Nets Happy Pets

06/23/2025

Just a reminder that all dogs were bred with a job or purpose, and while some of our small companion breeds were always pillow dogs, many started out life with other purposes. Guarders and protectors. Small vermin destroyers. Tracking and chasing game. Most dogs guardians do not use their dogs for their original intended purposes, but it doesn't mean that your luxurious little Yorkie doesn't need to exercise her chase and destroy drive from time to time. It might not be a rat, but this tiny gal is having a blast! Happy Monday!

06/20/2025

Well, the Texas weather has spoken. It's time to put up the summer sun shades, and lucky for us, the best supervisor is on duty! Bonus is that everyone gets "ladders aren't scary" training today.

BTW, while all of you have pets, if you know someone who doesn't have pets and would like to adopt a giant, laid-back, snuggle partner, Boogie Woogie is available for adoption through Texas Great Pyrenees Rescue. Boogie is a seasoned gentleman now so he doesn't need much. His two things ...

* Boogie is XXL. He's around 160 pounds (or a whole human as I say). Although he's big, he's pretty polite about his size. He will lean on you, but he doesn't jump and doesn't need any real exercise.

* Boogie doesn't like to share his space with other animals. He has gotten better between fences and is good on a leash, but introductions, even short ones, are a "no thank you".

06/18/2025

I can't let today get started without wishing the Thorbyiest of Thors a very happy 9th barkday!! Enjoy your day, bud!!

06/17/2025

Things that you can say both to your toddler and your dog .... Will you puhlease stop putting every-d@mn-thing in your mouth? I present the current culprits.

06/14/2025

When you only think a dog's tail is long, then she sits on a chair and stretches that bad boy all the way to the ground. 🤣🤣

06/03/2025

There's a language barrier ... send help .... but his head tilt is my favorite thing.

Spoiler alert: he wanted his breakfast. 🤷‍♀️

06/01/2025

And another Happy Gotcha Day to the pankiest hanky of all ... Hanky Panky. You keep making sure your momma takes you out for french fries for keeping your yard bunny free!!

05/30/2025

Whoops, I almost let the day go by without wishing a Happy Gotcha Day to the thumpiest of Corgis, Thumper. You keep us all in line, and we're glad your family decided to call you theirs.

05/25/2025

Today, Sally reminded me of a principle that I always try to follow with dogs ... Let them be dogs.

Years ago, we had a sweet little soul named Wanda that had several congenital health issues. In the process of getting her liver shunt finally diagnosed, I happened to be in the offices of two of her vets. Dr Clary made the actual diagnosis. I asked her "how much time are we looking at". Dr C picked up all of Wanda's feet, looking her all over, and then said "nope, no expiration date, love her today and don't worry about tomorrow". Then a few weeks later, I was in Dr Pam's office following up about Wanda's diet. I told her that Wanda had taken to chasing and eating grasshoppers. She was having so much fun that it was hard for me not to indulge her, but that afterwards, she acted like she didn't feel well. Dr Pam told me that ounce for ounce, grasshoppers have as much protein as chicken (protein being an issue for her shunt). I told Wanda no more hoppers, and Dr Pam said "No! Let her have fun, just adjust her diet."

What neither of those amazing women know is that those simple conversations with a scared pet parent had a profound impact on me both as a guardian and a professional.

Dogs lives are so short, and they have very little agency over anything in their life. They ask very little of us, and we expect so much of them. Every once in a while, let them ... just let them. Let them roll in the mud, even right after a bath (you're welcome Sally). Buy them a stuffed toy just so they can tear it up (no eating the fluff). Let them chase bugs. Let them eat that french fry or pizza crust. Put your phone down for a bit and give them that belly rub. Sprinkle some cheese on their food. Buy them a pack of chicken nuggies (or Griff's favorite, mozzarella sticks). Build them a dig pit and buy them a baby pool even though they're both messy. Stop your rushing around for a second, give them that extra ear scratch, and tell them how much you love them. Being two minutes late won't mean a thing to anyone, but it will mean everything to your dog.

05/24/2025

For you Potter fans needing an upgrade in the tag department.

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05/18/2025

It's been a long week, guys, and one thing keeps popping up so let's chat. I know it can be really frustrating and not what you want to hear, but when your dog is suddenly "off", the first rule is to go to the vet. It's not just the vet though, they need a thorough vision/hearing exam, a good orthopedic once over, and the most important, lab work. Sometimes, lab work seems excessive esp in what appears to be a healthy dog. Unfortunately, dogs are masters at hiding health issues, and labs can be your first line of defense.

Annual lab work is really important in every adult dog. I didn't used to be in this court, but experience has taught me differently. Annual lab work can help you catch things in advance. They can also tell you when something is wrong even when your dog isn't showing many signs. Also, while not always an indicator of disease, regular labs can tell you what to keep an eye on in case something additional develops.

As well, annual labs help you to learn what your dog's individual "normal" is. For example, Sally has a lab value that is naturally on the high side (just an fyi, this is common for her breed and her DNA health results confirmed it). In her case, because we have regular labs, we know that this isn't an issue, but in another case, it would be indicative that something is going on.

Whether your dog is purebred or a mix, know your breeds and find online what are common ailments for your breed/breeds. Generally speaking, mixed breed dogs typically aren't as impacted by genetic based issues, but genetics can be a funny thing. Conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia will not show up on lab work, but if your dog has breeds that are prone to things like hypothyroidism, you might add this test to regular lab work and absolutely test for it if they start acting "off". Diabetes, chronic kidney disease, liver issues, Addison's, Cushing's, and chronic pancreatitis can all be caught with lab work.

I understand that in a sea of expensive things, lab work can seem unnecessary. Do your best to get this done on a regular basis, and for sure, ask for them if your pup doesn't seem like him/herself. Happy training!