How much do dogs sleep?
Sleep plays an extremely important role in the health of your pooch. So, why do dogs need so much sleep and how can you ensure that your four-legged friend gets the rest that he needs?
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7 tips for sustainable pet ownership
Pet ownership and sustainability aren’t always 100% compatible. Nevertheless, you can still take some positive steps and… every little bit helps! Discover how to make life with your faithful companion fun, green and eco-friendly with our 7 tips for sustainable pet ownership.
Read morePet photography: 7 tips to improve your pictures
Taking a good pet photo isn't always easy. But with a few small tricks you can significantly enhance the quality of your snaps. Our 7 tips for photographing pets will soon have you producing the perfect pics!
Read moreCan you leave a young puppy with a dog sitter?
It's the ideal solution for busy puppy-parents, and the best job in the world for dog sitters: puppy boarding! But providing a puppy sitting service is not without its challenges. Discover all you need to know about puppy boarding and puppy daycare below.
Read morePets and divorce: what’s best for your furry friend?
Pets are part of the family. This means that we’re faced with a difficult dilemma in the event of a separation or divorce. Putting your pet’s interests first and knowing what to do in such a situation requires being adequately informed. How can you ensure that your pet doesn’t suffer from an impending separation or divorce?
Read moreIs my cat or dog overweight?
Approximately over 50% our cats and dogs are overweight. There is a habit of 'spoiling' our beloved pets with edible treats as an act of kindness. Yet, this can result in your pet experiencing a number of serious health issues. Helping your pet to maintain a healthy weight is key to ensuring that they remain fit and happy. Here's how!
Read moreWhat should you put in your pet sitter profile description?
Your pet sitter profile is essentially your pet sitting business card. But what exactly should you write in your profile text? What can you put in your description to elicit the desired response from pet owners?
Read moreWhy do cats groom themselves so often?
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!
Read moreHow to be affectionate with your dog – in the right way
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 him, he develops a general sense of well-being, sleeps well at night, and feels balanced and self-assured throughout the day. But how do you show your dog love and affection in the right way?
Read moreShould you really brush your cat or dog's teeth?
Dental care is an essential part of a daily pet routine, but we often forget it. What should you do to keep your cat or dog's teeth healthy, and is tooth brushing really necessary?
Why does my dog bark?
Dogs bark, that we know. But why do some dogs bark more than others? And what should you do if your (doggy day care or dog boarding) dog doesn’t stop barking? Discover all you need to know about why dogs bark + 3 tips on how to break their barking habit.
Combining pets with (fulltime) work
Can you successfully juggle work and pet sitting? And is a full-time job really compatible with responsible dog ownership? Discover our 7 tips for combining work and pets.
Read moreWhich house plants are poisonous for 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?
Read moreWhat’s a good name for your cat or dog?
When contemplating names for your pet, you might be tempted to come up with something highly original, a name that you have a strong personal connection with. However, it’s wise to pause for thought before finally settling on a name. In this article, you can read about what makes a good name for your cat or dog, and discover some of the most popular pet names.
Read more7 activities for a mindful dog
Is your dog a tad hyperactive? Perhaps they have become disobedient, disinterested or even stressed? Even bored or unable to satisfy 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 mentally engaged and content. This will also increase the bond between you and your dog, and you’ll become a more 'mindful' dog owner or dog sitter in the process.
Read morePet sitting home visits: what's involved
If you’ve recently become a pet sitter, you’ll no doubt be keen to start home visiting all those lovely pets in your neighbourhood. But how long should such a visit last? What can pet owners expect from you? And what, exactly, do pets need from their pet sitter?
7 ways to improve your cat's life
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 furball demonstrably and soon have her purring away with happiness!
Read moreMy dog has separation anxiety. What should I do?
Dogs are social animals, which explains why most are not happy alone. In some cases this can become really problematic, with the separation anxiety becoming so intense that the dog cannot be left alone at home. Some dogs are also so attached to their owner that they can also get separation anxiety when they stay with a dog sitter. How do you ensure that the separation anxiety is reduced and how do you ensure that your dog feels safe and happy without you?
Read moreWhat's better: one pet or two?
Contemplating getting a pet and unsure whether two tails are better than one? Or perhaps you’ve already got a furry companion and are wondering if they 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.
Read moreHow often should I walk my dog?
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.
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Introducing cat and dog in 7 steps
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.
Read moreCalling your dog: How to get your dog to come to you
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?
Read moreMeeting your pet sitter: here's what to discuss during a meet & greet
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.
Read morePet-proofing your house: preventing accidents and damage
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.
Read moreTraveling with your dog: tips for a pet-friendly holiday
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.
Read moreMoulting: Why does my pet shed so much fur?
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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Meet and Greet - a How-To Guide
Pawshake gives you some top tips on the best ways to meet and greet before pet sitting!
Read moreSelling yourself as a pet sitter
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.
Read moreWhining cats 3 tips for annoying behaviour
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.
Tips to prevent your pet from going missing
It is a risk 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 what happens if your furry friend suddenly takes off? 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 what if your pet does get lost? We have an action plan ready for you to bring your pet home quickly. Here are our most important tips for pet owners and pet sitters how to find a lost dog quickly.