BRRRRR....it's cold out there! Time to hibernate - we're thinking lazy cuddles in front of the fire and sleep-ins on the weekend. BUT the weather can also make it a little harder to get out and active... Good news is, you can beat the winter lethargy blues with help from your pet - and both of you will benefit!
Read moreDo you celebrate New Year’s Eve together with your pet, or guest pet? Read this first, because there’s a good chance that your pet is afraid of fireworks. There are 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 anything before this year’s fireworks start. Come midnight, you might be busy uncorking the champagne and hugging family and friends. Or you might be outside watching the fireworks. Just one moment of distraction can have grave consequences. Here is our guide on how to prevent that.
Read moreDo you understand what your cat is trying to tell you? Your little tiger might be somewhat headstrong, but he's likely as fond of you as you are of him! Below are 5 ways he'll tell you just how much he cares.
Read moreAdopting a cat or dog is a truly rewarding experience. And the day you finally get to take your furry friend home with you marks the beginning of your mutual journey. Yet those first few days can be fraught with tension. Planning to adopt a cat or dog? Ensure that you're thoroughly prepared for your big day with our helpful tips below!
Read moreWalking your dog is the most natural thing in the world. However, you rarely see anyone with a cat on a lead! Walking your cat might not be a 'walk in the park', but it can have many benefits for the right feline. Fancy giving it a go? Then follow our helpful 3-step plan below.
Read moreThat pets reduce stress, and make us happy and healthy, we already know. So, it's hardly surprising that so many of us have a furry friend of our own or enjoy looking after those of friends and neighbours. But did you know that those feelings of bliss can rapidly transform into stress? Prevent burn-out from affecting you and your pets with our useful tips for pet owners and pet sitters.
Read moreMany houseplants are toxic to dogs, and some are downright life threatening. You should therefore avoid these common houseplants and replace them with a safe alternative instead.
Read moreImagine: you suddenly have an unexpected work commitment or the possibility of a last-minute weekend getaway. You have to find a suitable solution for your cat or dog, and sharpish. Would you hand over your beloved pet to a complete stranger? Of course not!
Read moreMany animal lovers enjoy a holiday in the great outdoors; camping in beautiful surroundings. Of course, it's a lot more fun if you can bring your dog along with you. But what should you keep in mind if you decide to share your tent or caravan with your faithful friend? 5 Tips for a successful camping trip with your dog!
Read moreUp until the 1990's it was public gripe number one: dog poo on the pavement. Those were the days! Since the introduction of tougher laws, however, most responsible dog owners now clean up after their four legged friends. But scooping up your dog's poop is actually more beneficial than you might think. Indeed, your pooch's poo reveals a great deal about his current state of health. So, time to overcome your reservations, grab a bag and start studying the brown stuff!
Read moreSome people swear by outdoor cats, whilst others believe that cats are perfectly happy indoors. But who's right?
Read moreIt goes without saying that your precious pet is also a stunning supermodel! But what's the best way to capture your furry friend on film? Below you'll find 5 tips for successful pet photography.
Read moreSo, you love dogs and want a fun part-time job that combines your passion for pets? Pawshake makes it possible! Indeed, you need simply create a profile on the Pawshake website, and you can begin offering your services as a dog walker or dog sitter. But what does it actually involve? And do you have what it takes to become a responsible dog sitter? Satisfy the 5 requirements below, and you're likely the perfect candidate!
Read moreConsidering getting a new kitten or cat? Finding one is a piece of cake. Indeed, these days the internet will help you to locate the ideal litter in no time. Such an adorable little ball of fluff costs next to nothing and, well, how hard can it really be? Getting your first cat is certainly exciting, but it should never be done on impulse. So, before you take the plunge, ask yourself the following 5 questions. Our checklist below will ensure you're thoroughly prepared for your new kitten!
Read moreMost dogs change their outfit to match the weather: just like us, they swap their winter coat for a summer one. This may also be accompanied by additional shedding. Whilst moulting is perfectly normal, there are ways to make life more comfortable for your four legged friend. With that in mind, we've prepared 5 questions and answers on the optimal care of your dog's coat.
