Whether you're looking to add a fluffy new friend to your family or just need a dose of joy, we're opening our boutique doors for a heart-melting morning of pups, play, and pet-friendly shopping.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_V7451PRp7/?igsh=b2swMHB6b2NiNXBt

Here's a quick peek!

Products we recommend to comfort your pets during high anxiety times like 4th of July fireworks are The Thundershirt, Animals Essentials Tranquility Tincture, and other calming pet supplements. If you are in a pinch and can't get to the store or shop online, find your pet's tightest fitting shirt that can "hug" them and provide comfort. Or you can hug them and comfort them. 

New 2019 Susan Lanci!

These new Susan Lanci designs are absolutely adorable! With sweet colors like peaches n’ cream and chocolate, in a classy houndstooth pattern, you can amp up your pup’s style and flair. These new arrivals are boutique exclusives, so you will only find them with your local vendor, Funny Fur.

If you like understated neutrals with just a little flair, you’ll love the Chocolate Glen Houndstooth Nouveau Bow Collar! Or consider an ultra-preppy Peaches ‘n Cream Glen Houndstooth Nouveau Bow Tinkie Harness! Explore and build a high fashion wardrobe with your pup in all these fantastic color and style combinations.

All Susan Lanci collars, harnesses, and bows are made with strong, washable Ultrasuede from Japan and decorated with beautiful full bows and Swarovski crystal.

We recently held our first Dog House of Pancakes event at our brick and mortar location in Houston. There were lots of happy pups who left with full bellies and dog parents who just had to have our recipe for doggy pancakes!

We started with the PuppyCakes LLC Banana Cake Wheat Mix, a large egg, a ¼ cup of cooking oil, and a 1 ½ cup of water.

Mix the ingredients together, adjusting how much water you add until a thin consistency is reached. This batter has more water added to it to make evenly thin pancakes for your pup. When your batter is ready, heat a pan over medium-high. Grease the pan lightly with cooking oil or salt-free butter - moderation is key with these fattier ingredients. Alternately, you can use a nonstick skillet for your pancakes.

When pan is hot, pour a tablespoonful onto the pan. Batter should self level and spread out in a round shape if correct consistency. Fill the pan with as many spoonfuls of batter as possible, without allowing them to touch. When batter begins to bubble at the center, flip pancake over to cook thoroughly. Pancakes should take 1 to 2 minutes to cook, depending on thickness and temperature. When finished, remove from heat, and plate.

It’s easy to dress these doggy pancakes up with some toppings. With the yogurt icing mix, prepare as usual and use with fruit, such as berries, to top your doggy pancakes. We like using the Plato Pet Thinkers as the ‘sausage’ part of breakfast. Et voila! You’re done!

We recommend feeding only 1 or 2 pancakes a day, depending on your pooch’s size. Remember to reduce your pup’s usual meal to accommodate these extra calories! Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. One box mix should yield about 12 4-inch pancakes. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get cooking for your pups!

1.Gnawsome Ball This ball is made of food-grade, BPA-free rubber with a spiky texture for a fun massaging chew perfect for teething puppies or other heavy chewers. Available in bright springy colors like purple and pink!

2.Kurgo Wapple Balls Inspired by the Wiffle Ball, this colorful toy bounces great and floats in water. Dishwasher safe and PVC free. Use the Kurgo Classic Yard Games Handbook to try all sorts of fun activities to engage your dog’s energy and brain.

3.West Paw Zisc What your high energy pooch could use is a classic frisbee perfect for playing fetch in the park or retrieving from the lake! The Zisc is latex free and dishwasher safe, with a simple and durable design.

4.Insect Shield Blanket All dog parents know what a struggle it is to keep nasty bugs away from both you and your dog in summer weather. For lounging around outside, the best choice is the Insect Shield Blanket! These large padded blankets come in black, orange, or green in reversible styles.They retain insect repelling properties for up to 25 washes.

5.Doggles, or dog goggles, are the best eye protection on the market with UV protection, anti-shatter and anti-fog lenses. For a long day in the sun, it’s important remember eye protection. Just like us, dogs can experience sun damage from UV rays if left to unprotected exposure for long periods of time. So if you’re hitting the beach or taking a long bike ride with your pooch, remember the Doggles!

1. LOUISDOG INDIGO FLOWERS TOTE BAG

This tote from Louisdog is THE spring accessory for your pup! The Indigo Flowers Tote Bag is cotton-lined, has mesh windows on the sides, and a mesh zipper opening, making it super fresh and breezy on warmer days. We especially love the blue floral print that was made to coordinate with the Louisdog Dressy Dress and Louisdog Doggy’s Organic Couture Tee! Plus with an adjustable shoulder strap to wear cross-body, and a machine washable body and cushion, it’s perfect for picnicking in the park!

