8 New Year’s Resolutions for Pet Owners

by | Jan 12, 2022 | Pet Health

8 New Year’s Resolutions for Pet Owners

It’s a new year, which means it’s a perfect time to reflect on the special bond you and your pet share. You love your pet. And they love you! Pets are treasured members of our families, so it just makes good sense to consider the year ahead and plan ways to help your pet stay in tip-top shape! Read on for 8 simple ways you can make your pet’s life even better.

1. See your home through your pet’s eyes.

From plants that may be toxic to household cleaners that could make them sick, trash containers out in the open, or medications within their reach, many of the things we don’t think twice about can be a real problem for pets. Take a moment to consider your home from your pet’s perspective and you’ll likely find all sorts of ways to remove potential hazards and keep your four-legged family member safe from their own curiosity.

2. Go outside with your dog on walks – it’s good exercise for both of you!

If you’re like many pet owners, your dog’s daily exercise is probably limited to a quick walk through the neighborhood. Consider making time for longer walks and play sessions. If you can’t, try hiring a dog walker or finding a doggy daycare in your area. Not only will your pet enjoy more time outdoors or being engaged in activity, you’ll be boosting their fitness levels too!

3. Get rid of that extra weight!

If your pet is overweight, it’s not just an aesthetic problem. Extra pounds put pets at risk for all sorts of serious conditions like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and other significant illnesses. If you think your pet may be overweight, schedule an appointment with us to check them out. We’ll work together to set a reasonable goal for their weight loss.

4. Brush your dog or cat’s teeth regularly.

If you don’t already brush your pet’s teeth, now is a good time to start! Just as with humans, it only takes a few minutes each day and can help stop more advanced and complicated problems from developing.

Scheduling a professional cleaning with us will help us assess their dental health below the gum line, as well as what we can see when examining their mouth. Did you know that treating dental disease in its earliest stages not only helps keep your pet healthy, but is more economical than treating advanced dental disease? It literally makes “cents” to stay on top of your pet’s dental health.

As your pet’s veterinarian, we can also advise on dental treats, chews and rinses that will keep your pet’s mouth bright, healthy and smelling fresh.

5. Frequently clean food and water dishes that may be harboring bacteria.

If you notice slime (biofilm), cloudy or otherwise discolored water, or if food is left in the dish overnight, chances are good that bacteria is growing there. This can make your pet severely ill. Daily cleanings of their dishes followed by disinfecting in the dishwasher once a week will help them avoid this hazard.

6. Give them food that is appropriate to their age/weight/health needs.

Each year of a pet’s life brings special needs and concerns so it’s important to consider their age, weight, and health needs as you choose the best food for them. Unfortunately, there is so much marketing directed at pet owners about which foods to choose, it can be complex and overwhelming. We’re here to help you navigate the options and find food options that are best for your pet.

7. Schedule your pet’s wellness exam.

From vaccines to preventive medicine and parasite prevention to guide your pet’s journey as your pet ages, a wellness exam is a great way to keep your pet healthy and on track. We can help you learn more about their needs as they age, find ways to help them live longer and healthier lives, and identify problems in their earliest stages.

8. Spend more time with your pet.

Spending time with our pets is such a gift – why not commit to more of it? Not only will you make your pet happier, but it’s a great way to stay connected and strengthen the bond between you and your pet.

Have a happy 2022!

We hope you have a wonderful and healthy year ahead. We are here to help guide your pet’s journey in health and wellbeing, and we look forward to seeing you at our next visit!

Contact Us

Our Mission

We are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, preventative health care and health-related educational opportunities for our clients. Lake Country Veterinary Services PA strives to offer excellence in veterinary care to Albany, MN as well as St. Cloud, Freeport, Avon, and other surrounding areas.

Find Us

Dr. Colleen Kutzler

Dr. Colleen Kutzler is the newest veterinarian at Lake Country Veterinary Services. She graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2022 and began practicing at LCVS in June 2022.  Dr. Colleen was raised in Oregon on a 2- acre hobby farm where her family owned a few ponies as well as raised and showed camelids on a national level. She has been around veterinary medicine her entire life following her mother, Dr. Michelle Kutzler from a young age. Dr. Colleen has many years of experience with dairy and beef cattle through her family’s farm in Dodge Center, MN. Much of her small animal experience was gained through breeding Miniature Dachshunds since she was in the 6th grade. Dr. Colleen practices large and small animal medicine and has a particular interest in reproduction. She loves to educate and work alongside dog breeders as well as consult on breeding management in large animals. When Dr. Colleen is not at the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her family, improving her new home, and playing with her two miniature dachshunds (Ruby and Raven).

Randi Robasse, Kennel Staff Manager/Receptionist

Started June 2021.

