The Pet Sitter

The Pet Sitter The Pet Sitter... Where Your Pet's Become Our Family 🐾 We love what we do and it comes out in our work.

With over 7 years of experience, we have noticed that house sitting reduces your pets anxiety, fear and stress and allows them to be comfortable in their own home :)

This is why we provide safe and convenient house sitting for your fur kids at your residence to ensure they are happy, healthy and safe while you are away. We provide all our clients with daily so you know they are well looked after.

We are trained in animal first aid care and we specialize in working with high stress and high anxiety animals.

Did You Know....Dogs Sense Of Smell is Impressive (Like, Really Impressive)A dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 t...
02/08/2025

Did You Know....

Dogs Sense Of Smell is Impressive (Like, Really Impressive)

A dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than a human. For every scent receptor a human has, a dog has 50. When compared to cats, a dog has 300 and cats 200.

That said, recent studies indicated that cats could distinguish between similar scents better than dogs.

Here is another point of view from the Sandont Vet Clinic about feeing your dogs appropriate vet recommended food:The fo...
31/07/2025

Here is another point of view from the Sandont Vet Clinic about feeing your dogs appropriate vet recommended food:

The food we feed our pets is meant to provide enough energy to meet their daily activity needs and to ensure they are well-nourished. The type and amount of food they eat serves another purpose: to build and maintain their optimal health. This means that food must increase and sustain their levels of vitality (how well they look and behave), support their internal organs, improve joint mobility, heart health, digestive motility, and brain function. Their nutritional intake must also strengthen and support their immune system, which means not feeding our pets anything that triggers potential allergies and over-taxes their immune response.

With this in mind, the question for every pet owner is: what do you feed your pets?

What is the correct food for pets?

Each pet – like each person – will need an individualized look at which nutrition offers them the best shot at good health.

✔️Breed-specific pet food

✔️Age-specific pet food

✔️Health-specific pet food

You can read the full article here: https://www.sandtonvetclinic.co.za/your-pets-are-what-they-eat-so-what-do-you-feed-them/

🐾 A Few Things to Keep in Mind When Feeding Your Pet 💛Sharing safe foods with your furry friend can be a sweet moment — ...
28/07/2025

🐾 A Few Things to Keep in Mind When Feeding Your Pet 💛

Sharing safe foods with your furry friend can be a sweet moment — but a little care goes a long way in keeping them healthy and happy. Here are a few friendly reminders to help you make the best choices:

🥄 Everything in Moderation
Even pet-safe treats should be given in small amounts. Too much of a good thing can upset their tummy!

🔥 Cook It Right
Always serve food plain and fully cooked. Skip the salt, spices, sauces, and anything that might be too rich for their system.

🥬 Keep It Fresh
Only use fresh ingredients, and never give your pet anything spoiled or past its expiry date — if you wouldn’t eat it, they shouldn’t either!

🐶 Every Pet is Different
What works for one pet might not be right for another. It’s always best to check with your vet about what’s ideal for your pet’s age, breed, and any health needs.

🏷️ Check for AAFCO Approval
When buying pet food, look for the AAFCO label. It means the food meets established nutritional standards — and that’s a great sign you're giving your pet what they need.

A little extra care at mealtime = a lot more tail wags, happy purrs, and peace of mind. 🐕🐈‍⬛💛

If you would like a FREE copy of our Pet Parents’ Quick Guide to Safe Feeding then please pop us an email and we will happily send one over :)

Did You Know...Dogs Can Understand Human Emotion 🐶Dogs can actually recognize six basic emotions – anger, fear, happines...
26/07/2025

Did You Know...

