If You’re Worried About Summer Booms, There’s Help!

by | Jun 15, 2022 | Pet Health

If You’re Worried About Summer Booms, There’s Help!

Does your dog have a fear of thunderstorms or fireworks? Many pets are scared of sudden loud noises and experience various symptoms due to their noise aversion. Unfortunately, thunderstorms and fireworks shows often occur more frequently during the summer months and can cause increased anxiety in your pet.

Luckily, there are ways to ease your pet’s fears, and we are here to help! Here are a few ways you can help your pet now and make sure they are prepared for the upcoming season.

Be Prepared

The first step in being prepared for summer booms is identifying your pet’s problem and creating a plan. The most common signs of a noise aversion include:

  • Hiding
  • Shaking
  • Increased Vocalization
  • House Soiling
  • Destructive Behavior
  • Attempts to Escape

If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms during a noise event, it’s essential to take your pet’s condition seriously and look for ways to help. Failure to do so can seriously affect your pet’s well-being and even lead to injury.

Start by looking at your upcoming weather forecast or local events that may include fireworks. This can help you predict when these summer booms are most likely to occur and when you should start preparing your pet.

Don’t Wait!

While you may not be able to predict every boom, it’s better to be proactive in your efforts to keep your pet calm. Before an event occurs, try to set up a safe space away from windows and doors where your pet is less likely to hear any outside noise. Turning on some music or a sound machine can also be a great way to distract your pet and drown out any scary sounds.

Once your pet gets scared, it can be difficult to calm them down, and your efforts may not be as successful. Instead, take steps to calm your pet before the event occurs.

Talk to Us About a Calming Agent

In severe cases of noise aversion, calming agents can help reduce your pet’s anxiety and keep your pet safe.

If you think your pet would benefit from a calming agent, let us know as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the Fourth of July to get your pet the help they need. Set up an appointment ahead of time to discuss your pet’s condition. Our team is happy to make recommendations based on your pet’s unique needs.

Keep in mind that it may take some time to find the medication or dose that works best for your pet. Additionally, these calming agents must be given in advance of the noise event to provide the most benefit for your pet.

Final Thoughts

If your pet struggles with a fear of loud noises, the time to act is now! There are a variety of ways you can help your pet. However, it’s essential to take action soon and avoid waiting until it’s too late.

For more information about calming agents and other ways you can help reduce your pet’s fears, please give us a call. We look forward to hearing from your and helping your pet fight their noise fears!

 

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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.

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Dr. Dennis Bechtold

Dr. Dennis Bechtold

Dr. Dennis Bechtold joined Lake Country Veterinary Services in 2024, bringing with him a wealth of expertise and a deep passion for animal care. He obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota in 2005, laying the foundation for his distinguished career in veterinary medicine.

Beyond the confines of the clinic, Dr. Bechtold finds joy in the company of his family. His wife, Rachel, is a certified veterinary technician, and together they raise their two sons. Their shared interests extend to gardening and cultivating a variety of plants on their hobby farm, where they endeavor to sustainably produce much of their own food.

The Bechtold household is bustling with the presence of their beloved pets. Alongside their loyal German shepherds, Chief and Major, a harmonious coexistence is shared with their feline friends. Demonstrating a deep-rooted commitment to animal welfare, their farm becomes a sanctuary for a diverse array of creatures, from chickens and peacocks to emus and geese, and an eclectic mix of other animals including goats, sheep, cows, pigs, a cockatiel, parakeets, and a llama named "Dolly," rescued by Dr. Bechtold during his veterinary school years.

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. 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 Poodle Mix named Charlotte and a Shih Tzu Mix named Calvin.

Megan Olmscheid, Receptionist

Megan Olmscheid joined Lake Country Veterinary Service in 2019 and brings a warm and caring approach to her role as receptionist. With a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from St. Cloud State University, Megan has a natural passion for helping people—especially when it comes to supporting clients in caring for their beloved pets.

In her free time, Megan enjoys riding horses with her sister, making memories on every trail. She has two horses, Georgie, who is always curious and eager for adventure, and Jette, a young horse with a quirky personality she loves watching grow. Megan also shares her life with Miley, an Australian Shepherd/Red Heeler mix who’s happiest when chasing things or swimming in the family pond. Her favorite animal movie is Flicka, reflecting her lifelong love of horses.

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 Haider, Certified Veterinary Technician

Rachel has been a valued member of our team since 2015. Her favorite part of working in veterinary medicine is that every day brings new experiences and challenges. She loves that our clinic offers care for a wide variety of pets, allowing her to make a positive impact on their lives.

Rachel graduated from the Ridgewater College Veterinary Technology Program in 2019, equipping her with the skills and knowledge to provide exceptional care to animals.

In her spare time, Rachel enjoys photography, sewing, and crafting, which allow her to express her creativity and capture the beauty around her.

Rachel shares her home with a mixed breed dog named Jezzy, two harlequin rabbits named Asher and Clementine, and two domestic shorthair cats named Alan and Waylon. She also lovingly serves as the retirement home for Chip, the clinic cat, ensuring he enjoys his golden years.

Janelle Schlangen, Receptionist

Janelle Schlangen has been a valued team member at Lake Country Veterinary Service since 2015, where she warmly welcomes clients and their pets every day. Outside of the clinic, Janelle and her husband, Scott, are taking on an exciting new adventure: managing his family’s chicken barn and planning to raise farm animals. This transition to farm life is especially exciting for their three children—Carson, Cameron, and Cali—who are thrilled to be a part of it.

At home, Janelle’s family includes two beloved Cocker Spaniels, Boston and Dakota, along with several farm cats, each affectionately named by her daughter. Janelle’s dedication to animals and her community makes her an invaluable part of Lake Country Veterinary Service.

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.
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Dr. Neal Womack

Dr. Neal Womack 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 in both large and small animal services and being 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, Ashley, two sons, Bennett and Dawson, and their two Black Labs, Willow and Hazel. 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 hiking on the north shore.

Dr. Wendy Womack

Dr. Wendy Womack 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 that included adding small animal services. Dr. Womack cares for a wide range of animals and founded the small animal side of our practice, enjoying making a positive difference in the lives of pets and their owners. Dr. 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 a Brittany named Rowdy and a 2.5-year-old yellow Lab named Tess. Dr. Womack also shares her home with two 2.5-year-old cats named Fred and Ginger (for Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers), with Ginger being a charming orange tabby.

+49 856 9568 95

info@vetcare.com

39 Lion Street
London-Lutton

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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.