked clean on the outside and were all rotten underneath!

Check it out! From 6 yr old Shih Tzu.
This dog had Non-Anesthetic Teeth Cleanings every 6 months since 1 year of age. Owner came to us (I worked at a veterinary dental specialty clinic) after seeing blood in food bowl. 18 teeth were abscessed. Owner was devastated because she thought she was doing what was best for her dog. This picture shows that the crown was clean but, the real problem was below the gumline. The danger of this type of cleaning is that the owner thinks the teeth are clean but, the infection is hidden. Cleaning below the gumline and dental X-rays can only be done under anesthesia. Education to pet owners is so important!
Here’s the AVDC statement.

https://afd.avdc.org/

For in-person and online dentistry classes, check out my website! 😻
www.vetdentistrytraining.com

07/20/2026

Anger at the Vet

Many pet owners feel anger toward their veterinarian after a loss — even when the care was good. This is a well-documented part of grief, not a fair verdict on the care given. Dr. Sife (founder of APLB) encourages processing this with a counselor before acting on it.

Did you experience anger at medical staff after your pet's passing — and how did you work through it?

07/10/2026

Glue traps should be banned everywhere!

Animal welfare advocates are celebrating a major milestone.

Under the new law, using, supplying or possessing glue traps is now a criminal offense. The devices immobilize animals by trapping them on a sticky surface, where they can remain for hours before being removed.

Animal welfare groups welcomed the change, saying it will help prevent unnecessary suffering for wild animals. Glue traps can also catch animals they weren't intended for, including birds and other wildlife. The ban is part of Scotland's Wildlife Management and Muirburn Act and applies to vertebrate animals across the country.

06/16/2026

Secure the title of "Favorite Child" this Father's Day. 🏆 Get a Father's Day card for your fave cat-, dog-, or human-dad! Send a card along with a donation in their honour!

🔗https://www.vetoutreach.org/donate/

📸: CVO Ottawa

05/31/2026

🎉Amazing news for animals in Ontario! Effective January 1, 2027 the province will prohibit the declawing of cats and ear cropping/ debarking of dogs! 🎉

While we are disappointed that canine tail docking wasn’t included in the prohibition, we are thrilled that Ontario’s animals will soon be protected from these three unnecessary cosmetic procedures!
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/260152

04/05/2026

Pets are important to all!