Blog

Pet photography: 7 tips to improve your pictures

Katy
Taking a good pet photo isn't always easy. But with a few small tricks you can significantly enhance the quality of your snaps. Our 7 tips for photographing pets will soon have you producing the perfect pics!
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Pet photography: 7 tips to improve your pictures

Can you leave a young puppy with a dog sitter?

Katy
It's the ideal solution for busy puppy-parents, and the best job in the world for dog sitters: puppy boarding! But providing a puppy sitting service is not without its challenges. Discover all you need to know about puppy boarding and puppy daycare below.
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Can you leave a young puppy with a dog sitter?

Pets and divorce: what’s best for your furry friend?

Katy
Pets are part of the family. This means that we’re faced with a difficult dilemma in the event of a separation or divorce. Putting your pet’s interests first and knowing what to do in such a situation requires being adequately informed. How can you ensure that your pet doesn’t suffer from an impending separation or divorce?
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Pets and divorce: what’s best for your furry friend?

Is my cat or dog overweight?

Katy
Approximately 50% of our cats and dogs are overweight. We tend to regard 'spoiling' our beloved pets with a tasty treat as an act of kindness. Yet, this can result in your pet experiencing a number of health issues. Helping your pet to maintain a healthy weight is key to ensuring that they remain fit and happy. But, how do you go about this?
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Is my cat or dog overweight?

What should you put in your pet sitter profile description?

Katy
Your pet sitter profile is essentially your pet sitting business card. But what exactly should you write in your profile text? What can you put in your description to elicit the desired response from pet owners?
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What should you put in your pet sitter profile description?

Why do cats groom themselves so often?

Katy
Cats groom their coats on a daily basis and devote almost half their 'waking' hours to this very activity! But what can you learn from this unique cat behaviour? What does this fastidious grooming habit reveal about your cat, and can their primping ever become a problem? Discover all you need to know about cat grooming!
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Why do cats groom themselves so often?

How to be affectionate with your dog – in the right way

Katy
One of the most important doggy needs is a daily dose of affection. It gives your dog peace of mind, confidence, and a sense of security. When you show your dog you love them, they develop a general sense of well-being, sleep well at night, and feel balanced and self-assured throughout the day. But how do you show your dog love and affection in the right way?
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How to be affectionate with your dog – in the right way

Should you really brush your cat or dog's teeth?

Katy
Dental care is an essential part of the daily care for your pet, but we often forget it. What should you do to keep your cat or dog's teeth healthy, and is tooth brushing really necessary?
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Should you really brush your cat or dog's teeth?

Why does my dog bark?

Katy
Dogs bark, that we know. But why do some dogs bark more than others? And what should you do if your (doggy day care) dog doesn’t stop barking? Discover all you need to know about why dogs bark + 3 tips on how to break their barking habit.
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Why does my dog bark?

Combining pets with work

Katy
Can you successfully juggle work and pet duties? And is a full-time job really compatible with responsible dog ownership? Discover our 7 tips for combining work and pets.
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Combining pets with work

Which house plants are poisonous for pets?

Katy
Many cats and dogs like to nibble on your house plants. Particularly indoor cats in search of some fresh greenery. However, some plants are poisonous and can make your pet seriously ill. So, which plants are toxic for your cat or dog, and what are the safe alternatives?
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Which house plants are poisonous for pets?

What’s a good name for your cat or dog?

Katy
When contemplating names for your pet, you might be tempted to come up with something highly original, a name with which you have a strong personal connection. However, it’s wise to pause for thought before finally settling on a name. In this article, you can read what makes a good name for your cat or dog, and discover some of the most popular pet names.
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What’s a good name for your cat or dog?

7 activities for a mindful dog

Katy
Is your dog a tad hyperactive? Has he become disobedient, disinterested or even stressed? Perhaps he’s bored or unable to satisfy his 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 thoroughly tired and content. They’ll also increase the bond between you and your dog, and you’ll become a more 'mindful' dog owner or dog sitter in the process.
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7 activities for a mindful dog

7 ways to please your cat

Katy
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 fur ball and soon have them purring away with happiness!
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7 ways to please your cat

My dog has separation anxiety. What should I do?

Katy
Contemplating getting a pet and unsure whether 2 tails are better than 1? Or perhaps you’ve already got a furry companion and are wondering if he 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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My dog has separation anxiety. What should I do?

What's better: one pet or two?

