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?
Read moreThe 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.
Read moreJust 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!
Read moreTraveling with your pet sounds idyllic: exploring far-flung places with your faithful friend at your side... There are many suitable options for those of you wishing to take your dog on your travels, but flying with a pet is far from ideal. If you really are unable to avoid flying with your pet though, then our handy tips below will help to ensure your next flight is as safe, healthy and pleasant for your four-legged friend as possible.
Read moreEaster is fast approaching, and homes up and down the country will have an abundance of chocolate eggs and bunnies. Yet, whilst many dog owners are well aware that chocolate is toxic to dogs, accidents still happen. 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 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 moreCat owners know only too well that every small object left lying around is a potential cat toy. 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 moreThey are cute, have large ears and they like nibbling on things...but did you know that rabbits are also quite smart and affectionate? At Pawshake you can bunny-sit the loveliest rabbits! For all the rabbit lovers out there here are 7 fun facts about rabbits.
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.
Read morePuppies 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.
Read moreWant to spend your new year surrounded by as many pets at possible? Who wouldn’t? :-) And it’s possible with Pawshake! With a pet sitter profile, you can board pets in your home, or you can visit them in their own home. But how do you find “customers”? With a lovely and attractive profile, of course. All of you dog people, cat ladies, rabbit lovers and friends of other pets: keep reading!
Read moreDog boarding for the first time is quite an experience for your best friend! That’s why it’s so important to be fully prepared. The best preparation is to visit the pet sitter’s home, where they can ask you questions about your dog and your expectations. Here are some issues that should be taken into consideration.
Read moreKeep your pet safe during fireworks by bringing them inside, and provide distracting chew treats and quiet spots to hide. Be sure to make sure your home is escape-proof and your pet's microchip information is current.
Read moreHow do you make the dog’s time with you as pleasant as possible for him? Here are 4 important tips for dog owners and sitters!
Read moreDuring the Christmas season, there is always an abundance of yummy seasonal food. Christmas ham, chocolate, mince pies you name it ... Many pet owners like to let their pets share in the joys of these delicious treats, and inconspicuously “drop” bits of food for them under the table. The problematic results can become apparent come January: the pet is too heavy. Fido has to get used to a dog’s diet again and Tiger is going on a diet. Is that what we want?
Read moreEven if the weather is not quite what we would expect this late in the year, we are already firmly in the grip of the holiday spirit. Many people want to let their pets enjoy the holiday atmosphere, of course. They are a part of the family after all! On the internet, we find photos of cute dogs and cats with Christmas hats or gift wrapping bows around their necks by the dozens. But is that such a great idea? It’s pretty, for sure, but do we do our pets any favours with it?
Read moreChristmas is not just a time of celebration and cosiness, but also of contemplation and attention to the things that really matter. More and more people want to celebrate an animal-friendly Christmas. We have five festive and animal-friendly suggestions for you.
Read moreCats are real carnivores. And yet many cats love a bit of green on the side. Unfortunately, not all plants and veggies are safe for your cat - some are even downright poisonous. Which plants should you avoid, which vegetables should you be careful with and what are healthy alternatives?
Read morePerhaps you are considering becoming a pet sitter, or you might already have a profile on Pawhshake. You can determine yourself which services you offer: dog walking, day care, home visits or boarding. You determine yourself how much you want to charge for each service, but how to you decide on your rate, and what is reasonable?
Read moreWe all know that children are crazy about pets. A recent study indicates that pets can even help relieve stress and anxiety disorders in kids. This means that they can contribute substantially to our kids’ wellbeing.
Read moreIf you are a dog walker or a dog owner, you might come to a point where you have to walk several dogs at the same time. Do you want to be able to walk a 'pack' without any problems? Then read this dog walking tips for a safe and easy walk with two or three dogs!
Read moreDogs, cats, rats, rabbits, birds, fish: some pets need more personal attention from their human than others, but they all need lots of dedication. How convenient would it be to take your pet with you to work? You spend every day there, so why shouldn’t your pet be allowed to join? We have listed some of the pros and cons for you.
Every cat owner has been there: wrecked furniture, scratch marks on the wallpaper, carpets that have been torn loose ... Scratching - it’s just what cats do. But why? And what can you do about it?
Read moreYou might feed your dog in the morning or evening, which is probably the absolute highlight of their day (next to walkies)... But in no more than a few seconds, it’s all gone! It’s a shame they can't enjoy it for longer. Your dog is, by nature, an “opportunistic scavenger” - in other words, a gatherer that eats what they find and will hunt if the opportunity presents itself. This means that your dog gains great satisfaction from working for their food. So why not try feeding your dog (or your pet sitting guest dog) in a different, more creative way!
Read moreDo your pets like to lie on your couch or bed? If so, chances are that there’s hair everywhere. Of course you vacuum all the time and you brush your dog or cat regularly to remove excess hair. But still the hair is stuck on your furniture and clothing. That’s why we’ve come up with some easy and affordable solutions to get your furniture, carpet and clothing hair-free.
Read moreWith Halloween upon us in just a couple of days (Saturday the 31st), we’ve created a little Halloween Special with some of our best spooooky tips! Halloween was a relatively un-celebrated event in NZ until recently, but more and more people seem to be taking part each year.
Read moreMoving to a new place often involves a huge amount of effort ... And among all that chaos, you may forget that this is a stressful period for your pets, too. Here’s some advice on how to make moving as easy as possible for your pet.
Read moreWould you make a bucket list for your terminally ill dog? Lauren did! Lauren's story is a heartwarming one - she created a bucket list for her terminally ill dog.
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