Bob Minchella's dog owner counseling

08/06/2026

If you live with a cat.... you get it...😁

breakfast

08/06/2026

😂

faster

08/06/2026

Facts...

Is your senior dog sleeping more, wandering the house at night, forgetting routines, or seeming a little “off” their game?
Many pet parents assume these changes are simply part of aging, but they could be early signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD). This condition closely resembles Alzheimer’s disease in people.
Research shows brain health isn’t fixed. Fresh food, regular exercise, environmental enrichment, omega-3 fats, antioxidants, targeted supplements, and early intervention all help support cognitive function and improve quality of life.
In my newest article, I explain:
🐾The earliest warning signs of CCD
🐾What happens inside the aging brain
🐾Nutrients shown to support memory and learning
🐾Why daily activity protects the brain
🐾Practical ways to help your dog stay mentally sharp for years to come
Growing older is inevitable, but growing older well is something we can influence. Check out my latest article, link in comments. 🐾

08/06/2026

Hmmmm....🤔

DOES SPAYING OR NEUTERING REALLY MAKE DOGS CALMER?

For decades, many people have been told that spaying or neutering helps reduce unwanted behaviors. But a new 2026 peer-reviewed review published in Animal Reproduction suggests the science is more complicated.

After reviewing decades of research, the authors concluded there’s not enough consistent evidence to recommend spaying or neutering solely to change behavior. In fact, several studies included in the review found some dogs showed more fear, anxiety, or certain forms of aggression after being spayed or neutered.

Why? The review explains that reproductive hormones don’t just influence reproduction. They also play important roles in brain function, learning, memory, stress responses, and emotional regulation. Removing those hormones may affect dogs differently depending on their genetics, age, s*x, breed, and individual temperament.

One of the most interesting parts of the review is that the authors discuss hormone-preserving alternatives that prevent breeding while allowing the body to continue producing its natural hormones. These include:

🐕 Vasectomy – prevents male dogs from reproducing while leaving the testicles in place, so testosterone production continues.

🐕 Ovary-sparing spay – removes the uterus but leaves one or both ovaries intact, preventing pregnancy while preserving ovarian hormone production.

The authors suggest they deserve more attention because they can help preserve some of the health and behavioral benefits associated with natural hormones while still preventing unwanted litters.

The review doesn’t argue that dogs should or shouldn’t be spayed or neutered. Instead, it encourages veterinarians and pet owners to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach and make decisions based on each dog’s individual health, lifestyle, behavior, and risk of reproduction.

07/25/2026

07/25/2026

Just an FYI...

Screwworm is back in the U.S.: Here’s what every pet parent should know: 🐾

New World screwworm isn’t like ordinary maggots. These larvae feed on living tissue, making early wound care and prompt veterinary attention essential.

Most cases are preventable with:
✔️ Daily skin checks
✔️ Proper wound care
✔️ Effective fly deterrence

If you live in or travel through Texas or New Mexico, now is the time to stay informed—not fearful.

I’ve created an extensive downloadable guide covering everything you need to know about New World screwworm, including how to recognize the warning signs, what to do if you suspect an infestation, and a recipe for a science-backed, 100% natural and effective fly spray to help protect your pets🪰.

Prevention starts with awareness. Get the full guide, link in comments, and share it with your fellow pet parents, if you live in a high-risk state. 🐶

07/25/2026

07/25/2026

Does your dog like watermelon?

🍉 WHY I’M FEEDING MY DOG WATERMELON THIS SUMMER

Watermelon isn’t just a refreshing summer treat—it’s packed with nutrients that can benefit your dog’s health. 🐶❤️

Here are a few reasons it’s one of my favorite seasonal snacks:

🍉 💦 It’s about 92% water.
Perfect for helping your pup stay hydrated during hot summer days.

❤️ 🫀 One of nature’s richest sources of L-citrulline.
Dogs use citrulline to help support healthy circulation, heart health, and mobility. Canine studies have found this pathway is altered in certain heart diseases, highlighting its importance for cardiovascular health.

💧 🩺 Can help reduce bladder stone–forming crystals.
A small peer-reviewed canine study found that dogs given a watermelon extract beverage had fewer calcium oxalate and struvite urine crystals after 3 months. These crystals are the building blocks of many bladder stones.

🛡️ 🍅 Rich in lycopene.
Watermelon is one of the richest fruit sources of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage.
👀 🥕 Packed with beta carotene:
This Vitamin A precursor supports healthy vision, skin, and immune function.

🍉 🤯 Here’s a fun fact:
The white rind (just beneath the green skin) actually contains more L-citrulline than the pink flesh. While most dogs won’t enjoy chewing the rind, it’s where much of this unique amino acid is naturally concentrated.

🐶 How much watermelon can dogs eat?

Watermelon should be an occasional treat. A good rule is to keep treats under 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

A practical serving guide:

🐾 Under 10 lb (4.5 kg): 1–2 small cubes
🐾 10–25 lb (4.5–11 kg): 2–4 cubes
🐾 25–50 lb (11–23 kg): ½–1 cup
🐾 Over 50 lb (23+ kg): 1–2 cups

✅ remove seeds and the tough green rind, which can be difficult to digest.

07/25/2026

😁

forever

07/25/2026

REGISTRATION FOR CLASSES BEGINNING MONDAY, SEPT 14TH IS NOW LIVE! COME JOIN US THIS FALL FOR FUN, FURIENDS, AND TONS OF LEARNING!