Many cats and dogs like to nibble on your house plants, particularly indoor cats in search of some fresh greenery. However, some plants are poisonous and can make your pet seriously ill. So, which plants are toxic for your cat or dog, and what are the safe alternatives?
When considering names for your pet, you might be tempted to come up with something super original: a name with which you have a strong personal connection. However, it’s wise to pause for thought before finally settling on a name. In this article, you can read what makes a good name for your cat or dog, and discover some of the most popular pet names.
If you’ve recently become a pet sitter, you’ll no doubt be keen to start home visiting all those lovely pets in your neighbourhood. But how long should such a visit last? What can pet owners expect from you? And what, exactly, do pets need from their pet sitter?
Is your dog a tad hyperactive? Perhaps they have become disobedient, disinterested or even stressed? Even bored or unable to satisfy natural instincts? It’s important that your dog is physically and mentally challenged on a regular basis. The activities below are guaranteed to leave your four-legged friend mentally engaged and content. This will also increase the bond between you and your dog, and you’ll become a more 'mindful' dog owner or dog sitter in the process.
Read moreCats tend to be regarded as 'low-maintenance' pets that require little time and attention. As a result, their basic needs and natural desires are often overlooked, and they forget how to be 'cats'. Our 7 simple tips below will improve life for your little furry pal, and soon have them purring away with happiness!
Read moreDogs are social animals, which explains why most are not happy alone. In some cases this can become really problematic, with the separation anxiety becoming so intense that the dog cannot be left alone at home. Some dogs are also so attached to their owner that they can also get separation anxiety when they stay with a dog sitter. How do you ensure that the separation anxiety is reduced and how do you ensure that your dog feels safe and happy without you?
Read moreContemplating getting a pet and unsure whether two tails are better than one? Or perhaps you’ve already got a furry companion and are wondering if they might benefit from a playmate? Are single pets ‘lonely’ or is being the sole object of your affection actually good for them? This article will help you to determine whether to take on one or more pets.
Read moreEveryone knows that dogs require plenty of regular exercise. But how often should you walk your dog exactly and for how long? In this article, you’ll learn how much time you need to devote to your dog’s favourite pastime and what to expect from your dog sitting or dog walking service.
Read moreCats and dogs are often thought to be natural enemies and can sometimes get hostile. However, well-socialised cats and dogs can live together in harmony and ultimately become good friends. Do you wish to home a dog with a resident cat or vice versa? Then you must ensure a safe and responsible introduction between your furry companions.
Read moreThe 'here' or 'come' command is essential, as it can get your dog out of dangerous situations. However, it seems that some dogs simply don’t want to listen. So, why do some dogs refuse to come when called? And how can you ensure that your dog always comes on command?
Read moreHere are few issues that can be red flags if you are a pet sitter or pet owner….pay attention and take ownership over your decision, because you want to be sure you’ve found a purrfect pet-to-person match!
Read moreIf you are searching for a pet sitter, then you’ll naturally prefer someone you feel comfortable leaving your beloved pet with. It’s important, therefore, to get along really well with your sitter. But how can you be sure of that all-important 'click' when booking a pet sitter via Pawshake? You'll find out during the meet & greet. Here are the do's and don'ts when meeting & greeting.
Read moreIf a new pet comes into your life or if a dog comes to visit you, it's important that your home is a pet-safe place and that you know your boundaries. We've created 2 convenient checklists to prepare your home for the arrival of a new pet - this will prevent damage to your property and keep the pet safe and sound.
Read moreThere's nothing better than enjoying a holiday with your pet. But traveling should not only be fun for you as a pet owner: your dog should also have a good and comfortable experience. Here are the most important tips to ensure a pet-friendly holiday with your dog.
Read moreIt seems like it will never end: your pet's winter coat falls out and you find tufts of fur all over the place. What is moulting exactly? What can you do to make things as comfortable as possible for your dog, and what should you avoid doing?
