Blog

How to walk a dog during lockdown

Jessica 25/04/2020

Both you and your dog still need exercise during the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown, and are still allowed to do so as long as you follow the rules.

How to walk a dog during lockdown

Can I pet sit during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic?

Jessica 11/04/2020

Yes, you can continue to pet sit if your services are essential to the health and welfare of your client’s pet. Here's what you need to know.

Can I pet sit during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic?

How to cope as a pet sitter during the COVID-19 pandemic

Jessica 10/04/2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has turned life upside down, but here’s how pet sitters can survive, thrive and come out stronger when things settle.

How to cope as a pet sitter during the COVID-19 pandemic

Can domestic pets spread coronavirus (Covid-19)?

Jessica 17/03/2020

The new coronavirus intervenes deeply in our daily lives. What does the virus actually mean for our pets? And what does this exceptional situation mean for bookings made on Pawshake?

Can domestic pets spread coronavirus (Covid-19)?

Is it safe for kids to pet sit?

Jessica 02/03/2020

Looking after pets is fun, and can teach kids about responsibility and social skills. However, you must consider your child’s age: Young children must be supervised around pets at all times, and an adult must be the primary carer if you wish to pet sit with your child under 18.

Is it safe for kids to pet sit?

Which flowers are toxic to dogs and cats?

Jessica 09/02/2020

There are a number of common ornamental flowers that are toxic to both cats and dogs. This list covers the most common that you should be aware of.

Which flowers are toxic to dogs and cats?

Why do cats vomit?

Jessica 24/01/2020

Many cats regularly throw up after eating. This is normal in most cases, but sometimes vomiting can also indicate underlying health problems. To keep your cat healthy it is important to keep a close eye on your cat's upset stomach and its contents.

Why do cats vomit?

Why is my dog afraid of strangers?

Jessica 09/01/2020

Some dogs may be nervous, skittish or shy around strangers because of poor socialisation, genetics or a bad past experience. Fortunately, you can help your dog manage their fear with patience, reassurance and consistency.

Why is my dog afraid of strangers?

How to find a cat sitter

Margherita 18/12/2019

Cats are attached to their environment, and, as such, prefer to stay at home than a cattery. A good option for holidaying cat owners is to hire a pet sitter that provides in-home visits. The pet sitter can make sure that your cat is fed, safe and happy, without being moved at all.

How to find a cat sitter

How to find a dog sitter over Christmas

Margherita 04/12/2019

If you are looking for a place for your dog to stay over Christmas and New Years, it's important to make an arrangement that suits your dog best so that both of you have a stress-free holiday period. Here are 7 tips for finding a great pet sitter for your dog.

How to find a dog sitter over Christmas

Why a cat scratches (and how to stop it)

Margherita 21/11/2019

On the furniture, on your hand during playtime, on the scratching post, on the floor... Cats scratch their claws on just about anything, which can be annoying if it causes damage. Why does a cat scratch and what can you do about unwanted scratching?

Why a cat scratches (and how to stop it)

Why do dogs smell each other's behinds?

Margherita 15/10/2019

Dogs often sniff each other's bums when they greet each other. This might seem a bit weird to us, but it is completely normal for a dog! Read here about this doggy habit and why it is important to let your dog sniff freely.

Why do dogs smell each other's behinds?

Getting rid of fleas from your pet and home

Jessica 12/08/2019

Fleas can hit at any time of year, making your pet super itchy and uncomfortable. How do you eliminate and prevent fleas so that they keep away from your pets and house, all year round?

Getting rid of fleas from your pet and home

Encouraging your cat to drink more water

Jessica 06/08/2019

Cats don't drink a lot of water by nature. Yet it is hugely importance for them to get enough fluid every day. Is your cat not drinking enough water? With a few simple tricks, you can ensure that your cat stays healthy and hydrated!

Encouraging your cat to drink more water

Why do dogs wipe their paws?

Jessica 30/07/2019

Wiping or kicking the grass after going to the toilet is a common behaviour in all dogs. But why do dogs do this? And is it a problem you should stop, or is it perfectly normal?

Why do dogs wipe their paws?

Can dogs feel guilty?