2. LOUISDOG ORGANIC YOLO FRILL SLING BAG

Another great Louisdog carrier, the Organic YOLO Frill Sling is a slouchy bag where your pooch will want to curl up and ride in comfort. Like the tote, this sling has a removable foamax bottom to provide stability and form. The cross-body strap is padded with lace detail to match. This bag comes in Strawberry Milk, a soft pastel pink, or White, and is decorated with layered lace --perfect for a sweet feminine look! Pair this bag with the Angel Bee Hairpins or the Louisdog Botanical Dress to get an extra girly~ vibe.

3. LOUISDOG LINEN VIVA BAG

One of our most popular bags from Louisdog, the Linen Viva Bag is compact, convenient, and comfortable. It comes with genuine leather handles just the right length for carrying your pet close to your heart. A linen exterior and cotton interior make this a great choice for warmer spring and summer weather. Plus, this bag gives you options with 4 different colors in 3 different sizes! Run errands with your pup in a minimalist, low-key look, or dress it up a little with accessories like the Dandy Scarf and the Ooh-La-La Collar.

Summer is fast approaching and the heat is turning up! It’s our favorite time to chase ice cream trucks and cool off in the park with our pups. Plenty of us have given our dogs licks of ice cream outside the ice cream parlor, and our pups are always eager to share treats, but is it safe for them to eat ice cream?

You may think it’s no big deal, after all dogs have eaten worse and been fine, right? The truth is not all ice cream and other frozen human treats are safe for pups to eat. Lots of humans sweets have artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, which are toxic for dogs to ingest. If you’re going to share your cone with Fido, make sure you know what ingredients it’s made with!

What frozen treats can I give my dog?

Many dog friendly restaurants make treats specifically for pups, so be sure to ask what options they have! You can also make your own at home: there are lots of doggie ice cream recipes online, so you and your pup can choose your ingredients and mix up a yummy treat together.

Best of all, there are now some awesome dog brands making frozen yogurt and ice cream treats you can find in pet store freezers!

Our favorites are:

1.Opened in 2010 by a husband-wife team and their dogs, The Bear and the Rat delivers 5 delicious flavors of frozen yogurt for our pups (and kittens)! From classic banana and peanut butter to goats milk and coconut, these 4-packs of single servings are the perfect dessert. Our dogs love their Bacon and Peanut Butter flavor!

2.Yo-Pup from Yoghund has been “making tails wag” since 2007, and in that time they’ve made some awesome frozen treats! We’d argue their All-Natural Apple and Cheddar frozen yogurt packs are the best, but don’t forget to try their frozen raw bones and yogurt-drizzled biscuits as well!!

3.Puppy Scoops is another great sweet treat we recommend. It’s made by Puppy Cake, another dog company founded in 2007. They started with dog cake mixes, and expanded to include cheesecake mixes, cookie mixes, and of course, ice cream! Their Puppy Scoops come in half pints. You just add water, freeze and you’ve got some tasty goodness for Fido! We personally love their Maple Bacon Puppy Scoops and Pumpkin Smart Scoops (made with goat’s milk).

We’re all (dogs included) very excited for the summer to arrive. It’s a great time for swimming pool retreats and picnics out with your pooch! One thing to keep in mind though, is with these sunny days come soaring temperatures. Remember to keep Fido hydrated, take breaks in the shade, apply doggie sunscreen and enjoy taking it slow.

Keep these essentials in your arsenal to protect your dog’s paws when you enjoy the outdoors this summer:

1.Fou-Stick Protect is a roll on balm made of coconut oil and beeswax, perfect for preventing burns from hot sidewalks. It’s also useful in the winter for moisturizing a chapped dog nose! 

2.CocoTherapy’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is another must have in your summer weather kit. Use it for all kinds of skin and hair issues, from cracked paws to hot spots!A little goes a long way: massage it onto your pups paws to treat burns and small cuts or even use it to mix up some yummy frozen or baked treats.

3.Dog socks also prove very useful when dealing with extreme weather! We love rubber dipped socks for keeping paws clean and insulated from hot or frozen pavement. A pretty great fashion statement!

Raw pet food is slowly becoming a more popular choice for our pets. Feeding a raw food diet has great benefits for your dog or cat. Here are a few reasons to feed raw:

1.Kibble is a high carb diet, which means after eating your pet experiences a sugar spike, a short burst of energy, and then lethargy as the sugar runs low. Raw, on the other hand, is low in carbs so it provides and maintains an even energy level in your pup!

