Blog

Why is pet sitting so quiet at the moment?

Jessica 06/05/2020
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.
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Why is pet sitting so quiet at the moment?

Should I adopt a pet?

Jessica 03/05/2020
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.
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Should I adopt a pet?

Why do pets make us happy?

Jessica 26/04/2020
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.
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Why do pets make us happy?

How to walk a dog during lockdown

Jessica 19/04/2020
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.
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How to walk a dog during lockdown

Can domestic pets spread coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Jessica 16/03/2020
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?
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Can domestic pets spread coronavirus (COVID-19)?

How to stop your dog from begging

Jessica 01/03/2020
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.
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How to stop your dog from begging

Is it safe for kids to pet sit?

Jessica 01/03/2020
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.
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Is it safe for kids to pet sit?

Are dog parks safe?

Jessica 15/02/2020
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.
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Are dog parks safe?

Which flowers are toxic to dogs and cats?

Jessica 08/02/2020
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.
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Which flowers are toxic to dogs and cats?

Can I get sick from my pet?

Jessica 01/02/2020
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.
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Can I get sick from my pet?

Why are dogs afraid of thunderstorms?

Jessica 26/01/2020
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.
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Why are dogs afraid of thunderstorms?

Why do cats vomit?

Jessica 22/01/2020
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.
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Why do cats vomit?

Winner of Australia's Favourite Pet-Friendly Cafe!

Jessica 09/01/2020
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.
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Winner of Australia's Favourite Pet-Friendly Cafe!

Why is my dog afraid of strangers?

Jessica 07/01/2020
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.
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Why is my dog afraid of strangers?

How to help animals during bushfire season

Jessica 06/01/2020
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.
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How to help animals during bushfire season

How to keep your pet safe at Christmas

Jessica 20/12/2019
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.
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How to keep your pet safe at Christmas

What does a dog sitter do?

Jessica 18/12/2019
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.
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What does a dog sitter do?

Pets in hot weather

Jessica 11/12/2019
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.
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Pets in hot weather

How to find a cat sitter

Jessica 10/12/2019
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.
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How to find a cat sitter

Is it better to board cats or leave them at home?

Jessica 09/12/2019
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.
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Is it better to board cats or leave them at home?

Australia’s Top Pet-Friendly Café Award

Jessica 05/12/2019
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!
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Australia’s Top Pet-Friendly Café Award

Why hire a house sitter?

Jessica 04/12/2019
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.
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Why hire a house sitter?

How to find a dog sitter over Christmas

Paulien 30/11/2019
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.
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How to find a dog sitter over Christmas

Why a cat scratches (and how to stop it)

Jessica 13/11/2019
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?
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Why a cat scratches (and how to stop it)

How to tell if you love your pet more than people

Jessica 07/11/2019
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.
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How to tell if you love your pet more than people

How long can you leave a cat home alone?

Jessica 29/10/2019
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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How long can you leave a cat home alone?

How do you stop your cat peeing in the house?

Jessica 15/10/2019
Despite the pristine litter box that you set up for your cat, there might be the odd mishap around the house. Why would a cat pee outside their litter box, and how can you get your cat back to a good toilet routine? Here are 7 tips.
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How do you stop your cat peeing in the house?

8 Easy Dog Training Tips

Jessica 06/10/2019
Aside from physical exercise, dogs also need mental stimulation each day. This is why it’s important to make dog obedience training part of your everyday routine.
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8 Easy Dog Training Tips