Why is my dog jealous?
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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Christmas treats for pets
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.
Read more5 holiday dangers for your pet
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!
Read moreHow much do dogs sleep?
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 gets plenty of shut-eye?
Read more7 tips for sustainable pet ownership
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.
Read morePet photography: 7 tips to improve your pictures
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!
Read moreCan you leave a young puppy with a dog sitter?
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.
Read morePets and divorce: what’s best for your furry friend?
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?
Read moreIs my cat or dog overweight?
Approximately 50% of our cats and dogs are overweight. We tend to regard 'spoiling' our beloved pets with a tasty treat as an act of kindness. Yet, this can result in your pet experiencing a number of health issues. Helping your pet to maintain a healthy weight is key to ensuring that they remain fit and happy. But, how do you go about this?
What should you put in your pet sitter profile description?
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 elicit the desired response from pet owners?
Why do cats groom themselves so often?
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!
How to be affectionate with your dog – in the right way
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?
Read moreShould you really brush your cat or dog's teeth?
Dental care is an essential part of the daily care for your pet, but we often forget it. What should you do to keep your cat or dog's teeth healthy, and is tooth brushing really necessary?
Read moreWhy does my dog bark?
Dogs bark, that we know. But why do some dogs bark more than others? And what should you do if your (doggy day care) dog doesn’t stop barking? Discover all you need to know about why dogs bark + 3 tips on how to break their barking habit.
Combining pets with work
Can you successfully juggle work and pet duties? And is a full-time job really compatible with responsible dog ownership? Discover our 7 tips for combining work and pets.
Which house plants are poisonous for pets?
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?
What’s a good name for your cat or dog?
When contemplating names for your pet, you might be tempted to come up with something highly 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.
Pet sitting home visits: what's involved
If you’ve recently become a pet sitter, you’ll no doubt be keen to start paying all those lovely pets in your neighbourhood a home visit. But how long should such a visit last? What can pet owners expect from you? And what, exactly, do cats need from their pet sitter?
7 activities for a mindful dog
Is your dog a tad hyperactive? Has he become disobedient, disinterested or even stressed? Perhaps he’s bored or unable to satisfy his 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 thoroughly tired and content. They’ll also increase the bond between you and your dog, and you’ll become a more 'mindful' dog owner or dog sitter in the process.
7 ways to please your cat
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 fur ball and soon have them purring away with happiness!
My dog has separation anxiety. What should I do?
Contemplating getting a pet and unsure whether 2 tails are better than 1? Or perhaps you’ve already got a furry companion and are wondering if he 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.
What's better: one pet or two?
Contemplating getting a pet and unsure whether 2 tails are better than 1? Or perhaps you’ve already got a furry companion and are wondering if he 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.
Introducing cat and dog in 7 steps
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.
Calling your dog: this is how he'll come to you
The 'here' or 'come' command is essential, as it can extract your dog from 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 (pet sitting) dog always comes on command?
Meeting your pet sitter: here's what to discuss during a meet & greet
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 great 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't of an effective meet & greet.
Pet-proofing your house: preventing accidents and damage
If a new pet comes into your life or if a dog comes to visit you, it's important that your home is a safe place for the pet and that you know what your house-rules are. We share 2 convenient checklists to prepare your home for the arrival of a pet - that will keep the pet safe and prevent damage to your property
Travelling with your dog: tips for a pet-friendly vacation
There's nothing better than spending holidays together with your pet. But travelling should not only be fun for you as a pet owner, it's also important that your dog feels comfortable and enjoys himself. That is why Pawshake gives you the most important tips for a pet-friendly trip with your dog.
Read moreMoulting: Why does my dog shed so much hair?
It seems like it will never end: your dog takes off his winter coat and you find hair all over the place. Now that the temperatures are rising, the shedding seems worse than ever. How does 'moulting' work exactly? What do you need to do in order to make things as comfortable as possible for your dog, and what should you avoid doing?
Selling yourself as a pet sitter
If you are a pet sitter, trust and responsibility are key. It's important that owners can tell that you are the person with whom their pet is in good hands. But how do you let the world see that you are that reliable sitter? How do you increase the likelihood that pet owners (continue to) book you? One of the most important things that comes with excellent service is clear communication. Read our tips on how you sell yourself as a pet sitter and how to communicate with pet owners.
Whining cats 3 tips for annoying behaviour.
Cats can sometimes show really intrusive behavior: meowing, begging or throwing your stuff on the floor. Where does this remarkable behavior come from? Why do cats throw random stuff on the floor and how can you stop the begging behavior? Also important to discuss with your cat sitter: here are our 3 tips for whining cats.