2.Carbs from a kibble diet promote the wrong kind of bacterial culture in your pup’s gut so a kibble diet is harder to digest. Raw diets, promote healthy bacteria and digest easier which means less smelly, firmer, and smaller poops!

3.Raw provides nutrients, like vitamins and amino acids in greater quantity than kibble. Kibble is cooked so nutrients lost in cooking are added back in through supplements and artificial vitamins. Not all of those added nutrients in synthetic supplements will be properly digested and absorbed, while the vitamins and amino acids present in raw food will.

All these things in combination often mean healthier dogs, with shiny coats, healthy skin, and improved oral health!

Try Primal for a change!

What sets Primal apart from other raw foods? First, Primal offers a wide range of proteins in their formulas, so you can do rotational feeding or stick to a particular protein like duck or pork for sensitive stomachs!

All of their proteins, like beef, salmon, venison, etc. are reliably sourced from sustainable ranches across the United States, New Zealand, Australia, and Europe! All their ingredients, both meat and veggies, are human grade, and contain no added hormones or antibiotics!

So the ingredients are great. What else? Well, Primal offers multiple ways to feed raw, depending on your ability and your pets’ preferences!

1.Primal Raw Frozen Nuggets are the OG, perfectly proportioned nuggets that you can thaw out a couple days in advance in the fridge and then serve to Fido.

2.Looking for something simple and complete, with minimal prep on those busy work days? Think about feeding with Primal Freeze Dried Nuggets! No need to thaw ahead of time, just break down a couple of nuggets, add water to rehydrate and bon appetit to your dog!

3.Still want that fresh factor from feeding frozen though? There’s always Primal Pronto: bite sized frozen morsels that you can thaw in under 30 minutes before serving.

For the more adventurous raw foodie, there are mixes, grinds, and raw meaty bones which can be used to create your own complete recipes! Mixes have the protein and produce, just add any necessary supplements. Grinds are just that, ground meat, and you add the veggies and supplements as needed. And you can further customize your dog or cat’s diet by feeding raw meaty bones like chicken necks and backs, up to 30% of their diet; combining with an array of other frozen formulas or even as a treat for a kibble fed pet!

With Primal, you can pick your own way, and the best way to give your dog and cat the biologically appropriate diets they want!

Grooming for the summer merits its own post, so I will go over some of the products Usagi and I love to use before, after, and in between, grooming sessions. To start off, I use Wondercide’s Flea + Tick Pets & Home Spray to repel those pests. The spray I use is the Cedar based 4oz bottle, a convenient size to use on both my dog and my cats. A quick rub down and spray with this great smelling spray every 2-3 days, and my pets are ready for the outdoors. Even better, I can then take this same spray and go over my bedding, furniture, and anywhere my pets may have lain and left unwanted hitchhikers behind.

Wondercide is an Austin-based company, who have taken it upon themselves to make 100% natural products to protect against pests without the use of chemicals seen in other common flea and tick solutions. They got their start when the founder’s own dog was diagnosed with pesticide poisoning and was no longer able to tolerate conventional treatments which used harsher chemicals. The company has since begun supplying us pet guardians with natural alternatives, without sacrificing our or our dog’s health to effectively kill and repel.

Another great product I like to use for my dog is Vet’s Best Hot Spot Spray. When Usagi has pollen or fleas stuck under her double coat, it is unfortunately easy for her to develop allergic reactions and further irritate those spots by scratching herself raw. This is when I pull out the Vet’s Best and spray directly onto her irritated skin, several times a day until the hot spot is alleviated.

Their formula is based on Tea Tree oil, Aloe Vera, and Chamomile, which are naturally soothing for the skin. Tea Tree oil also has the added benefit of being a natural pest repellent for both humans and pets. Dallas-based Vet’s Best is veterinarian recommended and can be used safely with other pest control treatments, so put your mind at ease when using it for spot treatment.

Lastly, I use the Fou-Stick Soothe Pet Balm. After spot treating with the Hot Spot Spray, I gently massage the balm into the affected skin and surrounding area to help Usagi feel less like scratching at skin that has just been treated. Formulated by FFD Pet , the balm’s main ingredients of coconut oil and shea butter help keep the Hot Spot spray in place with a perfect moisturizing barrier. And while we can’t use the Hot Spot Spray on cats, I can use Wondercide’s Spray to spot treat my cats and then follow up with the Fou-Stick Soothe balm, just as I would with my dog. The aloe vera and neem oil in the balm acts to repel and soothe my cats as the Vet’s Best does for my dog.

