Blog | Pawshake

Jessica

14/08/2018

7 activities for a mindful dog

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.

Jessica

07/08/2018

7 ways to improve your cat's life

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!

Jessica

01/08/2018

My dog has separation anxiety. What should I do?

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?

Jessica

21/07/2018

What's better: one pet or two?

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.

Jessica

17/07/2018

How often should I walk my dog?

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.

Jessica

11/07/2018

7 easy ways to make your cat happier!

Here are seven simple happiness tips you make your cat content and healthy....sounds purrfect!

Jessica

10/07/2018

Introducing cat and dog in 7 steps

Cats and dogs appear to be natural enemies and can sometimes get hostile. Nevertheless, 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.

Jessica

03/07/2018

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

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?

Jessica

26/06/2018

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

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.

Jessica

19/06/2018

Pet-proofing your house: preventing accidents and damage

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.

Jessica

12/06/2018

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

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.

Jessica

06/06/2018

Moulting: Why does my pet shed so much fur?

It seems like it will never end: your pet's summer 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 or cat, and what should you avoid doing?

Jessica

29/05/2018

Selling yourself as a pet sitter

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.

Jessica

22/05/2018

Cheeky cats - 3 tips for annoying behaviour

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

Jessica

15/05/2018

Tips to prevent your pet from going missing

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.

Jessica

08/05/2018

Why do dogs smell?

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.

Jessica

08/05/2018

Preventing fleas at home

Fleas are a fact of life all year round - prepare to blitz them now it's getting cooler and your pet and their furry friends will thank you for it!

Jessica

30/04/2018

Pet sitting rates: how much does a sitter cost?

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?:

Jessica

23/04/2018

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

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:

Jessica

17/04/2018

How much time do I need for a dog?

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?

Jessica

10/04/2018

Introducing dogs to each other

Anyone who walks a dog every now and then 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.

Jessica

03/04/2018

The ideal pet sitter profile

If you are looking for dog walking services or doggy day care, it is important to choose a sitter that fits your situation perfectly. But what should you look for in a pet sitter profile? How do you use this to choose a reliable pet sitter that just 'clicks' with you and your pet?

Jessica

13/02/2018

Cute ways to share Valentines Day with your pet

We think everyone should have a warm and fuzzy Valentines Day, whatever your relationship status – and it’s even more fun if your pet can be a part of your day.

Jessica

13/02/2018

Celebrate the Year of the Dog!

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!

Jessica

19/01/2018

Dogs in Hot Cars – Don’t Risk It!

We love summer fun, but it's super important to be mindful of your pets when driving and parking. This blog gives some helpful tips on how to raise awareness and prevent incidents of dogs getting locked in cars on a hot day.

Jessica

04/01/2018

10 Paw-sitive New Year Resolutions…for pets!

A 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.

Jessica

24/12/2017

Christmas Gift Ideas

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 :-)

Jessica

22/12/2017

Christmas Dangers - keeping your pet safe.

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.

Jessica

21/12/2017

10 pets who want to wish you a Merry Christmas

Our Pawshake pets are spreading the festive cheer! These cuties are bound to make you go heart eyes...

Jessica

24/11/2017

Pet-proofing for boarding and daycare

Have you recently joined Pawshake as a pet sitter and ticked the boxes that say ‘doggy daycare’ and ‘home boarding’?
You’re in for fun times…but remember, having a pet stay with you isn’t a simple matter of joining Pawshake and mindlessly taking in cute dogs and cats. Fear not though, pet boarders! Work your way carefully through this checklist and you’ll be good to go.