Blog

Introducing cat and dog in 7 steps

Jessica
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: How to get your dog to come to you

Jessica
The 'here' or 'come' command is essential, as it can get your dog out of 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 dog always comes on command?
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Calling your dog: How to get your dog to come to you

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

Jessica
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 really well 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'ts when meeting & greeting.
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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

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

Traveling with your dog: tips for a pet-friendly holiday

Jessica
There's nothing better than enjoying a holiday with your pet. But traveling should not only be fun for you as a pet owner: your dog should also have a good and comfortable experience. Here are the most important tips to ensure a pet-friendly holiday with your dog.
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Traveling with your dog: tips for a pet-friendly holiday

Moulting: Why does my pet shed so much fur?

Jessica
It seems like it will never end: your pet's summer coat falls out and you find tufts of fur all over the place. What is moulting exactly? What can you do to make things as comfortable as possible for your dog or cat, and what should you avoid doing?
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Moulting: Why does my pet shed so much fur?

Selling yourself as a pet sitter

Jessica
If you are a pet sitter, trust and responsibility are key, and pet owners should be able to tell that their pet is in safe hands with you. But how do you let the world see that you are that reliable sitter? How do you increase the likelihood that pet owners will book you? Read our tips on how you sell yourself as a pet sitter and how to communicate with pet owners.
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Selling yourself as a pet sitter

Cheeky cats - 3 tips for annoying behaviour

Jessica
Cats can sometimes show really cheeky behavior: meowing, begging or throwing your stuff on the floor. But why? What makes your cat push objects off tables, and how can you stop the begging and 4am wake-up calls? This is also an important discussion to have with your cat sitter, so they know what to do when caring for your cat. Here are our top 3 tips to minimise cheeky cat behaviour
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Cheeky cats - 3 tips for annoying behaviour

Tips to prevent your pet from going missing

Jessica
It is a risk that is always at in the back of your mind: what if your dog or cat goes missing? This is especially so if you plan to bring your pet to a sitter for home boarding or doggy daycare...you may worry about your furry friend suddenly going on the run. Fortunately, most pets are found and returned to their owner very quickly. And the good news is that you can do a lot to prevent your pet from getting lost in the first place. And if your pet does go missing? We have an action plan ready for you to bring your pet home quickly. Here are our tips for pet owners and pet sitters how to find a lost pet quickly.
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Tips to prevent your pet from going missing

Why do dogs smell?

Jessica
Yes, some dogs can smell a bit, but generally, a healthy dog doesn't smell too bad. But if your dog's odor is starting to get really nasty, that might be a sign that something's wrong. In this article, we share with you everything doggy smell, and what to do if your dog gets a bit stinky.
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Why do dogs smell?

Preventing fleas at home

Jessica
Fleas are a fact of life all year round - prepare to blitz them now it's getting cooler and your pet and their furry friends will thank you for it!
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Preventing fleas at home

Pet sitting rates: how much does a sitter cost?

Jessica
If you want to find affordable pet care in your area, you can go to Pawshake! You'll soon discover that the rates vary between each pet sitter. What is a reasonable price for pet sitting? And how do you, as a pet sitter, determine exactly what price you should ask for your sitting, boarding or walking services?:
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Pet sitting rates: how much does a sitter cost?

First aid for cats: how to take care of a sick cat

Jessica
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:
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First aid for cats: how to take care of a sick cat

How long can a dog stay home alone?

Jessica
How long can a dog stay home alone? If you want to adopt a new dog, it is important to know in advance how much time you will need to take care of it. Also, if you want to become a dog sitter it's super important to ask yourself: how much time should I provide to a dog to make sure they are happy and healthy?
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How long can a dog stay home alone?

What should I look for in a pet sitter?

Jessica
If you are looking for a pet sitter, it is important to choose a one that fits your pet perfectly. But what should you look for in a pet sitter profile? How do you use this to choose a reliable pet sitter that 'clicks' with you and your pet?
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What should I look for in a pet sitter?

Celebrate the Year of the Dog!

Jessica
Lunar New Year (also often known as the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival) is one of the world’s most bright, beautiful and exciting cultural celebrations. And in 2018 we are lucky enough to be entering the Year of the Dog!
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Celebrate the Year of the Dog!

Dogs in Hot Cars – Don’t Risk It!

Jessica
We love summer fun, but it's super important to be mindful of your pets when driving and parking. This blog gives some helpful tips on how to raise awareness and prevent incidents of dogs getting locked in cars on a hot day.
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Dogs in Hot Cars – Don’t Risk It!

Christmas Gift Ideas

Jessica
What to get for the pet or human who has everything? Get some inspiration here - these pressie ideas will bring a smile to everyone's face :-)
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Christmas Gift Ideas

Christmas Dangers - keeping your pet safe.

Jessica
Christmas Dangers - keeping your pet safe. teaser: Do you celebrate Christmas together with your pets? Awesome! Of course you can enjoy the holidays together, but beware of a few unexpected dangers that could even be life-threatening to your pet. But don't worry: prepare in advance and you will prevent any problems.
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Christmas Dangers - keeping your pet safe.

Can dogs smell fear?

Jessica
It’s an old saying - usually told as a warning in case you run into an unfamiliar dog - but is it true that a dog can smell human fear, or any other emotion for that matter?
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Can dogs smell fear?

Why senior pets are the best pets of all

Jessica
November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month - which means it's time to celebrate our wonderfully cuddly older cats and dogs! Considering adopting a pet in the near future? Here, we break down a few senior pet myths and explore why you might should let a sweet senior pet into your heart and home.
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Why senior pets are the best pets of all

Is it ok to dress my pet?

Jessica
Halloween is frighteningly close and it’s time to get your costumes and candy ready! But what about your pet….can they join in the festivities too?
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Is it ok to dress my pet?

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

Pets and paw-sitivity

Jessica
Pet sitters and owners know that our furry friends can bring daily joy and comfort even in the toughest times. And it’s no surprise that new research shows that pets are way more important to long-term mental health than previously recognised.
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Pets and paw-sitivity

30 ways to have a meaningful World Animal Day!

Jessica
Obviously, our animals deserve the best every single day - no doubt that your own pets are very lucky to live in a warm, loving home. Yet October 4th is also a great day to celebrate ALL our four legged, furry, feathered and fishy companions, all over the world.
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30 ways to have a meaningful World Animal Day!

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.