For further recommendations on preventing and controlling fleas and ticks, check out this video on our Youtube Channel.

It’s that time of year again! If you’re a flea, you’re probably jumping for joy right now. With winter over, the hot weather is perfect for those pesky flea fest! Aside from the often intense irritable itching from flea bites, it can also lead to severe allergies and disease. Americans spend millions of dollars on flea collars, sprays, and topical solutions every years, unaware of how dangerous these products can actually be. These conventional products can have a numerous harmful effects to you, your family, and furry friends.

Why Most Flea-Control Products Can Be Dangerous

The “spot-on” flea-control products have grown to be super popular. Topical treatments contain active ingredients such as Pyrethrins, Imidacloprid, and Arylheterocycles. The chemicals act as pesticides and target the nervous system of insects, causing repetitive nerve firings. Labels may warn not to get these substances on your skin, to wash your hands after applying them, and to keep them away from children, yet these chemicals are absorbed by your animal’s skin. Serious medical reactions can include vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory problems, brain damage, heart attacks, and violent seizures. Fortunately, there are much safer and effective solutions that will help protect you and your furry friends!

Natural Alternatives

Tropiclean has a new line of natural flea & tick shampoos and sprays, using some of nature’s most powerful pest fighting ingredients such as clove, lemongrass, cinnamon, and sesame seed oil. Tropiclean natural Flea and Tick Shampoo kills fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes by contact and repels fleas for up to 7 days. It’s powerful and effective enough for routine pet baths on dogs and puppies 12 weeks or older.

With ingredients including cedar oil, lemongrass, and sesame, Wondercide treats nature with nature. Wondercide’s aroma-therapeutic formula kills & repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes and is both a preventative and treatment for use on dogs, cats & home interiors. The spray kills pests like fleas and ticks by contact and prevents them from hitching a ride on your pet when you go on walks or to the park. It kills the insect life cycle: egg, larvae, and adults. Great for dogs and cats! There is no need to buy multiple products for dogs and cats of different sizes and breeds.

Home & Yard Solutions

Take the next step in natural flea control by removing the flea lifecycle from your home and yard. Many people do this by using flea bombs or calling the pest control company. Tropiclean & Wondercide have a natural flea & tick spray for your home and yard. Pests come from outside, so treating outdoors is critical to stopping flea, tick and lifecycle. Start at home and spray top to bottom, including pet beds, mats, and other areas that may be infested. 

Get Them A New Toy!

Gifts are a big part of Valentines Day and what better gift to give your pet then a new toy! If you’re looking to stay with the theme of the holiday, Jax and Bones make an awesome Chain of Hearts Rope Toy that is sure to be a hit with your fur baby.

Go On a Long Walk!

Your dog wants nothing more than to spend some quality outdoor time with you! Dogs love to go on walks and as an added benefit, you’re getting some quality exercise. If you’re going to do that, I highly recommend the Buddy Belt harnesses and Leads to use. Their patented design allows for full control, while never coming close to their neck or any other uncomfortable spots.

Enjoy a Snack Together!

Nothing says Valentines Day like curling up on a couch, watching a rom-com, and crying into a pint of ice cream (Anybody? Just Me? Okay.) Now your dog can join in with you! Puppy Scoops makes Ice Cream mixes for dogs that are lactose free and in flavors that dogs love! The creators, Puppy Cake, make a number of yummy treats for your pet to try including cake, cookies, and Jello!

Give Them a Nice Bath!

Freshening up and looking good is a huge part of the Valentines experience. Giving your dog a bath is a great way to spend some time with them and clean up for the rest of the day! Isle of Dogs is my favorite pet shampoo to give to my dog, and their everyday collection is fantastic for regular use. With scents like Violet + Sea Mist or Jasmine + Vanilla, you’re going to love the way your dog smells after their bath and you’re going to notice a higher quality coat!

Visit Their Favorite Pet Store!

A trip to your dog’s favorite pet store with them is like taking a child to the toy store! We here at Funny Fur love to have any and all pets show up to get some delicious treats and try on some beautiful clothing. If you’re in the area, come stop by our store, located at 3268 Westheimer Rd., Houston, Texas 77098!

