Pawshake's blog posts

Many houseplants are toxic to dogs, and some are downright life-threatening. You should therefore avoid growing these common houseplants and replace them with a safe alternative instead.

Imagine: 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 soon. Would you hand over your beloved pet to a complete stranger? Of course not!

Since the introduction of tough state and local council laws, 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: your pooch's poo reveals a great deal about his or her current state of health. So, time to overcome your reservations, grab a bag and start studying the brown stuff!

Some people prefer allowing their cat outdoors, whilst others believe that cats are perfectly happy indoors. But who's right?

Considering getting a new kitten or cat? Finding one is a piece of cake. 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? Well, getting your first cat is certainly exciting, but it should never, ever 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!

Most dogs change their outfit to match the weather: just like us, they swap their summer coat for a winter one. This may also be accompanied by additional shedding. While molting 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 to ensure optimal care of your dog's coat.

Although you might not want to think about it - pets do go missing. Many cats and dogs are placed in SPCA shelters in New Zealand each year. And plenty of other pets go AWOL too. Thankfully, the microchip registration scheme ensures that many are ultimately reunited with their owners.

Regardless of whether it's your cat, dog, bunny rabbit or parakeet: far from being strange, talking to your trusty companion is actually healthy! In fact, those who converse with their pets tend to develop a closer bond with them. And there are numerous other benefits too.

Most 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.

Hey, pet sitters! Can't wait to land 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 Tips for pet sitters!

Is your four legged friend a bit of a couch potato? It might seem like he's just being lazy, but that's highly unlikely! A lethargic dog can be an indicator of something more sinister. Do you know what your dog is trying to tell you?

The greatest job in the world? It's got to be a 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.

Just because someone is an animal lover, doesn't mean they are a people person, and likewise a person who is great with other people may not really be that keen on animals. 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!

The 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.

Puppies are just too cute! You want to get one, right this instant. But wait a minute! Answer these 6 questions first before you welcome a puppy into your home. With this checklist, you can make sure that you will enjoy the company of a lovely, healthy dog that is a good match for you and your life style.