Katy
Contemplating getting a pet and unsure whether 2 tails are better than 1? Or perhaps you’ve already got a furry companion and are wondering if he 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?

Katy
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

Katy
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.
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Introducing cat and dog in 7 steps

Calling your dog: this is how he'll come to you

Katy
The 'here' or 'come' command is essential, as it can extract your dog from 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 (pet sitting) dog always comes on command?
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Calling your dog: this is how he'll come to you

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

Katy
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 great 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't of an effective meet & greet.
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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

Katy
If a new pet comes into your life or if a dog comes to visit you, it's important that your home is a safe place for the pet and that you know what your house-rules are. We share 2 convenient checklists to prepare your home for the arrival of a pet - that will keep the pet safe and prevent damage to your property
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Pet-proofing your house: preventing accidents and damage

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

Katy
There's nothing better than spending holidays together with your pet. But travelling should not only be fun for you as a pet owner, it's also important that your dog feels comfortable and enjoys himself. That is why Pawshake gives you the most important tips for a pet-friendly trip with your dog.
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Travelling with your dog: tips for a pet-friendly vacation

Je huis voorbereiden op een hond: voorkom schade & gevaar

Paulien
Als er een nieuw huisdier in je leven komt, of als er een hond bij je op bezoek komt, is het slim om je huis puppy-proof te maken. Honden maken namelijk nog wel eens een troep in huis, bijten of krabben dingen kapot of zorgen voor ongelukjes. Daarnaast is het in het belang van zowel de hond als van jou om vóór de komst van het huisdier de regels helder te hebben: wat mag er wel en niet bij jou in huis?
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Je huis voorbereiden op een hond: voorkom schade & gevaar

Å reise med hunden din. Tips for en dyrevennlig ferie!

Marte
Det finnes ikke noe bedre enn å tilbringe ferien med kjæledyret ditt. Men ferier skal ikke kun være hyggelig for deg som eier, men også for hunden din. Derfor gir Pawshake deg de viktigste tipsene for en dyrevennlig ferie med hunden din!
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Å reise med hunden din. Tips for en dyrevennlig ferie!

Moulting: Why does my dog shed so much hair?

Katy
It seems like it will never end: your dog takes off his winter coat and you find hair all over the place. Now that the temperatures are rising, the shedding seems worse than ever. How does 'moulting' work exactly? What do you need to do in order to make things as comfortable as possible for your dog, and what should you avoid doing?
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Moulting: Why does my dog shed so much hair?

Selling yourself as a pet sitter

Katy
If you are a pet sitter, trust and responsibility are key. It's important that owners can tell that you are the person with whom their pet is in good hands. But how do you let the world see that you are a reliable sitter? How do you increase the likelihood that pet owners (continue to) book you? One of the most important things that comes with excellent service is clear communication. Read our tips on how to sell yourself as a pet sitter and how to communicate with pet owners.
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Selling yourself as a pet sitter

Whining cats 3 tips for annoying behaviour.

Katy
Cats can sometimes show really intrusive behavior: meowing, begging or throwing your stuff on the floor. Where does this remarkable behavior come from? Why do cats throw random stuff on the floor and how can you stop the begging behavior? Also important to discuss with your cat sitter: here are our 3 tips for whining cats.
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Whining cats 3 tips for annoying behaviour.

Missing dog? How to find a lost pet quickly

Katy
It is a worry that's always in the back of your mind: what if your dog or cat goes missing? Especially if you plan to bring your pet to a sitter for home boarding or doggy daycare, you might be worried: what happens if your furry friend suddenly takes off? The good news is that you can do a lot to prevent your pet from getting lost in the first place. And what if your pet does get lost? Then we have an action plan ready for you to bring your pet home very fast. Here are our most important tips for pet owners and pet sitters
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Missing dog? How to find a lost pet quickly

Why do dogs smell?

Katy
Yes, some dogs can smell a bit funny. In general, a healthy dog doesn't smell so bad. But if your dog's odour is starting to get really unpleasant, that might be a sign that something's wrong. In this article, we share with you everything about that typical dog scent and what to do if your dog gets a bit stinky.
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Why do dogs smell?

Pet sitting rates: how much should I charge as a pet sitter?

Katy
If you want to find affordable pet care in your area, you can go to Pawshake to find dedicated pet sitters near you. But then you'll find out that the rates vary per pet sitter. What is a reasonable price for pet sitting? And how do you determine what exactly you should charge for dog boarding or cat sitting?:
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Pet sitting rates: how much should I charge as a pet sitter?