Holiday season is upon us! With the holiday season comes another season, the travel season! Traveling can be a real pain, not made easier by airlines restrictions on pet travel. In addition to the airline rules, there's also TSA guidelines and rules. That’s where our favorite travel carriers come in! There's many options and finding the right one for your pet's size and travel needs is where we come in. Our team is here to help you find the best option for your pet companion. We surveyed our customers and our team to determine the best airline approved pet carriers that worked well for them as well as made their travels easier. Traveling during the holidays is hard enough. Traveling with a pet during holidays can be frustrating, especial when there are delays. Finding the right travel carrier could mean more added comfort  for your pet during the flight, in the car, or just hanging out waiting during travel delays.

Sleepypod creates high quality safe carriers for all forms of travel. It is really their main focus and specialty. The Sleepypod Air Pet Carrier and Sleepypod Atom Pet Carrier are certified airline cabin approved so you won’t have to worry about your furry loved one going into the cargo bay of the plane when flying! Taking a road trip? Never fear! All of the Sleepypod carriers feature ways to strap in to seatbelts and have been crash tested (With little dog crash test dummies, no less!) They can be strapped to a bike and used to safely bike with your pet. They are all designed with your dog’s safety in mind. They can also be used as a bed during your travels. If you have a dog that is too big for a carrier, they also make seatbelt dog harnesses! Refer to the below image to see if your dog will fit in one of these carriers.

Come on in to our store and check them out for yourself, or order one on our online store! Please contact us if you need assistance with finding the right travel carrier for your pet. The Funny Fur team would like to wish everyone happy holidays and safe travels!

Funny Fur

3268 Westheimer Road

Houston, Tx 77098

Certified Humane is a title given to meat and animal products that are created under a specific set of guidelines designated by Humane Farm Animal Care. Humane Farm Animal Care is a third party, non-profit organization composed of leading animal scientists, veterinarians, animal welfare specialists, and farmers.

Their guidelines are very strict and are tailored for each group of farm animals. For example, beef must be fed a wholesome, nutritious diet and have free access to this food. Adult cows and calfs over 30 days old must be allowed feed or forage with a sufficient level of fiber to allow rumination. Cattle may not be given growth hormones or any growth inducing antibiotics. They also must maintain a body condition score (BCS) of at least 4-6 and any change in condition must be carefully planned and maintained according to the stage of production. Their environment is important as well. Beef cattle must be raised with continual access to the outdoors and there must be no parts of the indoor areas of the farm that could cause specific injuries (floors must be made with non-slip material, etc). The temperatures must remain at a constant as to not cause animal distress.

In total, the guidelines are over 30 pages long and that’s only for beef! But, what does this mean for you as a consumer? Well for one, it means that you are guaranteed a certain level of quality in the products you’re buying. Because the farms are held to such a high standard of cleanliness, you also don’t have to worry about pathogens or other bacteria in the food. So where can you find a Certified Humane food for your pet? Open Farm is a brand new grain-free dog and cat food out of Canada with a large focus on making sure the ingredients used are high quality and humanely handled. All of the meats used in their food are provided by farms that are Certified Humane and the fish are approved by Ocean Wise Conservation Association. Open Farm also offers Freeze Dried Raw food options and a number of all natural dehydrated treat options! Stop by our store to try some for yourself!

Funny Fur
3268 Westheimer Road
Houston, Tx 77098
713-239-0133

5. Orbee Tuff Toys

I’ve mentioned them before and I’ll sing their praises till the end of time. Orbee tuff toys are simply the best rubber toys available! With their durability rating system right on the tag, you can pick out the perfect toy for your fur baby. My dog has had his golf ball toy for over 6 years and still carries it around with him every day! I can guarantee this will make a great stocking stuffer.

4. Louisdog Organic Yolo Sling bag

This is one of my favorite carriers from a brand that makes awesome carriers. This casual sling is the perfect tote for your small pup! The bag is certified organic by GOTS, meaning it’s great for sensitive skin and the inside has removable pouch made of cotton and a soft faux fur. This is the perfect bag for quick casual trips with your furry friend!

3. Tall Tails Best Buddy Gift Set

Tall Tails makes my favorite blankets for pets, so this gift set is the perfect holiday treat for your fur baby! The gift set comes with a 30”x40” blanket of your choice, a soft squeaky bone toy, and their reusable waterwoof pad, which guards against accidents with its triple layer protection! If it’s a new puppy, Tall Tails also makes the Puppy Gift Set , which scales down the size on most of the items!

2. Anything Susan Lanci!

From luxurious carriers to beautiful hair bows , Susan Lanci makes items that will turn heads! Made with Ultrasuede and Swarovski Crystals, this brand is perfect for the dog looking to add a little bling to their look! Their Cuddle Cup in particular is the perfect bed/blanket hybrid to spoil your dog with!