Has always enjoyed working with animals and has worked with several rescue organizations. Randi and her significant other Dustin have 2 kids - Landon and Kaylie

Dog - Finley
Cat - Princess

Sami Young, Certified Veterinary Technician

I grew up on my family's dairy farm and I help out every day. I am a Stearns County Dairy Princess and enjoy doing many events and parades. This past year, I graduated from Ridgewater College with my AAS degree in Veterinary Technology. I started working at Lake Country Vet in 2020 and have been working as a CVT since this year. When I am not helping out on the farm or doing my Dairy Princess duties I enjoy reading and spending time with family and friends or spending time with our family dog, Buddy.

Amy Dobmeier, Receptionist

Started working at the clinic in 2020.

I have always had a love for animals of all kinds, making this a job easy to enjoy.

Look forward to seeing clients with their wonderful pets every day, sneaking in a quick pet when it isn’t too busy.

In my free time, I enjoy caring for my many house plants and watching nature documentaries. I look forward to when I get a chance to travel with my husband, Brad of 24 years. Our two children, Carter and Karlyn, are grown, but we still spend quite a lot of family time together. I also have two fur children who keep me on my toes. A 5-year-old Poodle Mix named Charlotte and a 2-year-old Shih Tzu Mix named Calvin.

Megan Olmscheid, Receptionist

One of the newest people to join our team is Megan. She’s been with us since 2019, and she fits right in with her positive attitude and love of animals. In fact, her favorite aspect of her job is helping sick animals and preventing healthy animals from becoming ill. Megan’s fur family includes creatures of all shapes and sizes. There’s her horse with a big attitude, Hazel, who adores apple-flavored treats and has a knack for escaping, her Rat Terrier, DJ, who is convinced he’s a cat, Lucy, a kitten that sneaks inside whenever Megan’s dad isn’t home, and Miley, Megan’s newest bundle of joy, a Australian Shepherd-Blue Heeler puppy, who has more energy than she knows what to do with. Megan studied early childhood special education at Minnesota State University and St. Cloud State University. 

Emily Achman, Certified Veterinary Technician

Emily joined our team in 2007 and has enriched our practiced with her skills and kindness. She’s one of our talented veterinary technicians who thrives on variety and excels when faced with challenges. In 2014, Emily graduated from the Minnesota School of Business with an Associate of Science degree. Her favorite part of working here is that each day she gets to see and help a wide variety of animals. Abscess appointments and similar issues tend to be her favorite. Koda, Emily’s dog is her pride and joy. He loves food, going for a swim, and taking naps. Even though Koda is not lightweight (he’s 90-pounds!), he thinks he’s a lap dog. During her downtime, Emily loves spending time with her family and friends. And her favorite hobby is reading. How much does Emily like reading? She and her friends regularly participate in a book club!

Rachel Ramacher, Veterinary Technician

Rachel is one of our veterinary technicians. She started here in 2015 and has since graduated from Ridgewater College in 2019. She’s a model for patience, kindness, and understanding. She works hard to help patients and their pets live long lives, and she loves helping all kinds of species: big and small, stay healthy. Rachel has two rabbits and a dog. Her rabbits, Cinder and Asher, love nibbling on apples and other treats. She loves spoiling her dog Jeezy with squeaky toys, treats, and cuddles with his favorite fuzzy blanket. She also finds as much time as she can to spend with friends and family. Her favorite hobby is photography.

Janelle Schlangen, Lead Receptionist

Time flies when you’re part of a team that helps pets feel their best and stay healthy, at least, that’s what our lead receptionist, Janelle Schlangen, thinks. Janelle has a huge heart, and she’s been able to fulfill this mission with us since 2008.  Janelle isn’t just talented when it comes to assisting clients, their pets, and her co-workers, she earned her surgical technician certificate from St. Cloud Technical College, and she studied cosmetology at Regency Beauty Institute. Janelle loves spending time with her beautiful family, which includes her husband Scott, and three amazing children, Carson, Cameron, and Cali. She’s also a sports enthusiast who likes watching and getting in the mix by playing.  When Janelle clocks out and arrives home, she’s greeted by her friendly and loving pets, Boston, a Cocker Spaniel and Josie, a tabby. Her pets adore her family almost as much as Janelle does. Boston and Josie both love treats and taking naps when they’re not snuggling with the kids or playing.

Tammy Lehner, Receptionist

Tammy has been with us since 2017 and is a fixture here at Lake Country Veterinary Services. She greets clients on the phone with her friendly voice or in-person with her glowing smile. She loves each pet that walks through the door, and her favorite part of being part of our team is interacting with clients and their pets. When she’s not at work, she loves cooking and spending time with her family, including her Chocolate Lab, Daisy.

