OUR STORY
Meet the human behind House of Sploots.
I’m Adriana Rio da Silva, founder of House of Sploots and Nyla’s human — or her “hooman”, as she calls me.
When I met Nyla as a 12-week-old rescue pup, it was love at first sight. Bringing her home was the beginning of our story — and, eventually, the inspiration for House of Sploots.
House of Sploots grew out of the everyday decisions that come with loving a dog who needs a little extra consideration — and wanting the things she lives with to look at home in the house too.
THE BEGINNING
A rescue pup, 12 weeks old.
Nyla was born on 2 October 2023. I adopted her from the RSPCA in Wacol, Brisbane, and brought her home on 29 December 2023, when she was just over 12 weeks old. It was love at first sight. Right from the beginning, I was told she had a little hip dysplasia, and because she is a Staffy cross I was also warned to keep an eye on skin and allergy sensitivities.
That made me cautious from day one about what she ate, where she slept, what touched her skin and how comfortable I could keep her throughout her life. I have also always been mindful of her weight because I do not want to put unnecessary pressure on her legs and joints.
One of our early attempts at getting a decent photo. Nyla had other ideas.
WHAT HIP DYSPLASIA MEANS
Comfort became part of every decision.
In plain English, canine hip dysplasia is a problem with the fit and stability of the hip joint. The ball and socket can sit too loosely, which can lead to abnormal movement, wear and, in some dogs, pain or arthritis over time. It is seen most often in larger dogs and genetics are an important risk factor.
That does not mean every dog with hip dysplasia will show obvious symptoms. It simply explains why I have always paid attention to comfort, sensible weight management and the surfaces Nyla sleeps and moves on.
General information informed by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. This page is not veterinary advice.
SENSITIVE SKIN, REAL-LIFE LESSONS
I started noticing the home mattered too.
Over time I noticed Nyla could become red and irritated around her belly, thighs and neck. I also started noticing patterns around things I used in the house — including products on carpets, what I washed couch covers in and some grooming products.
I cannot say that every flare was caused by one specific thing, and allergy symptoms can have many causes. But veterinary sources do recognise contact allergy in dogs, with possible triggers including some laundry detergents, shampoos, bedding or carpet materials and substances used on grass or in the home.
That experience changed how I shop. I read labels more carefully, think about what touches her skin and look for products that make everyday care simpler rather than adding another question mark.
“The more I looked after Nyla, the more I realised I was not only shopping for a dog. I was choosing what came into our home.”
AND THEN THERE WAS THE FURNITURE
Why did the nice dog beds cost a small fortune?
I also found it surprisingly hard to find dog beds and everyday pet pieces that I genuinely liked having in my home. So many options either looked overly “pet shop”, did not suit the style of my house, or were beautiful but came with a price tag that felt completely unreasonable.
Now, finally, I have found pieces that feel considered from both sides — beautifully made, aesthetically pleasing, comfortable for dogs and cats alike, and designed to sit naturally within the home rather than look like something you want to hide away.
The aim is simple: elegant, practical pieces that feel part of your décor, without feeling like you need to remortgage your house to afford them.
SUMMER WITH NYLA
The things we do for our pups.
Queensland summers can get seriously hot, so I was always looking for little ways to make Nyla more comfortable. One thing I used to make was a frozen breakfast bowl with chicken necks, kangaroo raw meat, kibble, pumpkin and spinach mash, water and chicken broth. I would freeze it overnight and give it to her the next morning.
She absolutely loved it, and because it was frozen solid it could take her around half an hour to work through.
And then there is raw carrot. If I am eating carrot, Nyla wants carrot too. If I hand her a piece while I am not eating it? Quite often she spits it straight back out. Apparently the snack is only worthwhile if we are sharing it.
This is simply what I made for Nyla at the time, not a feeding recommendation. Every dog is different, so check with your vet about what is appropriate for yours.
A note from me: I am not a veterinarian. Nyla’s story reflects my personal experience caring for a sensitive rescue dog. If your dog has ongoing skin, joint or dietary issues, please speak with your veterinarian.