Dog Enrichment Food Puzzles
Discover 10 quick and simple dog enrichment food puzzles you can put together that will challenge and stimulate their brains.
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Why is pet sitting so quiet at the moment?
Life has turned upside down since the arrival of coronavirus (COVID-19), and a lot of these changes can explain what is happening to the pet sitting industry. Find out what it means for you as a pet sitter.
Should I adopt a pet?
Adopting a pet seems like a great idea: pets bring us joy, and it feels great rehoming an animal in need. But before you adopt a pet, consider if you are in it for the longterm.
Why do pets make us happy?
Domestic pets can bring us a lot of laughter, joy and comfort, especially during difficult times. Here’s the science behind why pets make us happy, and why spending time with your pet can help you maintain good mental health.
Read moreHow to walk a dog during lockdown
Both you and your dog still need exercise during the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown, and are still allowed to do so as long as you follow the rules.
How to cope as a pet sitter during the COVID-19 pandemic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has turned life upside down, but here’s how pet sitters can survive, thrive and come out stronger when things settle.
Can I pet sit during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic?
Yes, you can continue to pet sit if your services are essential to the health and welfare of your client’s pet. Here's what you need to know.
Can domestic pets spread coronavirus (COVID-19)?
The new coronavirus intervenes deeply in our daily lives. What does the virus actually mean for our pets? And what does this exceptional situation mean for bookings made on Pawshake?
Read moreHow to stop your dog from begging
As natural hunters, dogs can be pretty fixated on food. But the typical begging behaviour that some dogs display is primarily taught by humans. Fortunately, it is fairly easy to get rid of it if you are patient and diligent.
Read moreIs it safe for kids to pet sit?
Looking after pets is fun, and can teach kids about responsibility and social skills. However, you must consider your child’s age: Young children must be supervised around pets at all times, and an adult must be the primary carer if you wish to pet sit with your child under 18.
Read moreHow much does a dog sitter cost?
If you book a dog sitter that offers home boarding, you pay for each night your dog stays with the sitter and, at Pawshake, these rates can vary between individual dog sitters. But what do people spend on the average dog sitter? And what service can you expect for that price?
Read moreAre dog parks safe?
Dog parks are safe when all owners follow the rules and are responsible for their dogs. To keep your dog safe, do some research about the dog parks around you, make sure your dog has a strong foundation in basic training and choose an off-peak time that isn’t too hectic.
Which flowers are toxic to dogs and cats?
There are a number of common ornamental flowers that are toxic to both cats and dogs. This list covers the most common that you should be aware of.
Read moreCan I get sick from my pet?
It’s possible to get sick from your cat or dog, but don’t panic: it’s unlikely this will happen if you practice safe hygiene and common sense. It’s important to be especially mindful of hygiene if you have a weakened immune system, are very young, older or pregnant.
Read moreWhy are dogs afraid of thunderstorms?
Dogs can fear thunder and lightning because they don’t know what it is. Such a loud sound can be scary and seem a danger.
Why do cats vomit?
Many cats regularly throw up after eating. This is normal in most cases, but sometimes vomiting can also indicate underlying health problems. To keep your cat healthy it is important to keep a close eye on your cat's upset stomach and its contents.
Read moreWinner of Australia's Favourite Pet-Friendly Cafe!
Coffee and doggo lovers came out in droves to vote for Australia's Favourite Pet-Friendly Cafe, with thousands of votes cast since December for the coveted top spot.
Read moreWhy is my dog afraid of strangers?
Some dogs may be nervous, skittish or shy around strangers because of poor socialisation, genetics or negative past experience. Fortunately, you can help your dog manage their fear with patience, reassurance and consistency.
Read moreHow to help animals during bushfire season
The most effective way to help precious pets and wildlife during bushfire season is to plan ahead, spread awareness and donate to wildlife rescue organisations. The bushfire devastation can feel super overwhelming, but choosing just some of the following simple, actionable steps can have a positive impact.
Read moreHow to keep your pet safe at Christmas
The best way to keep your pet safe at Christmas time is to plan ahead and factor your pet's safety into the day's festivities. Watch out for choking hazards or dropped food scraps, keep doors and windows shut and give your pet a quiet area to relax away from the noise.
What does a dog sitter do?
A dog sitter’s role is to feed, play with and care for your dog when you are busy with work or away on a holiday. A dog sitter can either come to your home to look after your dog, or provide dog boarding at their own home.
Read morePets in hot weather
Overheating can have really dangerous consequences for your pet during the summer heat. To protect your dog or cat from overheating, t's important that you provide plenty of cool, shady spots, lots of rest-time, extra water and frequent brushing to keep their body temperature stable.
How to find a cat sitter
Cats are attached to their environment, and, as such, prefer to stay at home than a cattery. A good option for holidaying cat owners is to hire a pet sitter that provides in-home visits. The pet sitter can make sure that your cat is fed, safe and happy, without being moved at all.
Is it better to board cats or leave them at home?
Cats generally prefer to stay comfortably at home than a cattery or cat boarding facility. A happy cat has access to food, water, mental and physical stimulation in a safe, familiar environment. As such, consider hiring a house sitter, or sitter that can drop in and visit your cat during the day.
Australia’s Top Pet-Friendly Café Award
More pet-friendly cafes are popping around Australia than ever before, so we want to hear all about your favourite and share the love with our pet community!
Why hire a house sitter?
A house sitter can keep your home secure and care for your dog or cat while you are away. By living in your home as a guest would, a house sitter maintains your household routine and keeps your home safe and sound.
Read moreHow to find a dog sitter over Christmas
If you are looking for a place for your dog to stay over Christmas and New Years, it's important to make an arrangement that suits your dog best so that both of you have a stress-free holiday period. Here are 7 tips for finding a great pet sitter for your dog.
Read moreWhy a cat scratches (and how to stop it)
On the furniture, on your hand during playtime, on the scratching post, on the floor... Cats scratch their claws on just about anything, which can be annoying if it causes damage. Why does a cat scratch and what can you do about unwanted scratching?
Read moreHow to tell if you love your pet more than people
Do you sometimes wonder if you are alone in loving your pet as much, if not more, than you love people? How can you tell if this is the case? Pawshake conducted a survey recently amongst 1,500 pet owners, and it turns out, loving your pet as much as the people around you is a very normal feeling for many of us.
Read moreHow long can you leave a cat home alone?
Cats might seem super independent, but they have social, mental and physical needs just like any other pet. As such, it’s best that your cat has some company at least once every day in order to remain happy, safe and healthy. Here is why.
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