1. Buddy Belt Harnesses, Collars, and Leads

If you haven’t jumped on the buddy belt train yet, now is the perfect time to get on! Buddy Belts are simply the best harnesses available for your dog. Their patented design is simple to put on, never comes into contact with their neck, and is meant to last! Made out of 100% leather, the more your pet wears it, the softer it becomes and shapes to fit their body comfortably. Everyone agrees, Buddy Belt is the ultimate dog harness!

No two dogs are the same, so naturally, a dog collar that fits one pooch may not necessarily work well for another one. This may make shopping around for a dog collar overwhelming and frustrating. Fortunately, at Funny Fur, we offer a variety of dog collars designed to suit your and your dog’s needs in the areas of comfort, style, and functionality.

Martingale Dog Collars

One of the most common types of dog collars is the martingale collar. These collars, also known as limited-slip collars, are ideal for pooches with narrow heads -- for instance, Greyhounds, whippets, Afghan hounds, and Salukis. The collars are also helpful for other types of dogs who have mastered how to slip out of their collars. It has been recognized as the most comfortable collar for training dogs.

The martingale collar features a metal ring located at each end, with a separate loop passing through the rings. You can then simply attach a leash to one of the rings. If your furry friend attempts to back out of his collar, the collar will quickly tighten around his neck but without choking him, similar to how a choke-style collar works. Funny Fur’s adjustable Nylon Martingale Dog Collar is particularly in demand because it makes it easy to control a dog while still keeping him safe.

Reflective Dog Collars

If you and your dog enjoy going on nighttime walks or doing other activities at night, a reflective dog collar is a must-have. These collars enable you to conveniently keep an eye on your dog, as they immediately reflect your flashlight, a spotlight, or the headlights of approaching automobiles. For example, the Funny Fur Reflective Collar and Lead features 3M reflective tape that looks gray during the daytime but is brilliant at night.

Waterproof Dog Collars

For the pup that seems to attract water like a magnet, a waterproof dog collar couldn’t be a more perfect investment. Once your dog has gotten wet, getting him dry and comfortable can be hard enough without having to also worry about the drenched collar around his neck. Whereas regular collars remain wet for hours, waterproof collars dry right away. Funny Fur’s Sparky’s Choice Waterproof Collar is a top customer choice due to its durable coated polyester. This collar will even remain flexible in temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Taking care of Man’s Best Friend can certainly be a lot of work, but the right dog collar from Funny Fur can make being the daddy or mommy of your favorite fur baby that much easier.

Winter will soon be upon us, so you’ve likely already swapped out your summer apparel for your sweaters, hoodies, and coats from storage. But while you’re focused on keeping your own body warm, you may be neglecting your furry pooch’s. Contrary to popular belief, dressing up big dogs, such as pitbulls or bulldogs, is not just a cute move that may score you more likes on Facebook or Instagram. Dressing your dog may preserve your dog’s health and well-being this winter. Here are a couple of reasons to add big dog clothing to your family’s wardrobe this year.

Dog Has Poor Health

Your dog may not be in the best of health, in which case clothing for large dogs may be one of your most important investments in your pet this winter. For instance, if your furry friend has arthritis, clothing can keep him more comfortable in cold temperatures.

A wool dog sweater, such as the Funny Fur Red Sundance Sweater, will put a pep in your dog’s step due to its comfortable texture, cozy feel, and bright, sunny appearance. However, one of the most important articles of clothing for dogs is boots. Your pooch’s paws can easily get frostbite or even bleed and crack due to the salt, mud, and ice chips that get between his paw pads, so boots are a must if the weather is extremely brisk. Funny Fur’s Faux Fur Trimmed Dog Boots are especially ideal for everyday wear as well as for hikes for the adventurous dog.

You Keep Your Home Cool

Protecting your furry friend from the elements is typically the main reason dog owners decide to clothe their dogs. However, if you usually keep your house cooler during the winter to save money and energy, big dog clothing may come in particularly handy in your home as well. Dogs such as Greyhounds have a hard time producing and keeping enough of their own body heat, so clothing provides them with the extra layer they need to stay warm.

Signs of Hypothermia

There are a few indicators that your dog isn’t warm enough during the winter season:

• Your dog attempts to burrow in somewhere.
• Your dog quits moving or slows down.
• Your dog behaves anxiously.
• Your dog shivers.
• Your dog whines.

If you notice your dog exhibiting any of the above behaviors, get him inside right away to warm up. Then, dress him in big dog clothing when he goes back outdoors. Dogs can pass away from exposure to excess cold, just as people can, so the right winter wear is paramount for maintaining a healthy, happy dog.

