Planning Your Pet’s Health This Year: A Month-by-Month Guide for Pet Parents

by | Jan 15, 2021 | Pet Health

Planning Your Pet’s Health This Year: A Month-by-Month Guide for Pet Parents

Here’s a tail-wagger for you: 2021 is finally here. We are happy to welcome the new year with smiles and a rejuvenated sense of optimism. As a team, we remain committed to providing pets with the best lives they can experience. We’ve resolved to help pet parents find more ways to keep their pets healthy, happy, and ready to take on this year and beyond. To help you keep better track of your pet’s health and maintenance needs, here is a 12-month plan:

Watch Your Pet’s Weight All Year

We want to encourage you to be vigilant about your pet’s weight. Keeping track of weight gain and loss can help you identify health issues before they worsen. Weigh your pet with your bathroom scale. Weigh yourself. Then pick up your pet. What’s the weight difference?

January

Kick-off the new year on the right paw. Keep your pet active even in cold weather and don’t forget to:

  • Schedule your pet’s annual check-up.
  • Weigh your pet and record their weight: _____
  • Order your pet’s monthly medications & paw balm.
  • Sort through your pet’s prescriptions and toss any expired medications.
  • Consider a prescription subscription service for your pet.
  • Take note of your pet’s meal portions. Are you underfeeding or overfeeding your pet?
  • Beginning writing down any behaviors you want to work on with your pet.

February

Snuggle up on your pet and plan to show your four-legged companion some extra love by:

  • Refill heartworm prevention, and flea & tick prevention
  • Has your pet made it in to see us yet? Don’t forget to schedule an annual exam
  • Refill monthly medications
  • Check your pet’s weight: _____
  • Does your pet need a nail trim? If their nail clack on the floor or their dewclaw looks like a crescent, it’s time for a pet-icure.
  • Look over your list of unwanted pet behaviors. Have you worked on them? If you have questions about pet anxiety or newly developed ‘bad bathroom habits,’ we can help. You may also want to consider hiring a trainer.

March

Your pet is lucky to have you as an owner. Here are somethings you can do to extend your pet’s life and luck:

  • Do not skip heartworm prevention, and flea & tick prevention–the weather is warming up
  • Have you considered monthly prescription refills for your pet?
  • Weigh your pet: _____ . Has your pet lost weight, yet?
  • Consider ordering a new
    _ Leash
    _ Harness
    _ Litter box
    _ Toys
  • Review your garden safety routines–keep tools out of the grass and off the ground.

April

Spring is here! Warm-up to these pet health ideas:

  • Look for signs that your pet is struggling with spring allergies. If you notice the following, make an appointment to see us:
    _ Itchy eyes or ears
    _ Paw licking or chewing
    _ Constant itchy
    _ Missing patches of fur
    _ Watery eyes
    _ Change in coat health
    _ Excessive sneezing
  • Empty debris and containers collecting extra water around the yard
  • Did you order your pet’s prescriptions for the month?
  • Consider making a grooming appointment
  • Remember to prevent your pet from lapping up water
  • How much does your pet weigh? _____

May

May your pet’s health be better than ever. Keep up the good work by:

  • Put together a pet first aid kit
  • Add an extra water bowl to your home to encourage hydration
  • Consider ordering pet-safe sunblock
  • Don’t lose track of your pet’s weight
  • Watch for bees, spiders, and other creepy-crawlers–avoid walking where deer or other wildlife tend to pass
  • How much does your pet weigh this month? _____

June

Summer is here, and you’ve done a great job so far this year! Pets and summer are like peas and carrots. Keep your pet safe from the heat and protected from fleas, ticks, and heartworms.

  • Ask us about how you can prevent your pet from leptospirosis
  • Prepare for the 4th of July by scheduling an appointment this month. If your pet is afraid of fireworks–we can help!
  • Check your pet’s microchip and update contact information.
  • Six-month prescriptions from January are likely getting low. Refill your prescriptions soon.
  • Mid-year weigh-in: _____

July

Just in the knick of summer–keep on track when it comes to pet hydration and heat safety.

