Blog

Is your pet afraid of fireworks? 5 tips

Jessica
Fireworks can cause a lot of anxiety and stress in animals (at worst, many pets also run away). As a pet owner or sitter, you can take extra measures to prevent accidents and pets going missing. With these tips, you and your pet can have a safe start to the new year!
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Is your pet afraid of fireworks? 5 tips

Why is my dog jealous?

Jessica
Just like humans, dogs can show jealous behaviour, such as excessive begging for attention or, at worst, aggression. Where does this behaviour come from and what can you do about it?
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Why is my dog jealous?

Christmas treats for pets

Jessica
Christmas is just around the corner and we know what you’re all thinking – what to get the little Santa ‘Claws’ in your life? Here’s our list of our favourite gifts for furry friends.
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Christmas treats for pets

5 holiday dangers for your pet

Jessica
During the Christmas holidays, there are extra risks that you must consider if you're a pet owner or pet sitter. Fortunately, you can be prepared and identify household hazards before they cause harm to your furry friend. Here's how to keep your pets healthy and safe during the festive season!
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5 holiday dangers for your pet

How much do dogs sleep?

Jessica
Sleep plays a super 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 plenty of shut-eye?
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How much do dogs sleep?

7 tips for sustainable pet ownership

Jessica
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.
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7 tips for sustainable pet ownership

Pet photography: 7 tips to improve your pictures

Jessica
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!
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Pet photography: 7 tips to improve your pictures

Can you leave a young puppy with a dog sitter?

Jessica
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.
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Can you leave a young puppy with a dog sitter?

Pets and divorce: what’s best for your furry friend?

Jessica
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?
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Pets and divorce: what’s best for your furry friend?

Is my cat or dog overweight?

Jessica
Approximately 50% of cats and dogs in Australia are overweight. Helping your pet to maintain a healthy weight is key to ensuring that they remain fit and happy. Here's how!
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Is my cat or dog overweight?

What should you put in your pet sitter profile description?

Jessica
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 pique the interest of pet owners?
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What should you put in your pet sitter profile description?

Why do cats groom themselves so often?

Jessica
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!
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Why do cats groom themselves so often?

How to be affectionate with your dog – in the right way

Jessica
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 them, they develop a general sense of well-being, sleep well at night, and feel balanced and self-assured throughout the day. But how do you show your dog love and affection in the right way?
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How to be affectionate with your dog – in the right way

Should you really brush your cat or dog's teeth?

Jessica
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?
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Should you really brush your cat or dog's teeth?

Why does my dog bark?

Jessica
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.
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Why does my dog bark?

Combining pets with (fulltime) work

Jessica
Can you successfully juggle work and pet duties? And is a full-time job really compatible with responsible dog or cat ownership? Discover our 7 tips for combining work and pets.
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Combining pets with (fulltime) work

Which house plants are poisonous for pets?

Jessica
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?
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Which house plants are poisonous for pets?

What’s a good name for your cat or dog?

Jessica
When considering names for your pet, you might be tempted to come up with something super original: a name with which you have a strong personal connection. However, it’s wise to pause for thought before finally settling on a name. In this article, you can read what makes a good name for your cat or dog, and discover some of the most popular pet names.
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What’s a good name for your cat or dog?

7 activities for a mindful dog

Jessica
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.
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7 activities for a mindful dog

7 ways to improve your cat's life

Jessica
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 furry pal, and soon have them purring away with happiness!
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7 ways to improve your cat's life

Dog separation anxiety - what should I do?

Jessica
Dogs not used to being left alone as puppies may develop dog separation anxiety. Learn to recognise the symptoms and address the root cause of the problem.
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Dog separation anxiety - what should I do?

What's better: one pet or two?

Jessica
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.
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What's better: one pet or two?

How often should I walk my dog?

Jessica
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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How often should I walk my dog?

Introducing cat and dog in 7 steps

Jessica
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.
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Introducing cat and dog in 7 steps

Calling your dog: How to get your dog to come to you

Jessica
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?
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Calling your dog: How to get your dog to come to you

Meeting your pet sitter: here's what to discuss during a meet & greet

Jessica
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.
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Meeting your pet sitter: here's what to discuss during a meet & greet

Pet-proofing your house: preventing accidents and damage

Jessica
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.
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Pet-proofing your house: preventing accidents and damage

Pimp your profile and start pet sitting!

Jessica
Want to spend your time surrounded by as many pets at possible? Who wouldn't? :-) And it's possible with Pawshake! With a pet sitter profile, you can board pets in your home, or you can visit them in their own home. But how do you find customers? With a lovely and attractive profile, of course. All of you dog people, cat ladies, rabbit lovers and friends of other pets: Keep reading!
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Pimp your profile and start pet sitting!

Travelling with your dog: tips for a pet-friendly holiday

Jessica
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.
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Travelling with your dog: tips for a pet-friendly holiday

Selling yourself as a pet sitter

Jessica
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.
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Selling yourself as a pet sitter