Read morePawshake gives you some top tips on the best ways to meet and greet before pet sitting!
Read moreIf you are a pet sitter, trust and responsibility are key, and pet owners should be able to tell that their pet is in safe hands with you. But how do you let the world see that you are that reliable sitter? How do you increase the likelihood that pet owners will book you? Read our tips on how you sell yourself as a pet sitter and how to communicate with pet owners.
Read moreCats can sometimes show really cheeky behavior: meowing, begging or throwing your stuff on the floor. But why? What makes your cat push objects off tables, and how can you stop the begging and 4am wake-up calls? This is also an important discussion to have with your cat sitter, so they know what to do when caring for your cat. Here are our top 3 tips to minimise cheeky cat behaviour
It is a risk that is always at in the back of your mind: what if your dog or cat goes missing? This is especially so if you plan to bring your pet to a sitter for home boarding or doggy daycare...you may worry about your furry friend suddenly going on the run. Fortunately, most pets are found and returned to their owner very quickly. And the good news is that you can do a lot to prevent your pet from getting lost in the first place. And if your pet does go missing? We have an action plan ready for you to bring your pet home quickly. Here are our tips for pet owners and pet sitters how to find a lost pet quickly.
Yes, some dogs can smell a bit, but generally, a healthy dog doesn't smell too bad. But if your dog's odor is starting to get really nasty, that might be a sign that something's wrong. In this article, we share with you everything doggy smell, and what to do if your dog gets a bit stinky.
Read moreIf you want to find affordable pet care in your area, you can go to Pawshake! You'll soon discover that the rates vary between each pet sitter. What is a reasonable price for pet sitting? And how do you, as a pet sitter, determine exactly what price you should ask for your sitting, boarding or walking services?:
Read moreYou do everything you can to keep your cat happy and healthy - but at some point, just like us humans, your cat might get sick. Or adventurous cats can sometimes get themselves into trouble and suffer an injury. It's therefore really important that all cat owners and cat sitters can spot symptoms of illness or injury in a cat. What should you as a cat owner or cat sitter do in case of an emergency? How do you perform first aid on a cat? These are our emergency cat care tips:
Read moreHow long can a dog stay home alone? If you want to adopt a new dog, it is important to know in advance how much time you will need to take care of it. Also, if you want to become a dog sitter it's super important to ask yourself: how much time should I provide to a dog to make sure they are happy and healthy?
Read moreAnyone who cares for a dog knows how exciting it can be to meet another dog. But what body language signals should you pay attention to? And how do you ensure that a meeting runs smoothly? With these 5 tips, you can introduce your dog to a new friend in a safe and calm way.
Read moreIf you are looking for a pet sitter, it is important to choose a one that fits your pet perfectly. But what should you look for in a pet sitter profile? How do you use this to choose a reliable pet sitter that 'clicks' with you and your pet?
Read moreLunar New Year (also often known as the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival) is one of the world’s most bright, beautiful and exciting cultural celebrations. And in 2018 we are lucky enough to be entering the Year of the Dog!
Read moreWhatever your relationship status, everyone deserves to have a love-filled Valentines Day. Here are 7 cute ways to spend the day with your best furry friend.
The cool, dry air in winter can really batter our skin – but did you know the same goes for your dog?
Read moreA new year is a fresh start – and though your pet really doesn’t care what year we’re in (there’s a lesson in that for us somewhere!), January can be a great opportunity to improve your routines as an owner.
Read moreDo you celebrate New Year’s Eve together with your (guest) pet? Read this? Because there’s a good chance that your pet is afraid of fireworks. There are plenty of ways to train you pet not to be afraid, but there’s little point in starting now, as you won’t have enough time to truly achieve something before this year’s fireworks start. Come midnight, you might be busy uncorking the champagne and hugging family and friends. And then everyone goes outside to watch the fireworks. Just one moment of not paying attention can have grave consequences. This is how to prevent that.
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