Which is best: an indoor or an outdoor cat?
Some people swear by outdoor cats, whilst others believe that cats are perfectly happy indoors. But who's right?
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How to take the perfect pet photo
It goes without saying that your precious pet is also a stunning supermodel! But what's the best way to capture your furry friend on film? Below you'll find 5 tips for successful pet photography.
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Fanatical about dogs? Become a dog sitter!
So, you love dogs and want a fun part-time job that combines your passion for pets? Pawshake makes it possible! Indeed, you need simply create a profile on the Pawshake website, and you can begin offering your services as a dog walker or dog sitter. But what does it actually involve? And do you have what it takes to become a responsible dog sitter? Satisfy the 5 requirements below, and you're likely the perfect candidate!
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I want a kitten and I want one now!
Considering getting a new kitten or cat? Finding one is a piece of cake. Indeed, 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? Getting your first cat is certainly exciting, but it should never 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!
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5 Tips For A Healthy Dog Coat
Most dogs change their outfit to match the weather: just like us, they swap their winter coat for a summer one. This may also be accompanied by additional shedding. Whilst moulting 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 on the optimal care of your dog's coat.
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Cycling With Your Dog Checklist: 10 questions to ask yourself BEFORE you set off
Cycling with your dog: a controversial topic. Indeed, opinions are divided as to whether it's a good idea or not. However, now that spring is underway, many dog owners and dog walkers will want to do just that. And, in this weather, who can blame them! But before you head out, we recommend referring to our handy 'Cycling With Your Dog Checklist' below.
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Why microchipping and registering your pet is so important
Although you might not want to think about it: pets do go missing. In fact more than 500,000 cats and dogs are reported missing in the UK each year. And plenty of other pets go AWOL too. Thankfully, the microchip registration scheme ensures that many are ultimately reunited with their owners.
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Why 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 rather healthy! In fact, those who converse with their pets tend to develop a closer bond with them. And there are numerous other benefits too.
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Taking 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.
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The Golden Tip for Pet Sitters
Hey, pet sitters! Can't wait to land yourself 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 Tip for pet sitters!
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Lazy 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! Indeed, there's doubtless something else at hand. Do you know what your dog is trying to tell you?
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What does it take to become a pet sitter?
The greatest job in the world? It's got to be: 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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Doggy etiquette: 7 tips for an enjoyable walk
Animal lovers are not necessarily people lovers, and dog psychology is completely different to human psychology. 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!
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Safe flying with your pet
Traveling 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.
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Beware! This food is poisonous to your dog
Easter is fast approaching, and homes up and down the country are once more crammed with chocolate eggs and bunnies. Yet, whilst many dog owners are well aware that chocolate is toxic to dogs, accidents still happen. Indeed, 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.
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Traveling with your dog: using public transport together
Travelling with your dog is a great idea, yet public transport is not always geared towards pets. However, for the more adventurous among you, there are still plenty of opportunities to take your dog on the road. But before you do, please read our handy tips on traveling with your dog by train, tram, bus and plane.
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7 things you never knew about ... rabbits!
Rabbits are cute, boast large ears and enjoy nibbling things ... but did you know that they’re also extremely smart and fascinating creatures? Thanks to Pawshake, you can now bunny sit some of the loveliest rabbits there are! So, for all you rabbit lovers out there: 7 fun facts about rabbits.
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Everything you need to know about petting a dog
The 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.
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What you need to know about your cat's behaviour
In 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.
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7 reasons a dog makes you happy
Did 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.
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I want a puppy! Six questions about getting a dog
Puppies are just too cute! You want to get one, right this instant. But wait a minute! Answer these six questions BEFORE you welcome a puppy into your home. With this checklist, you can be sure that you will enjoy the company of a lovely, healthy dog that is a good match for you and your lifestyle.
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DIY: Make your own cat toys!
Cat owners know only too well: every small object that's left lying around is a potential cat toy. It simply needs to be light and springy, and smell irresistible! So 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!
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Booking a cat sitter? This checklist helps you pick the right one
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.
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Boarding your dog? This is what you and the dog sitter need to talk about
Are you boarding your dog at a dog sitters home? 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 sitters home, where he can ask you questions about your dog and your expectations. Here are some things that should be taken into consideration.
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Pimp your profile and start pet sitting!
Want 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!
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Are you (looking for) a dog sitter? Take time to read this.
With the holidays just around the corner, many pet owners have been booking a pet sitter. We have hundreds of passionate pet sitters at your service. Being a dog sitter is the most fun and rewarding occupation there is, of course! But we also have to be aware that it's not just a fun way of earning some money: It's a big responsibility! That's why it's important to consider the implications for the dog before taking him into your care. How do you make the dogs time with you as pleasant as possible? 4 important tips for dog owners and sitters.
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Is your pet afraid of fireworks? Please be careful and take all the precautions you need to keep your pet safe.
Will you be celebrating New Year's Eve together with your (guest) pet? Then have a read of this: There are plenty of ways to train your pet not to be afraid, but there's little point in starting now, as you won't have enough time to truly achieve something before this year's fireworks start. Come midnight, you might be busy opening the champagne and hugging family and friends. And then everyone will go outside to watch the fireworks. Just one moment of not paying attention can have grave consequences. This is how to prevent that.
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5 ways of celebrating Christmas in an animal-friendly way
Christmas is not just an excuse to celebrate and exchange presents. It's also a time of year where you can look back on life and reflect. You can give attention to the things that really matter. More and more people want to celebrate an animal-friendly Christmas. We have five festive, animal-friendly suggestions for you.
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Plants that are poisonous for cats (and safe alternatives)
Cats 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?
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Becoming a pet sitter: how to determine your rates
Perhaps you are considering becoming a pet sitter, or you might already have a profile on Pawhshake. You can decide for yourself which services you would like to offer: Dog walking, doggy day care, home visits or boarding. You determine yourself how much you want to charge for each service. But are you unsure how to decide on a rate for your services and what is reasonable?
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