Blog

Can dogs smell fear?

Jessica 24/11/2017
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 12/11/2017
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 29/10/2017
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 23/10/2017
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 15/10/2017
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 04/10/2017
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 30/09/2017
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 30/09/2017
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 26/08/2017
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 04/08/2017
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?

Begging – five simple ways to calm a hungry pooch

Jessica 02/07/2017
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) dribbling into 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

Keep your Pawshake profile safe

Jessica 02/07/2017
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

Tips for successfully introducing cats and dogs

Jessica 02/07/2017
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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Tips for successfully introducing cats and dogs

Coping with a pet cone

Jessica 19/06/2017
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

How to stop a dog from jumping

Jessica 19/06/2017
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 all 20kg of dog go leaping up in guest’s faces?
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How to stop a dog from jumping

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

Jessica 17/06/2017
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

Your dog's tongue - a window into their health

Jessica 17/06/2017
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

Bring your Pet to Work Day!

Jessica 17/06/2017
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!

Getting an uncooperative cat into a carrier

Jessica 07/05/2017
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 07/05/2017
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

Pet safety checklist for ANZAC day

Jessica 23/04/2017
Whether you’re attending a dawn service, remembrance march or heading to the local RSA, there’s always a lot going on over the ANZAC long weekend...and it always pays to be prepared when it comes to pet safety!
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Pet safety checklist for ANZAC day

Ten tasty human foods your pet can enjoy

Jessica 09/04/2017
Easter is just around the corner, which means plenty of edible treats for us humans! We all know we need to keep the chocolate well out of reach of our furry friends, but there are still plenty of human foods that your cat or dog can enjoy as an occasional treat.
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Ten tasty human foods your pet can enjoy

Puppy proofing your home

Jessica 24/03/2017
Do you have a bundle of fluff coming into your home anytime soon? We chat with super-star Pawshake pet sitter Concetta about her experience adopting a puppy - she gives us her top 5 tips to make the transition a smooth one!
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Puppy proofing your home

What to do if a dog charges at you

Jessica 24/03/2017
This week we have a chat with our Community Manager and super-experienced pet-sitter Sam about what to do in the event of a dog charging at you.
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What to do if a dog charges at you

My Dog Journey - the best dog walks around Auckland!

Jessica 11/03/2017
Pawshake gets to know Aden and Olivia, two Auckland teenagers and entrepreneurs who are the creators of the My Dog Journey website - dog walkers on Pawshake, this one is for you!
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My Dog Journey - the best dog walks around Auckland!