Champion pet foods have always prided themselves on their regionally sourced, fresh ingredients. But what does regionally sourced mean and why should you care? Here’s a quick run-down on what these fresh ingredients can do for you!

Regionally Sourced means helping the environment!

Regionally sourced pet food means buying from local farms. These local farms are working hard to keep the environment fresh to keep producing high quality ingredients for you and your pet’s food. By supporting them you are supporting the maintenance of farmland and open space in your community!

Regionally Sourced means more nutrients!

When pet food companies buy from local farms, they are reducing the time from harvest to table. Key nutrients can be lost in this transportation time and many foods that are mass produced have sat in distribution centers for long periods of time before being sold. This also means safer foods, as the fewer stops between the farm to the table means less of a chance of contamination.

Regionally Sourced means transparency!

One of the scariest things about mass produced food is that you can’t tell where the ingredients have come from. Regionally sourced pet food companies like Champion are all about full disclosure. They provide the farms they work with and when the ingredients were collected on the back of their bags and on their website.

Those are only a few of the many benefits to feeding a regionally sourced food. For more information about Champion pet food check out the video below!

#5 – Swashbuckler Pirate

Watch out Johnny Depp, This little guy is ready to plunder! Would pair well with a small pirate ship!

#4 – Iguana Dog

This one is just confusing. That being said, I love it! Unfortunately, doesn’t come with an iguana in a dog costume.

#3 – Sir Barks-A-Lot

Ready to slay the dragon (or maybe just Iguana Dog) and save the princess, Sir Barks-A-Lot has no fear!

#2 – The Pumpkin

Listen, I’m all for the wild and out-there costumes. But, sometimes you gotta go with a tried and true classic.

#1 – Hot Dog

The fact is, this joke will never get old.

And that’s it for my top 5! If you have a great picture of your fur baby in costume, tag @funnyfur on Instagram or post it on our Facebook!

Happy Halloween!

Sometimes, all it takes is that one perfect toy! For my dog Hank, it was his Orbee-Tuff golf ball . 6 years after buying it for him, he still carries it around in his mouth everywhere he goes. If he comes over to you, he will drop it and expect you to toss it for him. Sometimes I wonder when he has worse anxiety, when I leave or when he loses the ball. Getting that perfect toy can impact your pet’s life in so many ways and I wanted to share some tips for finding the right one for you.

The first thing to try and figure out is what kind of chewer your dog is. I personally like to categorize them into cuddlers, chompers, and rippers. The cuddlers are exactly what they sound like. Their toys are objects of affection for them and they would do nothing to hurt it. These tend to be mild-mannered puppies or family dogs and are the lowest on the destructive scale. Wear tends to come from licking the toy too much. The chompers are dogs that tend to just carry around the toys and chomp them as they’re walking. They are the more playful ones and are big on the idea of fetch. These dogs are moderately destructive and can wear down soft toys fairly easily. Rippers are the tough ones. These dogs’ idea of play is tug-of-war all day. They tend to treat their toys like they would a bully stick or any other hard treat and will actively try to rip it apart. Teething dogs and more excitable dogs usually fall under this category.

After you determine what category your dog falls under, the next step is deciding what toy is right for their type. Cuddlers tend to go for the soft and warm toys. A good choice would be any of the Simply Fido line of toys , because they are soft, squeak, and look like animals. Plush they are 100% organic, including the filling! Chompers love anything they can fetch. Orbee-tuff balls are fantastic as they are bouncy, easy to fit in their mouths and are satisfying to chomp. Any flying disc toy is also a good choice. Rippers want something they can pull on. Kong has a specific toy called Tug which is a fantastic choice for this type. Any rope toy is also a great option, and Jax and Bones in particular has a great line of rope toys for dogs.

Make your doggy a delicious and healthy birthday cake straight from your own kitchen! With Puppy Cake Mix for dogs, you can make a doggy cake or cupcakes without the fuss of baking from scratch. Puppy Cake Mix just requires an egg, water, and vegetable oil (can be substituted for coconut oil from Coco Therapy). The frosting is even included! Puppy Cake Mix comes in five fun flavors: Carob, Peanut Butter, Banana, Pumpkin, and Red Velvet. There are also wheat-free recipes for dogs with sensitive tummies or allergies. 

The box includes cake mix and yogurt frosting powder mix.

Mix one egg, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, and 3/4 cups of water in with cake powder and mix well.

According the the back of the cake mix box, one box makes 8 cupcakes or one double layer 6" cake. Because I wanted to make two individual cakes for both Charlie and Trevor, I used a 4" springform pan.