Read moreAlthough you might not want to think about it: pets do go missing. In fact about one million cats and dogs are reported missing in Canada each year. And plenty of other pets go AWOL too. Thankfully, the microchip registration scheme ensures that many are ultimately reunited with their owners.
Read moreRegardless of whether it's your cat, dog, bunny rabbit or parakeet: far from being strange, talking to your trusty companion is rather healthy! In fact, those who converse with their pets tend to develop a closer bond with them. And there are numerous other benefits too.
Read moreMost dogs love travelling by car! That's because there's usually a fun walk or an interesting destination at the end of it. A trip to the vet or pet sitter might also involve a car journey. Although this sounds simple enough, dangerous situations can arise when entering and exiting the vehicle, and during the car journey itself. Which is why we've conveniently listed the essential do's and don'ts for you below.
Read moreHey, pet sitters! Can't wait to land yourself your first job looking after the sweetest of pets? Great! Plenty of pets and their owners will be delighted! But have you stopped to consider the most important aspect...? The one thing that you as pet sitter must never forget. That the very success of your pet sitting service absolutely depends on. Read on to discover our indispensable Golden Tip for pet sitters!
Read moreIs your four legged friend a bit of a couch potato? It might seem like he's just being lazy, but that's highly unlikely! Indeed, there's doubtless something else at hand. Do you know what your dog is trying to tell you?
Read moreThe greatest job in the world? It's got to be: pet sitter! Which child doesn't dream of 'working with animals' when they grow up? Thanks to modern technology and a large community of animal lovers, that dream can now become a reality at Pawshake! So, what knowledge and skills are required to become a competent pet sitter? The 5 qualities below will certainly stand you in good stead.
Read moreAnimal lovers are not necessarily people lovers, and dog psychology is completely different to human psychology. In order for dogs and their owners or pet sitters to enjoy a pleasant walk, it's therefore important to be familiar with the unwritten rules. Apply these simple guidelines, and you can be sure of fun and stress-free walkies with your four legged friend!
Read moreEaster is fast approaching, and homes up and down the country are once more crammed with chocolate eggs and bunnies. Yet, whilst many dog owners are well aware that chocolate is toxic to dogs, accidents still happen. Indeed, dogs don't come with their own built-in 'poison detector' and most of them love chocolate as much as we do! But chocolate isn't the only item that's life threatening for your four legged friend. Below is a handy list of some of the most common food products that are poisonous to dogs.
Read moreRabbits are cute, boast large ears and enjoy nibbling things ... but did you know that they’re also extremely smart and fascinating creatures? Thanks to Pawshake, you can now bunny sit some of the loveliest rabbits there are! So, for all you rabbit lovers out there: 7 fun facts about rabbits.
Read moreThe first thing that many of us instinctively do upon seeing a dog, is to reach out and stroke him. Which is hardly surprising when most dogs look so irresistibly soft and cuddly. Children in particular want to stroke and cuddle dogs. But is that always such a good idea? Below are some useful tips on the best way to pet a dog.
Read moreIn order to give your cat a happy life, it's important to understand him. What makes your cat tick, and what does he need? The following information about the nature and behaviour of cats will help you to better understand your pet.
Read moreDid you know that a dog can make you happy and healthy? Indeed, a dog can change your entire life. Dog owners, of course, already know this. Yet you needn't own a dog yourself in order to benefit from the company of a dog. A dog sitter or dog walker can also experience all of the wonderful things that a dog has to offer. Below you'll find 7 reasons a dog makes you happy.
Read morePuppies are just too cute! You want to get one, right this instant. But wait a minute! Answer these six questions BEFORE you welcome a puppy into your home. With this checklist, you can be sure that you will enjoy the company of a lovely, healthy dog that is a good match for you and your lifestyle.
Read moreCat owners know only too well: every small object that's left lying around is a potential cat toy. It simply needs to be light and springy, and smell irresistible! So why buy expensive cat toys when they are so easy to make at home? You can be as creative as you wish. And a homemade cat toy makes the perfect gift for your cat sitter!
Read moreThe time has come to meet your cat sitter for the first time. Pretty exciting, isn't it? You want to know exactly who this sitter is, so you can leave your cat (and your home) in their care without any misgivings. We have made this checklist for your first meeting to help you find out whether the cat sitter you are meeting is a good match.
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