  • Remember that some people will do fireworks before the Fourth of July and after–be ready with your pet’s anti-anxiety medication.
  • Don’t have a prescription to keep your pet calm during thunderstorms? Make an appointment to find out if your pet is a good candidate for anxiety control medication.
  • Prevent your pet from drinking from outdoor water sources
  • Did your senior pet get to see us last month? Don’t forget to bring them in for their second annual appointment.
  • Is your pet shaping up to a beach bod? _____

August

Back to school time is here. Do you know how to help your pet cope with separation anxiety?

  • Ask us about how we can help your pet handle their separation control.
  • Consider hiring a dog walker, cat sitter, or using doggie daycare to help your pet adjust to back-to-school.
  • Did you refill your pet’s prescriptions this month?
  • Remember to avoid letting your dog swim in water with visible algae. Blue-green algae is deadly for dogs.
  • How’s your pet’s weight?_____

September

Celebrate your pet’s physical health and encourage positive mental health with extra play sessions and outdoor time.

  • Did you know pets can suffer from dementia, depression, and anxiety? Keeping your pet mentally active can stave off worsening dementia and reduce or prevent anxiety and depression. Commit to more walks and feather wands.
  • If you notice any negative changes in behavior since January, give us a call. If your pet has improved–good for you!
  • It’s hot out there–schedule a grooming session.
  • Weigh your pet: _____

October

Fall is here. Keep your pet feeling fantastic by keeping all candy stored where your pet won’t find it.

  • Fall back into a healthy exercise routine with your dog.
  • Don’t forget to check your pet’s medications for refills.
  • Begin planning for holiday travel. Boarding facilities fill up fast and dogs require a bordetella vaccine to stay in boarding facilities.
  • Weigh your pet: _____

November

You’ve done a great job keeping your pet healthy this year–give yourself a round of “thanks!”

  • Book Thanksgiving boarding ASAP if you have not. Book your boarding for the holiday season.
  • Remember to keep Thanksgiving guests informed about your pet’s human-food hand-out policy.
  • Keep walking and playing through the holiday season to help your pet’s mind stay active and his or her body healthy.
  • Even as temperatures cool, continue to provide your pet’s flea and tick prevention.
  • How much does your pet weigh? _____

December

You did a dog-gone great job this year keeping your pet healthy and having a great life. Give yourself a special gift as a reward for being a responsible pet owner.

  • If your pet experiences stiffness, soreness, or chronic pain, please make an appointment to see us.
  • Make your January pet check-up appointment
  • Prepare for your pet’s winter with a new sweater, throw blankets, and a warm bed.
  • Ask us about how you can help control your pet’s arthritis pain during the cold weather months
  • Your pet’s end of year weigh-in: _____

Your Pet’s Health End of Year Review

Print your answers to these questions and bring them with you to your next appointment:

January Weight: ________________

December Weight: ________________

This year my pet began getting treatment for: (ex: anxiety, incontinence, excess weight, allergies) ___________________________

Their treatment is working/still unsure/not working. (ex: anxiety, incontinence, excess weight, allergies) ________________________________

My pet exercises about ____________ hours every week.

I have questions about:

  • Flea & tick control
  • Heartworm prevention
  • Weight loss
  • Pet diabetes
  • Pet cancer
  • Pet arthritis
  • Pet anxiety
  • Pet separation anxiety
  • My pet’s: __ears/hearing, __eyes/sight, __nails, __skin or coat, __ joints
  • Digestion or food allergies
  • Pet dementia or memory loss

Give Your Pet Their Best Year: Healthy, Happy, & Having Fun

Your pet deserves the best health and best life. If you’re ready to provide your pet with a year of wags, purrs, and happy moments, print out this guide and make an appointment to see us soon. Happy New Year! Here’s to the barkingly best year, yet!

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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.

Find Us

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.