Blog

Does your dog really love you?

Jessica 26/08/2017

We pet people know in our heart of hearts that our dogs love us just as much as we love them. But how do you know your dog actually LOVES you in a way that transcends the basic, instinctive need for food and shelter? Here's how!

Does your dog really love you?

Protecting your pets from the sun

Jessica 18/08/2017

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

Cattle in summer – a warning for dog walkers!

Jessica 04/08/2017

A warning dog walkers and pet sitters - grazing cows are a common sight in the Irish countryside and at this time of year can pose a risk to you and your furry friend.

Cattle in summer – a warning for dog walkers!

Moving house with a cat

Jessica 24/07/2017

Pawshake Marketing Manager 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

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

Jessica 14/07/2017

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

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

Jessica 14/07/2017

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?

School holiday activities with your pet

Jessica 02/07/2017

The school holidays are here again! If you want to avoid your kids being glued to their screens for two weeks, why not get them out and about for some fun with the family pet?

School holiday activities with your pet

Begging – five simple ways to calm a hungry pooch

Jessica 19/06/2017

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) drooling onto 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

Four of the simplest dog treat recipes

Jessica 19/06/2017

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

Bunny sitting basics

Jessica 19/06/2017

Rabbits are adorable floofs, but they aren’t low maintenance! In fact they are complex critters that deserve your time, preparation and planning before agreeing to pet sit them. Here is bunny-sitting 101.

Bunny sitting basics

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!

Keep your Pawshake profile safe

Jessica 17/06/2017

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 17/06/2017

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 10/06/2017

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

Help! How do I stop my dog from jumping on visitors?

Jessica 10/06/2017

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 your dog leaps up in guest’s faces?

Help! How do I stop my dog from jumping on visitors?

What to do when a cat won't use their litter tray

Jessica 10/06/2017

The litter tray habits of our feline friends might seem strange, even mysterious - but a little understanding and care can go a long way to preventing even the smelliest problems!

What to do when a cat won't use their litter tray

Your dog's tongue - a window into their health

Jessica 03/06/2017

Did you know that your dog’s tongue is not just for giving us kisses….it’s also a window into their health? Here’s how to get to know and interpret your pup’s tongue!

Your dog's tongue - a window into their health

Catspeak: the meaning behind your cat’s meow

Jessica 03/06/2017

Embrace the meow-lody of your cat’s mew and pay attention – you’ll be fluent in catspeak in no time!

Catspeak: the meaning behind your cat’s meow

Dogs in Hot Cars – Don’t Risk It!

Jessica 03/06/2017

Warmer days are finally sneaking in - bliss! But it's super important to be mindful of your pets when driving and parking. Here are some helpful tips to raise awareness and prevent incidents of dogs getting locked in cars on hot days.

Dogs in Hot Cars – Don’t Risk It!

Getting an uncooperative cat into a carrier

Jessica 07/05/2017

Does your cat simply hate it when you pull out the carrier to go to the vet or a pet sitter’s house? Our guide will help you ease your cat into their carrier - with minimal scratches for you!

Getting an uncooperative cat into a carrier

Common Meet and Greet mistakes to avoid

Jessica 07/05/2017

The number one secret to a successful booking on Pawshake is a thorough meet and greet – but there are some common mistakes that are worth avoiding!

Common Meet and Greet mistakes to avoid

Back to School Blues

Jessica 22/04/2017

Kids back at school this week? Spare a thought for the furry children in your home, as even pets suffer from the back-to-school blues!

Back to School Blues

Ten tasty human foods your pet can enjoy

Jessica 09/04/2017

Easter is just around the corner, which means plenty of edible treats for us humans! We all know we need to keep the chocolate well out of reach of our furry friends, but there are still plenty of human foods that your cat or dog can enjoy as an occasional treat.

Ten tasty human foods your pet can enjoy

What to do if a dog charges at you

Jessica 24/03/2017

This week we have a chat with our Community Manager and super-experienced pet-sitter Sam about what to do in the event of a dog charging at you.

What to do if a dog charges at you

Puppy proofing your home

Jessica 24/03/2017

Do you have a bundle of fluff coming into your home anytime soon? We chat with super-star Pawshake pet sitter Concetta about her experience adopting a puppy - she gives us her top 5 tips to make the transition a smooth one!

Puppy proofing your home

Dealing With Separation Anxiety in Pets

Jessica 10/03/2017

This is one of the bigger challenges facing pet owners and pet sitters alike. Do you know a dog or cat suffering from separation anxiety? Read on for some simple solutions to make your pet's life (and yours!) a lot easier!

Dealing With Separation Anxiety in Pets

Pupp - Dublin's coolest cafe for pooches and people!

Jessica 24/02/2017

We have a chat with the lovely folks at Pupp, a fun and funky dog-friendly cafe and pet boutique right in the heart of Dublin. Coffee + shopping + doggy dates = our idea of heaven!

Pupp - Dublin's coolest cafe for pooches and people!

Pets in the Spring!

Jessica 22/02/2017

It's been a long winter, but spring is just around the corner (almost!), so we have a few suggestions for how to prepare your home and your pets for the change in the seasons.

Pets in the Spring!

5 ways to celebrate Lunar New Year with your pet!

Jessica 29/01/2017

This Lunar Year of the Rooster, why not start off on a positive note and freshen up your life and home with your pet by your side? Here are five pet-friendly ways to celebrate the New Year.

5 ways to celebrate Lunar New Year with your pet!