Your dog's tongue - a window into their health
Did you know that your dog’s tongue is not just for giving us kisses….it’s also a window into their health? Here’s how to get to know and interpret your pup’s tongue!
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Bring your Pet to Work Day!
How awesome would it be if your pet could join you in the office! But will your pet and office mesh well together? For Bring Your Pet to Work Day, so we have listed some of the pros and cons to think about first.
Read moreGetting an uncooperative cat into a carrier
Does your cat simply hate it when you pull out the carrier to go to the vet or a pet sitter’s house? Our guide will help you ease your cat into their carrier - with minimal scratches for you!
Read moreCommon Meet and Greet mistakes to avoid
The number one secret to a successful booking on Pawshake is a thorough meet and greet – but there are some common mistakes that are worth avoiding!
Read morePet safety checklist for ANZAC day
Whether you’re attending a dawn service, remembrance march or heading to the local RSA, there’s always a lot going on over the ANZAC long weekend...and it always pays to be prepared when it comes to pet safety!
Read moreTen tasty human foods your pet can enjoy
Easter is just around the corner, which means plenty of edible treats for us humans! We all know we need to keep the chocolate well out of reach of our furry friends, but there are still plenty of human foods that your cat or dog can enjoy as an occasional treat.
Read morePuppy proofing your home
Do you have a bundle of fluff coming into your home anytime soon? We chat with super-star Pawshake pet sitter Concetta about her experience adopting a puppy - she gives us her top 5 tips to make the transition a smooth one!
Read moreWhat to do if a dog charges at you
This week we have a chat with our Community Manager and super-experienced pet-sitter Sam about what to do in the event of a dog charging at you.
Read moreMy Dog Journey - the best dog walks around Auckland!
Pawshake gets to know Aden and Olivia, two Auckland teenagers and entrepreneurs who are the creators of the My Dog Journey website - dog walkers on Pawshake, this one is for you!
Read more10 of the Cutest Red-Furred and Feathered Pets for Saint Patrick's Day
These adorable ginger pets from our Wall of Paws might not native Irelanders, but they surely have the Celtic spirit for Saint Patrick's Day!
Read moreDealing With Separation Anxiety in Pets
This is one of the bigger challenges facing pet owners and pet sitters alike. Do you know a dog or cat suffering from separation anxiety? Read on for some simple solutions to make your pet's life (and yours!) a lot easier!
Read moreSustainability and Pet Ownership
Pet ownership too can have a big impact on the environment, so making sustainable choices about how we care for our pets makes sense! Here are some ideas on how to be a responsible, green pet owner.
Read more5 ways to celebrate Lunar New Year with your pet!
This Lunar Year of the Rooster, why not start off on a positive note and freshen up your life and home with your pet by your side? Here are five pet-friendly ways to celebrate the New Year.
Read moreBack to School Blues
Kids back at school soon? Spare a thought for the furry children in your home, as even pets suffer from the back-to-school blues!
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5 ways your cat shows affection
Do you understand what your cat is trying to tell you? Your little tiger might be somewhat headstrong, but this doesn't mean that he or she doesn't adore you! Below are 5 surprising ways cats show their love for humans.
Read moreYour newly adopted pet: how to give a thoroughly warm welcome!
Adopting a cat or dog is a truly rewarding experience. And the day you finally get to take your furry friend home 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 the big day with our helpful tips below!
Read moreHow to walk a cat (and why)
Walking 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 moreHow to prevent stress for you and your pet
That 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.
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Houseplants that are poisonous to dogs (and some safe alternatives)
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.
Read moreWould you entrust your pet to a stranger?
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!
Read moreWhat you need to know about dog poo
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!
Read moreWhich is best: an indoor or an outdoor cat?
Some people prefer allowing their cat outdoors, whilst others believe that cats are perfectly happy indoors. But who's right?
Read moreI want a kitten and I want one now!
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!
Read more5 Tips For A Healthy Dog Coat
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.
Read moreWhy Microchipping and Registering Your Pet is so Important
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.
Read moreWhy talking to your pet is so healthy
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.
Read moreTaking your dog in the car: avoid these common mistakes
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.
Read moreThe Golden Tip for Pet Sitters
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!
Read moreLazy dogs simply don't exist
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 moreWhat does it take to become a pet sitter?
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.
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