Bake in 350 degree oven. I baked the cakes for about 12-15 minutes since I only used a 4" pan. If you're using a 6" pan, bake for 20-24 minutes.

Let cake cool.

To make frosting, add 2 tablespoons of water with the frosting powder AFTER the cake is cooled. It's important to let the cakes cool first before adding the frosting.

I topped these individual cakes with cute pre-made doggy cookies. Use your creativity and have fun with these cakes. I love using Puppy Cake Mix because it's made from human-grade ingredients, it's baked fresh from my oven, and the cake mix is only $8! 

The first step to being ready for a disaster is to have the resources available and a plan in place. The ASPCA has a fantastic article about this, from which we’ll paraphrase some of the more important tips. Getting a Rescue Alert sticker is a fantastic tool for letting potential rescuers know how many and what kind of pets you have. Writing “EVACUATED” on it when you’ve made the preparations to leave and gotten out safely can speed up rescue efforts in other areas of your neighborhood as well. Making sure your pet’s tags are up to date and legible is invaluable in the event that they run away or are otherwise unaccounted for. On the same note, it is highly recommended to have your pet micro chipped so that local shelters can quickly identify them in case they’ve lost their collar or tags. Lastly, having a caregiver that can take the pet for the duration of the event is strongly suggested if you yourself can not evacuate for whatever reason.

As we saw in Houston, many chose to hunker down and prepare as much as they could for the storm. If you have decided to do so with your pet, there are a couple of things you can do. First of all, keep your pet by you at all times. Animals are very sensitive to nature’s ebbs and flows and a natural disaster can cause their instincts to kick in to the extreme. Keeping them close by will soothe excess anxiety that they may have and prevent a lot of unexpected behaviors. This is especially the case if you are forced to leave your home or move to higher ground. Keep pee pads and pet-approved gastro intestinal soothing products around, as constipation is a common issue for pets when cooped up and unable to go outside. Finally, make sure you are properly stocked up on food and toys to keep your pet entertained.

We at Funny Fur are constantly moved by the incredible acts of kindness from our fellow Houstonians in this dire time of need. That is why we are trying to follow suit and give back to the wonderful community that has impacted us so much. Funny Fur will be accepting donations for our Hurricane Harvey Pet Supply Drive. All donations will be distributed to local pet shelters and pet charities around the Houston area and other areas affected by Harvey. We are currently accepting:

Gently used:

Collars, Harnesses, Leads, Beds, Crate Mats, Crates, Bowls, Towels, Blankets, and brushes

Brand New:

Food, Treats, Toys, Shampoo, Grooming wipes, Cat Litter, Puppy Pads, Poop Bags, and Cleaning Supplies

Please come to our store at 3268 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77098, contact marketing@funnyfur.com, or get in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram if you would like to contribute.

The Funny Fur team would like to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts and know that we are keeping the victims of this tragedy in our tho

Animal Essentials holistic herb tinctures are a simple way to supplement your dog or cat’s diet with [h1&91;certified organic[/h1&91; herbs that can help solve a number of issues. Manufactured right here in the USA, the best way to serve these sweet tasting tinctures is directly to their mouth, preferably 30 minutes before or after they eat. This is because you want the active ingredients to have minimal digestive interference in order to get the full effect. So what are these tinctures? Let’s break down a few of them.

Nettle Tonic

Nettle is a well known go-to herb for many herbalists around the world. Nettle is rich in trace minerals, vitamins, antioxidant chlorophyll, and plant histamine. All of this plays a part in Nettle’s role as a modulator of immune responses to seasonal allergies and the reason Nettle leaf is a large part of Animal Essentials’ Seasonal Allergy blend. Nettle is also an excellent nutritive tonic for female animals that need support during menstruation.

Colon Rescue

An effective blend of Marshmallow Root, Slippery Elm, Plantain, and Licorice, Colon Rescue is a fantastic choice for pets with gastrointestinal issues. This combination works to combat constipation, diarrhea, and other forms of GI inflammation. The active ingredients also promote skin health and respiratory health.

Senior Support

Several active ingredients come together in a mind, body, and spirit formula for senior pets that supports function of the digestive tract, urinary tract, circulatory system, and brain. Containing Alfalfa, Dandelion, Milk Thistle, Oat Flowering Tops, Marshmallow Root, Garlic, Ginkgo Biloba, and others, Senior Support is also fantastic for immune function, kidney, and liver health.

Holistic herbal tinctures can play a big part in supporting the overall health of your pet! They cover a wide variety of health issues and chronic problems. We recommend you try some today!