Blog

The benefits of pets for elderly owners

Jessica
With loneliness and isolation becoming potential problems in the elderly population, it’s worth looking to pet ownership as a source of healing and purpose.
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The benefits of pets for elderly owners

Cattle in summer – a warning for dog walkers!

Jessica
A warning dog walkers and pet sitters - grazing cows are a common sight in the British countryside and at this time of year can pose a risk to you and your furry friend.
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Cattle in summer – a warning for dog walkers!

Moving house with a cat

Jessica
Pawshake Marketing Manager Jess recently moved with her cat, Benjamin. Here are a few pieces of wisdom that she gained from the experience!
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Moving house with a cat

Signs of doggy stress that are easy to miss

Jessica
Interpreting doggy language is usually easy enough….but as part of the Pawshake family, we hope you have that extra edge of knowledge to interpret the more subtle signs - whether you’re a dog sitter or dog owner.
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Signs of doggy stress that are easy to miss

DIY pet-friendly cleaning products

Jessica
We can all agree that it isn’t ideal to expose your fur-kids (or yourself) to any unnecessary nasty chemicals! One solution is to make your own cleaning products. It’s simpler than you think! These recipes are quick, easy, actually do the job, are cheaper than store-bought and free from intense chemicals or perfumes.
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DIY pet-friendly cleaning products

Protecting your pets from the sun

Jessica
Just as we humans have to take care to not get burnt by harmful UVA and UVB rays when we’re catching some sun, we need to watch out for our pets too.
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Protecting your pets from the sun

When should I take my pet to the vet?

Jessica
If you own a pet or are a busy pet sitter, this question will eventually rear it's head....'am I being over-reactive, or is the pet in my care actually sick or injured?'
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When should I take my pet to the vet?

Caring for a senior pet.

Jessica
We think there’s nothing more rewarding than having a sweet senior in your care, so they deserve every bit of love and attention they can get! But you need to be prepared for a totally different experience to that of pet sitting a young cat or dog.
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Caring for a senior pet.

When to say 'no thanks' after a meet and greet

Jessica
Here are few issues that can be red flags if you are a pet sitter or pet owner….pay attention and take ownership over your decision, because you want to be sure you’ve found a purrfect pet-to-person match!
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When to say 'no thanks' after a meet and greet

Pet-matching! Who is the best pet person for your pet?

Jessica
We want to make sure everyone on Pawshake has the knowledge to make an informed choice about matching a pet with a pet sitter. Because a happy pet and happy pet sitter means a smooth and easy stay for everyone!
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Pet-matching! Who is the best pet person for your pet?

Keep your Pawshake profile safe

Jessica
Every day, thousands of sitters, owners and a whole lot of furry friends have great experiences on Pawshake – and we want to make sure this continues! Here are a few tips for protecting your profile information from online scams and phishing.
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Keep your Pawshake profile safe

Begging – five simple ways to calm a hungry pooch

Jessica
Please, sir! I want some more! It’s kind of cute, but it can be a bit much….having your dog (or a guest dog if you’re a pet sitter) drooling onto your leg while you try to eat. Here are five simple ways to calm your begging pooch.
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Begging – five simple ways to calm a hungry pooch

Bring your Pet to Work Day!

Jessica
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.
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Bring your Pet to Work Day!

Bunny sitting basics

Jessica
Rabbits are adorable floofs, but they aren’t low maintenance! In fact they are complex critters that deserve your time, preparation and planning before agreeing to pet sit them. Here is bunny-sitting 101.
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Bunny sitting basics

Successfully introducing cats and dogs

Jessica
Forget what you’ve seen in the cartoons, because the truth about cats and dogs is….they actually can get along swimmingly! Here are some tips for success for those first important introductions.
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Successfully introducing cats and dogs

Coping with a pet cone

Jessica
We see the pet cone come out at the vet and instantly feel dread – which our pet can surely pick up on! If you know your dog or cat will soon be wearing a cone, protective collar or e-collar, fear not. Here are some tips to make it less of an ordeal for everyone!
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Coping with a pet cone

Help! How do I stop my dog from jumping on visitors?

Jessica
Bouncing up to give you a big sloppy kiss is one of the most common challenges for any dog owner. You want to give a good impression to friends and family, as well as the pet sitter popping over for a meet and greet….so what do you do when your big adult dog leaps up in guest’s faces?
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Help! How do I stop my dog from jumping on visitors?

What to do when a cat won't use their litter tray

Jessica
The litter tray habits of our feline friends might seem strange, even mysterious - but a little understanding and care can go a long way to preventing even the smelliest problems!
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What to do when a cat won't use their litter tray

Newcastle cat cafe helps find loving homes for rescue cats!

Jessica
Cat cafes are popping up all over the UK, giving cat lovers a purrfect way to relax and have some cuddle time with their furry friends. The Catpawcino cafe on Newcastle’s Quayside is doing something extra special...
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Newcastle cat cafe helps find loving homes for rescue cats!

Your dog's tongue - a window into their health

Jessica
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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Your dog's tongue - a window into their health

Alabama Rot - What dog owners need to know

Jessica
As dog owners it’s vital to be armed with knowledge about this worrying disease, what to look out for and what to do if you’re concerned.
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Alabama Rot - What dog owners need to know

Dogs in Hot Cars – Don’t Risk It!

Jessica
Warmer days are finally sneaking in - bliss! But it's super important to be mindful of your pets when driving and parking. Here are some helpful tips to raise awareness and prevent incidents of dogs getting locked in cars on hot days.
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Dogs in Hot Cars – Don’t Risk It!

Getting an uncooperative cat into a carrier

Jessica
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!
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Getting an uncooperative cat into a carrier

Common Meet and Greet mistakes to avoid

Jessica
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!
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Common Meet and Greet mistakes to avoid

Dog-friendly dining in Manchester

Jessica
All we’re dreaming about is Sunday lunch or brunch in a local pub or coffee in a cosy cafe....and the good news is your pooch needn’t stay at home and miss out on the fun!
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Dog-friendly dining in Manchester

Spring clean your profile!

Jessica
Summer isn't far away, and with it comes peak petsitting period, where all sorts of people are turning to Pawshake to find the perfect companion for their furry friends while they’re away. We've put together a few tips to get your Pawshake profile in excellent condition so that it is a sure stand-out
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Spring clean your profile!