Splash out with pool maintenance skills

Pet SitterSplash out with pool maintenance skills 

 There’s nothing better than diving into the cool, crystal water of a backyard pool on a warm, humid day. To ensure clear, glistening water provides the refreshing reprieve you need on a sizzling day, here are some ways to keep up to date with pool maintenance.  

Regular cleaning: Leaves, dirt, bugs and grass often find their way into pool water. Regularly skim the pool surface to clean away any debris. If you don’t have an automated cleaner, clean down the walls and tiles of the pool with a suitable brush to prevent algae from forming. A pool vacuum can also help to clean dirt and sediment from settling on the bottom of the pool. 

Maintain the correct water chemistry: Now, you don’t have to be a scientist, but you do need to know a thing or two about pH levels, chlorine and minerals. Speak with your local pool expert to get the correct levels for your salt water, chlorine, or mineral pool. An understanding of the water chemistry and how to maintain it, is crucial in creating a clean, and healthy swimming environment. Plus, the right chemical balance will also prevent issues such as cloudiness and equipment corrosion. 

Filter maintenance: The pool filter helps trap dirt and debris. Clean and replace filters when needed and according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Cloudy water is often caused by dirty filters, so best to keep up this important maintenance task. 

Water levels: Several days of rain, hot, humid weather or a day of energetic splashing can impact the water levels of pools. The general rule is to keep the water level around the middle of the skimmer opening. Pool blankets can help with water evaporation and can support lower pool heating costs.  

Pool equipment: Pool equipment such as pumps, skimmers and heaters that are exposed to the elements can deteriorate over time. Monitor pool equipment to ensure they continue to function correctly and replace parts when necessary. 

For year-round fun in the water, maintaining pool health and hygiene is a must. Live-in house sitters can help with everyday pool maintenance while homeowners are travelling. Search for experienced house sitters to care for your home the next time you need to travel. 

A home fit for feathered friends

Aviary Care

A home fit for feathered friends. A home-owner and pet-sitter guide.

Creating a healthy, safe and engaging home for winged companions requires daily maintenance and care.  

An aviary can be a beautiful addition to the home of any bird enthusiast, offering the pleasant daily songs of happy feathered friends. 

Maintaining an inviting, stimulating, and healthy environment for birds requires time and dedication. Here are some tips to help you create a paradise for your feathered companions. 

Daily cleaning: Remove food spills, change water daily and clean soiled surfaces such as food and water dishes/dispensers, nesting areas and perches. It’s wise to do a thorough check and clean every month to ensure the aviary walls and overall structure are free from mould and remain strong and sturdy. A clean environment reduces the risk of infection, which could lead to serious health issues. 

Keep the air flowing: Good ventilation is key to a healthy aviary environment. Ensure adequate airflow without exposing the birds to extreme weather or strong drafts.  

Managing environmental temperatures: Consider heating options for colder times of year such as heat lamps on enclosed nesting options. Smaller cages could be brought inside or covered with suitable towels or cloths. During warmer weather, providing shade and misting options will help your feathered companions keep cool. 

Nutritious diet:  A balanced diet that provides essential nutrients is crucial for your bird’s overall well-being. Consult your vet about an appropriate seed mix, fruits, and vegetables for your bird’s species. Clean, fresh water is a must, especially on hot days. Monitor your bird for any signs of illness or nutritional deficiencies, and seek veterinary advice if needed. 

Stimulation: Aviaries should provide plenty of space for birds to spread their wings and fly. The enclosure should include various enrichment opportunities to support both mental and physical well-being. Varying perch heights and sizes, incorporating bird-friendly plants, and adding toys such as bells can provide regular stimulation. Daily interactions and conversations with your bird will also strengthen your bond and encourage positive social experiences. 

Creating a safe and healthy haven for your bird friends is an important way to support their overall health and well-being. When engaging a live-in pet sitter, ensure they are aware of aviary care requirements to ensure feathered friends enjoy uninterrupted care and attention. 

Show you care on Love Your Pet Day

Our furry, scaly and feathery friends are more than just pets, they’re members of the family. The unconditional love and affection that our pet pals give willingly, is on full display every day.

Now, for Love Your Pet Day, it’s our turn to share the love. Need a few thought starters? We have you covered. Here are some of our top ideas to make your pet pal feel extra special today, and every day. Continue reading “Show you care on Love Your Pet Day”

Fun ideas for festive fur photos

There’s no better way to express the love of a pet pal than by including them in the family Christmas card photo. But there may be challenges in getting the perfect pic with your pooch or kitty.

It takes a bit of planning to capture the perfect pet photo, but here are some fun ideas to inspire the festive flair in your next pet portrait.

