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!
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?
Read moreDental 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?
Read moreDogs 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.
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.
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?
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.
If you’ve recently become a pet sitter, you’ll no doubt be keen to start paying all those lovely pets in your neighbourhood a home visit. But how long should such a visit last? What can pet owners expect from you? And what, exactly, do cats need from their pet sitter?
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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
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.
Read moreIt 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?
Pawshake gives you some top tips on the best ways to meet and greet before pet sitting!
Read moreIf 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.
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.
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
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.
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?:
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:
Read moreAre you thinking of bringing a dog into your life and home? This is an exciting time but given work schedules and other time commitments you may wonder whether you will be able to take good care of this new family member. A question that comes up frequently is “What’s the maximum amount of time a dog can be left alone in a single stretch?”. Read on for the answer to that and other questions about living with a dog.
Anyone who walks a dog every now and then knows how exciting it can be to meet another dog. Which 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!
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 great petsitter profile? How do you make sure that you choose that reliable babysitter that fits your pet perfectly?
The Easter school holidays are nearly here again! If you want to avoid your kids being glued to their screens for two weeks, why not get them out and about for some fun with the family pet?
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