Jessica 09/07/2019

Dogs do seem to have a guilty expression, especially when they've done the wrong thing. But do dogs really feel guilt like we humans do? And what should and shouldn't you do when your dog looks guilty?

Can dogs feel guilty?

Protect your pet from overheating

Jessica 03/07/2019

Most pets can't sweat in the same way we humans do. As such, overheating can have really dangerous consequences for your pet's health during the summer heat. How do you keep your pet cool on these really hot days? Here are 6 tips for keeping your pets refreshed and chilled-out.

Protect your pet from overheating

What you need to know about cat whiskers

Jessica 03/07/2019

Whiskers are not only beautiful but are also incredibly useful for your cat. To make sure we don't accidentally harm our cat's '6th sense', it is important to know and understand how the whiskers work and how we can protect them.

What you need to know about cat whiskers

Why do dogs eat poo?

Jessica 25/06/2019

At some stage, a dog might eat either their own or another animal's poop. Not so pleasant of course, but is it actually a problem? And can you stop your dog from eating poop?

Why do dogs eat poo?

How to stop dogs from fighting

Jessica 10/06/2019

It's a scary scenario for any dog owner: the thought of your dog in a fight. What can you do in case of a dog fight? And how can you prevent dogs from fighting in the first place? Here's what every dog owner and dog sitter should know.

How to stop dogs from fighting

Protect your cat from dangers around the house

Jessica 04/06/2019

Cats are wonderfully adventurous critters. This means that they aren't afraid of risks and the accidents that can follow. Fortunately, with this checklist, you can make your cat's life a lot healthier and safer.

Protect your cat from dangers around the house

Should I crate train a puppy?

Jessica 28/05/2019

A crate is a commonly used puppy training tool. But is a crate really necessary? And what risks does your dog run if you use a crate? Read all about when and how to use a crate for your puppy or adult dog.

Should I crate train a puppy?

Does a cat miss you when you're gone?

Jessica 08/05/2019

"Cats don't have owners, they have staff," they say. But is that true? How attached are cats to their owners, and does a cat miss you when you're gone? In this article, you will discover everything about cats & attachment + useful tips for when you go on vacation.

Does a cat miss you when you're gone?

Taking care of an older dog

Jessica 05/05/2019

It can be difficult to watch your dog grow older. But fortunately, we can do a lot to help our precious dogs grow old happily and healthily. Recognise the signs of the aging dog and help your pooch lead a comfortable and happy life.

Taking care of an older dog

5 reasons why rescue dogs are the best

Jessica 29/04/2019

Many people choose to adopt a dog from the shelter or a rescue animal organisation. Here are 5 important reasons why adopting a dog is so rewarding + what you need to know to adopt a dog responsibly.

5 reasons why rescue dogs are the best

Is raw egg healthy for your cat or dog?

Jessica 20/04/2019

Eggs are tasty for us humans, but some owners also feed their dog or cat an egg every now and then. Are eggs actually healthy for your dog or cat? And what's the safest way to serve an egg to your four-legged friend?

Is raw egg healthy for your cat or dog?

10 ways to save money on your pet expenses

Jessica 11/04/2019

We love our pets, but it's a fact of life that pet care can cost a lot of money. Here are a few easy saving tips that can help to keep costs down.

10 ways to save money on your pet expenses

Why pets are healthy for kids

Jessica 08/04/2019

Many children adore animals. Although it can be a big job raising your child responsibly with pets, it's definitely something worth investing time and energy into. Did you know that owning a pet is not just fun, but also very healthy for children? Here's how + some tips to consider if your child wants a pet.

Why pets are healthy for kids

Why does my dog fart?

Jessica 28/03/2019

We may laugh when a dog lets off a stinky fart, but this flatulence may indicate an underlying issue. Why does a dog actually fart and what can we do about it? 5 reasons why your dog farts

Why does my dog fart?

Afraid of the vet: 6 tips

Jessica 25/03/2019

Many pets are afraid of going to the vet. But, unfortunately, you can't avoid planning a regular vet visit, even if it's just for your pet's annual check-up. Also, if you are a sitter it's important to know how to make a vet visit more pleasant for your guest pet. These 6 tips you make a vet trip less frightening - and maybe even fun!

Afraid of the vet: 6 tips