Little Otter Creek Home Veterinary Care Vermont

06/08/2026

Elmer is missing. He is sooo loved! Please help find him. He was last seen Bear Orchard Lane in Lincoln. Call us with any updates or sightings! And please share this on your page! Let’s get Elmer home!

05/04/2026

Presidential. ♥️

04/25/2026

Happy World Veterinary Day from all of us here at Little Otter Creek Vet

01/06/2026

11/13/2025

11/12/2025

Three Minute Pearls

Snow and dogs…..

Consuming "dirty" snow can lead to poisoning from chemicals. Especially dangerous are antifreeze, and walkway salt. And, although this may seem silly, eating too much "plain" snow can lower a dog's body temperature and cause belly aches. (Labradors

11/11/2025

They bring in the dogs, and suddenly the room gets quiet.

A child opens a book. A furry head tilts, eyes soft, tail still. No pressure. No red pen. Just a listener who never hurries them.

In Finland’s public libraries, kids read to trained dogs. The dogs don’t judge. They breathe slow and steady. That calm rubs off. Shoulders drop. Words come easier.

Some children choose a favorite story. Others bring the book they struggle with. It’s okay to stumble. The dog won’t mind. That’s the magic.

Sessions are short - around 10 to 15 minutes. It’s one child at a time, with the handler nearby to keep everyone safe and comfy. The point isn’t speed. It’s warmth, focus, and little wins that build into big confidence.

Librarians say shy voices get louder. Parents say bedtime reading gets sweeter. Kids say the best part is reading to a friend who thinks every story is perfect.

It’s simple, really. A book. A child. A patient dog. And a library that believes in gentle beginnings.

References

“Finnish reading dogs help kids learn and grow” - ThisisFINLAND (Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland)

“Reading dogs” - The Finnish Kennel Club

“Lukukoira auttaa lukemaan opettelevaa ja nyt myös…” - Yle

“Lukukoirat” - Municipality of Lempäälä, Library

Disclaimer: Images are generated using AI for illustration purposes only.

11/11/2025

11/11

❤️💜

11/11/2025

We are a small veterinary practice, offering in home care to dogs and cats. Currently, we are not taking new clients. This will change of course, so ask about our waiting list.
Information for existing clients:
1. We are on the road from 9-3 Monday thru Thursday. From 3-6 we are busy finishing charts, calling in prescriptions, submitting labs and making sure you have a smooth experience. We stop answering emails and phone calls at 4 pm. Friday is our office day. We are reading lab reports discussing those results with you, making medical plans, updating inventory, and addressing bookwork that must be completed by the week's end. We are not in the truck on Friday.
2. For the most part it is exceedingly difficult for us to manage emergencies. We are booked in advance, sometimes weeks out. And, your emergency might be in Charlotte when we are in Lincoln. For this reason, we will often refer you to an local brick and mortar practice for help. Also, if you pet is having a true emergency, you do not need us, you need an animal hospital with all the advanced care possible.
3. We are closed on the weekends. Texts and emails sent to us on the weekends do not make it to our call back bank. Please leave your messages and requests during office hours.
4. If you have an emergency on the weekends, there are a few options. BEVS in Williston, PEAK in Williston, Ethos in White River Junction, and Northway Animal Emergency Clinic in Glens Falls, NY. Each emergency and critical care center is capable of doing most things, but some have lifesaving products that others do not. If you need something a little out of the ordinary, be prepared to travel. Just as an example, Dr. Erickson's personal dog was exposed to a toxin. She needed to travel to NY to get the correct antidote. Yes, he is fine now. (Labs eat everything!)
5. To make an appointment, please text or email us. We we are on the road most days and we are often "out of service" driving on some "back road" (aka the main road) here in Addison County. Getting us on the phone is near impossible. We will get back to you, most likely at the end of the day.
6. We try hard to make your experience with us, one that you and your pet will benefit from and enjoy. Dr. Erickson has been practicing for almost 30 years. She has a wide range of experience, both in the USA and abroad. She remains active at her Alma Mater (Cornell) and taught in the Animal Science Department at UVM for 23 years, all while continuing to practice.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out and chat with us. We all love what we do!

10/19/2025

BREEDS of DOGS and BITING. This Is always such a contentious topic! Here’s my take.

All dogs bite. Circumstances vary of course, but all are capable and will if nervous, painful, fearful, startled, cornered ( you get the idea). After 30 years as a vet, my scariest moments have been with Pitt Bulls, German Shep Dogs,Australian Sheps, and Malinois. These are breeds that have been bred to protect, herd, work. They are great dogs and all take their jobs seriously. My worst bite ever was to my skull by a Golden Retriever, second place went to a Cocker Spaniel. So, again, all dogs bite. Most of these scary “incidents” do not turn into bites, as we have excellent staff with soft, kind, incredible skills. And when we know a dog will have serious issues we offer a few options. First, I will try meeting that patient outside in a non threatening area. Sometimes, just a bench in a yard is helpful. If this is not working we offer possible sedation for that patient. No, we don’t dole out meds routinely, but there are circumstances that justify the use. All breeds have “tendencies”. This is WHY we breed dogs, to develop those tendencies. To say that not all “whatever breed” will do this or that is a fools game. Protect yourself, and protect your dog. If a dog bites, there are repercussions and no one wants that. Our goals are to prevent those things from happening, and while not labeling dogs, it’s good practice to know who they are and what they are bred to do, when considering your approach .