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?

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.

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?

Is it ok to dress my pet?

Preventing fleas at home

Jessica 16/10/2017

Though fleas are a fact of life all year in the warm climate of Australia, we are heading into the peak season. Prepare now and your pet and their furry friends will thank you for it!

Preventing fleas at home

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.

Pets and paw-sitivity

30 ways to have a meaningful World Animal Day!

Jessica 03/10/2017

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.

30 ways to have a meaningful World Animal Day!

Protecting your pets from the sun

Jessica 20/09/2017

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.

Protecting your pets from the sun

7 easy ways to make your cat happier!

Jessica 19/09/2017

Here are seven simple happiness tips you make your cat content and healthy....sounds purrfect!

7 easy ways to make your cat happier!

How long is a home visit or a dog walk?

Jessica 19/09/2017

What exactly can you expect from your petsitter? How long should a house visit or a dog walk take? What expectations are reasonable? Find out here!

How long is a home visit or a dog walk?

My pet’s nose is dry….is it sick?

Jessica 02/08/2017

There has been a long-standing tale amongst dog and cat owners that your pet should have a wet nose if they are healthy, and that a dry nose means they are sick. Does this theory hold any water, or is it a bit 'on the nose'?

My pet’s nose is dry….is it sick?

Is your dog bored?

Jessica 01/08/2017

Dogs, like humans, can get downright bored if they aren’t receiving enough mental and physical stimulation. Here's how to tell if your dog is bored and what you can do to help.

Is your dog bored?

The benefits of pets for elderly owners

Jessica 31/07/2017

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.

The benefits of pets for elderly owners

Why do we use baby-talk on our pets?

Jessica 30/07/2017

Let’s all admit it – most of us pet fanatics on Pawshake have a special voice reserved for our pet...and there is an interesting reason behind why we use this goo-goo-gaa-gaa talk for our furry friend!

Why do we use baby-talk on our pets?

Moving house with a cat

Jessica 24/07/2017

Pawshake staff member Jess recently moved with her cat, Benjamin. Here are a few pieces of wisdom that she gained from the experience!

Moving house with a cat

Signs of doggy stress that are easy to miss

Jessica 23/07/2017

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.

Signs of doggy stress that are easy to miss

Puppy sitting vs regular pet sitting – what’s the difference?

Jessica 07/07/2017

If you’ve never looked after a puppy before, or it’s been a while, then you need to know this – it’s fun, it’s full-on, and it’s definitely NOT a walk in the park.

Puppy sitting vs regular pet sitting – what’s the difference?

DIY pet-friendly cleaning products

Jessica 06/07/2017

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.

DIY pet-friendly cleaning products

When should I take my pet to the vet?

Jessica 02/07/2017

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?'

When should I take my pet to the vet?

Soothing your dog’s dry flakey skin

Jessica 02/07/2017

The cool, dry air in winter can really batter our skin – but did you know the same goes for your dog?

Soothing your dog’s dry flakey skin

Caring for a senior pet.

Jessica 25/06/2017

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.

Caring for a senior pet.

Can a house sitter keep my home safe?

Jessica 25/06/2017

There are so many benefits to choosing a house sitting that we couldn’t possibly list them all, but here are a few to get you started!

Can a house sitter keep my home safe?

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

Jessica 25/06/2017

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!

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

Four of the simplest dog treat recipes

Jessica 18/06/2017

We’ve put together some easy-peasy dog treat recipes in the Pawshake test kitchen for you to try at home!

Four of the simplest dog treat recipes

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

Jessica 18/06/2017

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!

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

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.

Bring your Pet to Work Day!

Begging – five simple ways to calm a hungry pooch

Jessica 11/06/2017

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.

Begging – five simple ways to calm a hungry pooch

Keep your Pawshake profile safe

Jessica 10/06/2017

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.

Keep your Pawshake profile safe

Tips for successfully introducing cats and dogs

Jessica 04/06/2017

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.

Tips for successfully introducing cats and dogs

Coping with a pet cone

Jessica 03/06/2017

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!

Coping with a pet cone

How to stop a dog from jumping

Jessica 28/05/2017

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?

How to stop a dog from jumping