Set the scene: Christmas is colourful, bright and well… festive! Gather props to help you set the scene. These could include a wreath, Christmas lights, colourful treat jars, bonbons and baubles. You can frame your photo in front of the Christmas tree, or if you don’t have one, head to a nearby park to use the natural landscape for a pop of greenery. While setting up your photo, ensure it is safe for the people and pets moving around in the space.

Take joy in the wrapping: Who doesn’t enjoy unwrapping gifts? This could be the theme of your photo with your pet pal amongst all the colourful paper wrapping. Take a quick pic when your pet pal’s head pops up from under the wrapping, or capture the intrigue in their eyes as they watch you wrap a gift.

Pack a surprise: Boxes are the ultimate play toy, particularly for our feline friends. Wrap boxes in Christmas paper and allow your kitty to jump in, walk around, and lean on the box, all the while you’re snapping up the perfect photo.

Make a match: Reindeer ears, Santa hats, matching elf costumes – the options are endless! Dress to match your fur friend and use the clothing as your theme to create a joyful and memorable photo.

Staged vs candid photos: Sometimes, the best laid plans come undone – but that can also be fun! Set up your camera on a recurring photo timer, or use a remote. Plan for a staged photo with your fur friend but then embrace the times in between ‘staged takes’. These can reveal some of the best candid moments to share or even funny ‘out-takes’ that show the filming process.

Get on their level: Lie down on the ground with your pet to see the world from their perspective. They will feel more comfortable, and you can use the lower vantage point to position your camera to capture more of the scene in the background.

Reading to pets

Reading to PetsReading can be a transformative experience, taking us to incredible worlds, discovering unique perspectives, learning new information and skills, and much, much more.Interestingly, a good page-turner can also have a positive effect on our pets.

While there isn’t a great deal of evidence that tells us exactly how reading impacts our pet pals, real-life examples highlight that reading presents positive outcomes for people and our four-legged friends.  Continue reading “Reading to pets”

Spruce up pet spaces this Spring

Dog in bed

It is the season of Spring cleaning! It’s the perfect time to give our pet’s belongings a little clean-up to reduce odour, and parasites and to support the general well-being of our fur kids.

While our pets love familiar scents on their bed, blankets and toys, it comes a time when all these items need to have a good wash – or get replaced altogether!

Pet beds: Most pet beds can be washed in the washing machine, however, it’s best to check the manufacturer’s instructions. But before the bed even makes it into the washing machine, remove as much pet hair as possible with a vacuum. Then give it another once over using wet hands or sticky tape wrapped around your hand to pick up any extra hair. Choose a hot or cold setting for washing, based on the manufacturer’s instructions and opt for unscented detergents to prevent skin irritations for your pet. Leave the pet bed to dry in the sunshine and ensure it is completely dry before your pet uses it again.

Food bowls: If your pet’s water bowl is looking a little green and slimy then it’s certainly time for a good scrub. Pet bowls that aren’t cleaned regularly can harbour bacteria that could cause skin irritations around the mouth and chin, or lead to upset precious pet bellies. Stainless steel food and water bowls are better options than plastic or ceramic bowls which are harder to keep clean. The simplest way to clean pet bowls is to soak them in hot soapy water, scrub them with a clean brush or sponge to dislodge any hidden food debris, rinse and then dry with a towel or cloth before leaving to completely air dry.

Pet toys: Wash soft toys in the washing machine or by hand but check the manufacturer’s instructions for the best wash setting. Review hard toys and discard any that have jagged edges or pieces that your pet can chew and dislodge. Cleaning hard toys can involve a good wipe-down with a clean cloth. You can also use equal parts vinegar and water to soak toys, then thoroughly rinse and allow to dry completely before giving back to your pet pal.

Animal-loving pet sitters can help maintain clean pet spaces during their stay. Find an experienced live-in house and pet sitter to provide personalised care for your pet.

Hefty Paws: Pet Obesity and the next steps

Ginger Cat

There are various physical and mental health risks associated with excess weight gain for our beloved fur kids.

Worrying statistics reveal that in Australia over 40% of dogs and more than 32% of cats may be considered overweight or obese. These figures highlight the need for greater awareness and education about the causes of pet obesity and the steps to take, to help protect the health and quality of life of our pet pals. Continue reading “Hefty Paws: Pet Obesity and the next steps”

The pet sitter with a fondness for felines

Cat Whisperer

 Violet’s journey into pet sitting started a few years back when a friend nudged her to “just give it a go.” Fast forward, and she’s now the go-to pet sitter in Sydney and Melbourne, known as The Aussie Cat Whisperer.

Growing up with a love for animals, especially cats, she’s built a solid reputation over the past year with Mindahome, charming even the pickiest felines. While she’s also cared for dogs, it’s her knack for connecting with cats that has pet owners raving about her online.

Currently, she’s enjoying a 12-month sit with two adorable kitties and loves sharing tips for anyone looking to dive into the pet-sitting world. Continue reading “The pet sitter with a fondness for felines”