Blog

Which house plants are poisonous for pets?

Celine
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?

Celine
When contemplating names for your pet, you might be tempted to come up with something highly original, a name that you have a strong personal connection with. However, it’s wise to pause for thought before finally settling on a name. In this article, you can read about 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

Celine
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

Celine
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 furball demonstrably and soon have her purring away with happiness!
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7 ways to improve your cat's life

My dog has separation anxiety. What should I do?

Celine
Dogs are social animals, which explains why most are not happy alone. In some cases this can become really problematic, with the separation anxiety becoming so intense that the dog cannot be left alone at home. Some dogs are also so attached to their owner that they can also get separation anxiety when they stay with a dog sitter. How do you ensure that the separation anxiety is reduced and how do you ensure that your dog feels safe and happy without you?
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My dog has separation anxiety. What should I do?

What's better: one pet or two?

Celine
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?

Celine
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

Celine
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

Celine
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

Celine
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

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

Celine
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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Traveling with your dog: tips for a pet-friendly holiday

Moulting: Why does my pet shed so much fur?

Celine
It seems like it will never end: your pet's summer coat falls out and you find tufts of fur all over the place. What is moulting exactly? What can you do to make things as comfortable as possible for your dog or cat, and what should you avoid doing?
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Moulting: Why does my pet shed so much fur?

Selling yourself as a pet sitter

Celine
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

Whining cats 3 tips for annoying behaviour

Celine
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.
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Whining cats 3 tips for annoying behaviour

Tips to prevent your pet from going missing

Celine
It is a risk is always at in the back of your mind: what if your dog or cat goes missing? This is especially so if you plan to bring your pet to a sitter for home boarding or doggy daycare. You may worry about what happens if your furry friend suddenly takes off? Fortunately, most pets are found and returned to their owner very quickly. And the good news is that you can do a lot to prevent your pet from getting lost in the first place. And what if your pet does get lost? We have an action plan ready for you to bring your pet home quickly. Here are our most important tips for pet owners and pet sitters how to find a lost dog quickly.
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Tips to prevent your pet from going missing

Why do dogs smell?

Celine
Yes, some dogs can smell a bit, but generally, a healthy dog doesn't smell too bad. But if your dog's odor is starting to get really nasty, that might be a sign that something's wrong. In this article, we share with you everything doggy smell, and what to do if your dog gets a bit stinky.
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Why do dogs smell?

Pet sitting rates: how much does a sitter cost?

Celine
If you want to find affordable pet care in your area, you can go to Pawshake! You'll soon discover that the rates vary between each pet sitter. What is a reasonable price for pet sitting? And how do you, as a pet sitter, determine exactly what price you should ask for your sitting, boarding or walking services?
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Pet sitting rates: how much does a sitter cost?

First aid for cats: how to take care of a sick cat

Celine
You do everything you can to keep your cat happy and healthy - but at some point, just like us humans, your cat might get sick. Or adventurous cats can sometimes get themselves into trouble and suffer an injury. It's therefore really important that all cat owners and cat sitters can spot symptoms of illness or injury in a cat. What should you as a cat owner or cat sitter do in case of an emergency? How do you perform first aid on a cat? These are our emergency cat care tips:
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First aid for cats: how to take care of a sick cat

How much time do I need for a dog

Celine
How long can a dog stay at home alome? If you want to bring a new dog into your home, it is important to know in advance how much time you will need to take care of your dog. Also, if you want to become a dog sitter, this is a really important question to ask: How much time does the dog require to have his needs sufficiently met? Here's a handy checklist to help you find out!
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How much time do I need for a dog

Introducing dogs to each other

Celine
Anyone who walks a dog every now and then knows how exciting it can be to meet another dog. To what body language signals should you pay attention to? And how do you ensure that a meeting runs smoothly? With these 5 tips, you can introduce your dog to a new friend in a safe and calm way.
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Introducing dogs to each other

The ideal pet sitter profile

Celine
If you are looking for dog walking services or doggy day care, it is important to choose a sitter that fits your situation perfectly. But what should you look for in a great petsitter profile? How do you make sure that you choose that reliable pet sitter that fits your pet perfectly?
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The ideal pet sitter profile

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

Celine
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 all 20kg of dog go leaping up in guest’s faces?
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Help! How do I stop my dog from jumping on visitors?

Coping with a pet cone

Celine
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!
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Coping with a pet cone

Lucky dog breeds

Celine
There is a Chinese myth that if a dog enters your house, it means that fortune is coming your way. Here at Pawshake, we feel so lucky even when a dog simply comes up to say "hi!" to us, but are there any breed that have been said to be extra lucky?
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Lucky dog breeds

The Paralysis Tick – what you need to know

Celine
When we talk paralysis ticks, we mean business – these nasty critters are responsible for the death and illness of thousands of pets each year. So what can you do to make sure this never, ever happens to a cat or dog in your care?
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The Paralysis Tick – what you need to know

Celebrate the Year of the Dog!

Celine
Lunar New Year (also often known as the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival) is one of the world’s most bright, beautiful and exciting cultural celebrations. And in 2018 we are lucky enough to be entering the Year of the Dog!
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Celebrate the Year of the Dog!

5 ways to celebrate Lunar New Year with your pet!

Celine
This Lunar Year of the Dog, 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.
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5 ways to celebrate Lunar New Year with your pet!

Tips for successfully introducing cats and dogs

Celine
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.
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Tips for successfully introducing cats and dogs

Begging – five simple ways to calm a hungry pooch

Celine
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) dribbling into your leg while you try to eat. Here are five simple ways to calm your begging pooch.
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Begging – five simple ways to calm a hungry pooch