Janice Hommerding, Certified Veterinary Technician

Janice Hommerding, our adept and caring certified veterinary technician has provided our clients with her kindness and skill since 2011. Janice dreamed of working with animals long before becoming a vet tech, and she excels at, and thrives on, the variety of tasks her position requires. Janice earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology in 1999 from Ridgewater College in Willmar Minnesota. After Janice clocks out, she tries to find as much time as possible to dive into her many hobbies. From reading to gardening and scrapbooking, Janice stays busy. And when she’s not tending to her garden, you might find her horseback riding, deer hunting, fishing, baking, napping, walking, or spending time with her husband and kids. Janice’s pet family includes Annie, a 14-year-old Bernese Moutain Dog, Josie, a 10-year-old Blue Heeler mix, and her three cats: Elmer, Candycorn, and CC. Her household isn’t complete without her hobby farm creatures, which include horses, sheep, chickens, and calves.

Addie Moeller, Lead Certified Veterinary Technician

Addie Moeller brings energy and enthusiasm to our practice. As our lead certified veterinary tech, she cares for each pet that she meets. You often find her performing her favorite duties: helping clients and educating them about the care of their pets. She also loves the variety of day-to-day duties she is tasked with. Addie has been with us since 2007 and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the Minnesota School of Business.  When Addie gets a day off, she loves spending time with her loving husband, Bob, and two boys, Logan and Jaxon. She also enjoys biking and walking her sweet dog, Emma. In addition to Emma, Addie has a bird named Bobo and two cats: Sophie who is 11 and Kalle who is one of the oldest kitties around at 20-years-old.

Dr. Neal Womack

Dr. Neal Womack, DVM, has practiced veterinary medicine in Albany since 1996 and founded Lake Country Veterinary Service in 2003, and is co-owner of the clinic. He thrives under pressure and loves creating a positive outcome in difficult situations.  In 1992, Dr. Womack graduated from North Carolina State with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Before attending veterinary school, Dr. Neal Womack graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Dr. Neal Womack has southern roots that lead back to Missouri where he was born and raised. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and gardening on his days off. He describes his pet situation as “a house of misfits.” 

Dr. Sam Beech

Dr. Sam Beech has been with Lake Country Veterinary Service since May of 2019. He is a graduate of the University of MN for both his undergraduate work, as well as his veterinary degree. His favorite part of veterinary medicine is working both in large and small animal services, and being able to be involved in the variety of care offered to our patients throughout the day. From surgical care, to anesthesia, preventive medicine and pet behaviors, his day is filled with challenges he enjoys. Dr. Sam is Fear Free Certified. In his spare time, Dr. Beech enjoys spending time with his wife and their two dogs - Nala, a 6 year old Shih Tzu-Bichon mix that his wife rescued in college, and Willow, a 6 month old black lab, who is full of energy and is gearing up for pheasant and duck hunting. Dr. Beech has greatly enjoyed training both dogs, as they are true companions in the Beech household. Outside of the clinic, you may also find Dr. Beech hunting, fishing, golfing, or watching sports.

Dr. Wendy Womack

Dr. Wendy Womack, DVM, has helped make Lake Country Veterinary Services the practice you know and love. She’s been helping pets from all around Albany since 2004 after renovations which included adding small animal services. Dr. Womack cares for a wide range of animals and founded the small animal side of our practice, and enjoys making a positive difference in the lives of pets and their owners. Dr. Wendy Womack earned her undergraduate degree in chemistry at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1986. She then went on to study veterinary medicine at North Carolina State College, graduating with her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1992.  When Dr. Womack isn’t providing pet parents with advice or caring for their beloved pets, you can find her practicing yoga, gardening, or enjoying a great book. She knits like a pro, spends time with her friends, and goes on walks.  Her pet family includes both cats and dogs. She loves her two Britannies, Rowdy and Sammie, who may seem like typical hunting dogs but are really beloved family members. As for her feline friends, Dr. Womack opened her home and heart and embraced her lovely cats. Julius has hyperthyroidism and is a bit elderly, but found his place in Dr. Womack’s home after he was orphaned and abandoned on a client’s doorstep. Gloria, our retired clinic cat also enjoys living with Dr. Womack and her crew.

+49 856 9568 95

info@vetcare.com

39 Lion Street
London-Lutton

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Send Us a Message

Dr. Jenny Revermann

Dr. Jenny has been an owner of Lake Country Veterinary Service since 2018. She graduated from the University of MN with her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and then graduated in 2009 from the University of MN College of Veterinary Medicine. In addition to traditional veterinary methods, Dr. Jenny is a CVA (Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist) and is currently studying Osteopathy to help provide additional treatment options to the clients she serves.

In her spare time, Dr. Jenny enjoys scrapbooking, reading and spending time with her family, which includes her husband, six children, and pets - Zora - a German Wirehair, Coonie - who joined her family after she was found injured, Cy - a stray kitten adopted from the clinic in summer 2019, and Bolt - joining the Revermanns in summer 2019.