Fresh, crisp morning air, peace and quiet and only the sounds of nature to wake you from your sleep – sure, there are certainly many drawcards to choosing a farm or rural house sit. But knowing the routines of farm life and animal care, are just some of the things that you should brush up on before you step off the beaten track. Continue reading “Hobby farm house sitting – what you need to know”
Author: Susan
Settling pets during the scary season
As more Australians embrace the spooky season and don the ghoulish costumes to scare the neighbours, consider our four-legged friends with some tips about how to get them through this year’s Halloween.
Scary Treats: Trick or treating goodies may be delicious for kids and those that are young at heart, but some sweet treats could be toxic to our pet pals. Keep your pet’s paws away from the Halloween treats this year. Chocolate, particularly dark and baking chocolate, is a big no no for our pet pals, as are raisins which come in a variety of Halloween-style tricky or treating goodie bags. Also stay clear of gummies and lolly treats as these may include Xylitol, a sweetener that can induce vomiting and be life threatening for dogs. If you’re concerned your pet pal has ingested a treat that could be harmful, head to the vet for advice immediately.
Noise and strange visitors: It’s possibly the only time of year when we’re excited to see unusually dressed, makeup laden, noisy strangers come to our door, but our pets aren’t accustomed to what we’ve all come to understand as Halloween tradition. Your pet may be scared by the noises, costumes and general ghoulishness of Halloween, so it might be best to create a safe space for them in your home while the Halloween fanfare unfolds. Create a space with their favourite toys and familiar smells, and away from the scariness of Halloween.
Update contact details: When pets become frightened, there is the chance that they can escape the safety of their home and get lost. Before Halloween hits, make sure your pet’s microchip details are up to date, especially if you’ve recently moved house, and opt for an ID tag that your pet can wear for easy identification, so they get home safely sooner.
Cords and cables: It’s fun to set the mood with spooky lighting, but cables and cords snaking around the floor can been seen as a form of fun for pets, especially our feline friends. Make sure cables are securely tied and covered and, if possible, out of reach of pets to prevent them from chewing through the wires.
Costumes: Everyone loves a pet in costume and Halloween is another perfect opportunity to dress up our pet pals. However, safety should be the number one priority when considering a costume for your doggo or kitty. Make sure the costume is a comfortable fit around your pet’s neck and chest with enough room for them to move easily and run around. Always monitor your pet while they are wearing their costume as they might become tangled or ingest some of the decorative items such as buttons and ribbons. Grabs a few snaps and show off your pet in costume, but don’t leave your fur kid in their creepy threads for too long.
If you’re planning Halloween celebrations, keep our pet pal’s safety in mind and seek advice from your vet if you are concerned about your pet’s wellbeing.
Pet sitters in search of a place for celebrate the spooky season can head online to find their ideal position.
Supporting pets through thunderstorms
Thunderstorms can be spectacular and yet terrifying events in nature. The loud noises, and bright flashes of light of a fierce thunderstorm can send chills down the spine of even the most heroic humans. So, spare a thought for our pet pals who might need extra comfort during these overwhelming moments of nature.
We can all understand that sporadic flashes of light and booming, crashing sounds during thunderstorms would trigger unease among pets. Many pets have highly sensitive hearing – in fact, dogs are said to have four times better hearing than humans! – which means the unexpected loud cracks of thunder can cause them distress and anxiety. Continue reading “Supporting pets through thunderstorms”
Protecting Precious Paws
Across the globe, dogs and cats are by far the most common and popular pets of choice for many households. In Australia, an estimated 6.4 million dogs and 5.3 million cats have become the lovable fur kids of their homes. This translates to around 46.8 million padded paws pouncing, playing, and patting around the country – and that doesn’t include all the other pets with padded feet!
So, what’s the best way to protect these precious paws? Here are some tips: Continue reading “Protecting Precious Paws”
Mastering the Art of House Sitting: Your Guide to Securing the Perfect Assignments
In today’s fast-paced world, house sitting has become an increasingly popular way to travel affordably and experience new destinations. With the advent of technology, the house-sitting landscape has evolved, making it easier than ever for both homeowners and sitters to connect. In this updated guide, we’ll explore the key factors and strategies that will help you win that coveted house-sitting position. Continue reading “Mastering the Art of House Sitting: Your Guide to Securing the Perfect Assignments”
Moving with Pets – Tips and tricks for a stress-free move
Australians are among the most mobile people in the world, with 40.7% changing their address in the five years prior to 2021. Couple that with the fact that we’re among the world’s top animal-loving nations, and you have a few things to consider for the next major move.
To ease the stress and anxiety for the people and pets involved in the move, here are some tips to ensure the transition runs smoothly. Continue reading “Moving with Pets – Tips and tricks for a stress-free move”
A Toothy Tale – Pets dental Hygiene
Dental disease among pets is one of the most common problems diagnosed by vets in Australia. Reports reveal that 80% of dogs and cats over the age of three are likely to have some form of dental disease which can cause them discomfort and pain, and potentially have more serious impacts on their long-term well-being.
Just like humans, pets need to have their teeth brushed on a regular basis. Regular teeth brushing will help keep your pet’s breath smelling sweeter, and it will also help prevent dental diseases such as periodontal disease, gingivitis, and tooth decay. Continue reading “A Toothy Tale – Pets dental Hygiene”
The Power of Pet Meditation
Our lives can be fast-paced, and stressful and sometimes it can be difficult to achieve moments of tranquillity. However finding those moments of serenity and mindfulness have been found to reduce anxiety, reduce symptoms of depression, and improve relationships, sleep and focus.
While meditation has long been practiced to achieve mental clarity and relaxation, pet meditation is an emerging trend that is being embraced by meditation enthusiasts and pet owners alike. Continue reading “The Power of Pet Meditation”
The paw-some perks of taking your pet to work
When a typical day in the office includes preparing for several meetings, mountains of paperwork and deadlines to meet, consider how the presence of the wagging tail of your furry friend might be an instant mood booster for your workday.
Many companies are embracing the idea of bringing pets to work and for good reason. Not only does having pets in the workplace improve the wellbeing of employees, but it also creates a positive and vibrant work environment. Continue reading “The paw-some perks of taking your pet to work”
Destination Sydney – what to explore on feet and paws
Sydney – it’s been ranked the second best travel destination in the world, and we can certainly see why. Sydney is one Australia’s most beautiful cities, with a host of attractions and activities to explore. Couple all that Sydney has to offer with an Aussie love of sharing everything with our beloved animal companions, and you have the perfect recipe for a good time out.
If you’re planning a stint in Sydney and surrounds and want to make the most of your time – and your budget! – consider some of these top spots to visit on your own or with a pet-pal by your side. Continue reading “Destination Sydney – what to explore on feet and paws”