Blog

7 ways to improve your cat's life

Jessica
Cats 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!
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7 ways to improve your cat's life

My dog has separation anxiety. What should I do?

Jessica
Dogs 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?
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My dog has separation anxiety. What should I do?

What's better: one pet or two?

Jessica
Contemplating 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.
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What's better: one pet or two?

How often should I walk my dog?

Jessica
Everyone 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.
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How often should I walk my dog?

Introducing cat and dog in 7 steps

Jessica
Cats 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.
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Introducing cat and dog in 7 steps

Calling your dog: How to get your dog to come to you

Jessica
The '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?
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Calling your dog: How to get your dog to come to you

When to say 'no thanks' after a meet and greet

Jessica
Here 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!
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When to say 'no thanks' after a meet and greet

Meeting your pet sitter: here's what to discuss during a meet & greet

Jessica
If 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.
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Meeting your pet sitter: here's what to discuss during a meet & greet

Pet-proofing your house: preventing accidents and damage

Jessica
If 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.
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Pet-proofing your house: preventing accidents and damage

Traveling with your dog: tips for a pet-friendly vacation

Jessica
There'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.
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Traveling with your dog: tips for a pet-friendly vacation

Moulting: Why does my pet shed so much fur?

Jessica
It 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?
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Moulting: Why does my pet shed so much fur?

Selling yourself as a pet sitter

Jessica
If 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.
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Selling yourself as a pet sitter

Cheeky cats - 3 tips for annoying behaviour

Jessica
Cats 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
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Cheeky cats - 3 tips for annoying behaviour

Tips to prevent your pet from going missing

Jessica
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.
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Tips to prevent your pet from going missing

Why do dogs smell?

Jessica
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.
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Why do dogs smell?

Pet sitting rates: how much does a sitter cost?

Jessica
If 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?:
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Pet sitting rates: how much does a sitter cost?

First aid for cats: how to take care of a sick cat

Jessica
You 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:
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First aid for cats: how to take care of a sick cat

How long can a dog be alone?

Jessica
How 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?
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How long can a dog be alone?

How do I introduce dogs safely?

Jessica
Anyone 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.
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How do I introduce dogs safely?

What should I look for in a pet sitter?

Jessica
If 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?
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What should I look for in a pet sitter?

Celebrate the Year of the Dog!

Jessica
Lunar 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!
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Celebrate the Year of the Dog!

Christmas Gift Ideas

Jessica
What to get for the pet or human who has everything? Get some inspiration here - these pressie ideas will bring a smile to everyone's face :-)
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Christmas Gift Ideas

Christmas Dangers - keeping your pet safe.

Jessica
Christmas Dangers - keeping your pet safe. teaser: Do you celebrate Christmas together with your pets? Awesome! Of course you can enjoy the holidays together, but beware of a few unexpected dangers that could even be life-threatening to your pet. But don't worry: prepare in advance and you will prevent any problems.
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Christmas Dangers - keeping your pet safe.

Freshen your profile for the holidays

Jessica
The holidays are super close, and with it comes peak petsitting period, where all sorts of people are turning to Pawshake to find the perfect companion for their furry friends while they’re away. We've put together a few tips to get your Pawshake profile in excellent condition so that it is a sure stand-out
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Freshen your profile for the holidays

Why senior pets are the best pets of all

Jessica
November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month - which means it's time to celebrate our wonderfully cuddly older cats and dogs! Considering adopting a pet in the near future? Here, we break down a few senior pet myths and explore why you might should let a sweet senior pet into your heart and home.
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Why senior pets are the best pets of all

Preventing fleas at home

Jessica
Though fleas are a fact of life all year, we are heading into the tail-end of their peak season. Here are some preventative measures to get you through to winter - your furry friends will thank you for it!
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Preventing fleas at home

Can dogs smell fear?

Jessica
It’s an old saying - usually told as a warning in case you run into an unfamiliar dog - but is it true that a dog can smell human fear, or any other emotion for that matter?
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Can dogs smell fear?

Is it ok to dress my pet?

Jessica
Halloween is frighteningly close and it’s time to get your costumes and candy ready! But what about your pet….can they join in the festivities too?
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Is it ok to dress my pet?