Dogs Can Understand Human Emotion 🐶

Dogs can actually recognize six basic emotions – anger, fear, happiness, sadness, surprise and disgust. So, if you are keen to hide your emotional state, steer clear of your dog. 😐

Not only can they recognize facial expressions, they can sniff out human emotions too!😣

🚫 Foods Your Pets Should Never Eat 🐾❗Our pets may be curious snackers, but some human foods can be dangerous or even lif...
24/07/2025

🚫 Foods Your Pets Should Never Eat 🐾❗

Our pets may be curious snackers, but some human foods can be dangerous or even life-threatening to them. Here’s a quick list of foods to keep far away from your dog or cat’s bowl:

❌ Grapes & Raisins
Even small amounts can be toxic and may lead to kidney failure — especially in dogs.

❌ Chocolate
Delicious for us, but very toxic for pets. It can cause vomiting, seizures, or worse — especially dark chocolate.

❌ Onions & Garlic
Raw, cooked, powdered — all forms can damage your pet’s red blood cells and cause serious health issues over time.

❌ Avocado
Contains a substance called persin that can lead to upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea.

❌ Macadamia Nuts
These can cause weakness, tremors, and vomiting — especially dangerous for dogs.

❌ Alcohol
Even small sips can lead to poisoning, breathing problems, and other serious effects. Definitely no "cheers" with your pet!

❌ Xylitol
This artificial sweetener is found in sugar-free gum, peanut butter, and baked goods — and it’s extremely toxic to dogs. It can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar or liver failure.

🧠 Pro Tip: Always double-check ingredients before sharing snacks — and if you think your pet has eaten something toxic, contact your vet or an emergency pet poison hotline right away.

Let’s keep those tails wagging and whiskers twitching — safely! 💛🐶🐱

Safe & Tasty Foods for Your Pet 🐶🐱🍽️Looking to give your furry friend a little something extra from the kitchen? Here’s ...
21/07/2025

Safe & Tasty Foods for Your Pet 🐶🐱🍽️

Looking to give your furry friend a little something extra from the kitchen? Here’s a list of pet-safe foods you can share — as an occasional treat or meal boost — just make sure everything is plain, cooked, and free from seasoning, salt, or sauces.

🍗 Meats (Always Cooked & Boneless)
Chicken

Beef

Turkey

🐟 Fish (Cooked & Deboned)
Salmon

Tuna

White fish (like cod or hake)

🥦 Veggies (Plain & Cooked)
Carrots

Green beans

Peas

Spinach

Pumpkin

Sweet potatoes

🍓 Fruits (Fresh & Washed — No Seeds!)
Apples (remove seeds)

Bananas

Blueberries

Strawberries

Cantaloupe

🥣 Grains (Plain & Cooked)
White or brown rice

Pasta

Oatmeal

🧀 Dairy (Only in Small Amounts)
Plain yogurt

Cottage cheese

🥚 Eggs
Scrambled or boiled — no salt or butter

🥜 Peanut Butter
Unsalted and sugar-free (watch out for xylitol — it's toxic to pets!)

🍿 Popcorn
Plain and air-popped — no butter, salt, or flavorings

📝 Important Tip: Always introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts to see how your pet reacts — and when in doubt, check with your vet!

A healthy treat = a happy tail wag or purr 💛🐾

Did You Know Saturdays.... Yes It's Becoming a Thing 🫠Ever wondered why your cat is so flexible??? 😺Did you know that ca...
19/07/2025

Did You Know Saturdays.... Yes It's Becoming a Thing 🫠

Ever wondered why your cat is so flexible??? 😺

Did you know that cats have a special collarbone called the "floating collarbone" or "free-floating clavicle"? 🧐

It's not attached directly to the shoulder blades like humans, allowing more freedom of movement in their front legs, and giving them much more flexibility and agility than other pets! 😐

I guess that's why they like yoga so much 😉

We are going to be discussing the topic of safe food for dogs 🤓Many common human foods are safe and healthy for pets, in...
17/07/2025

We are going to be discussing the topic of safe food for dogs 🤓

Many common human foods are safe and healthy for pets, including cooked meats (chicken, beef, turkey), vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans), and certain fruits (apples, blueberries, bananas). 🧐

✔️Plain cooked rice, pasta, and oatmeal are also generally safe for occasional treats.

❌Avoid foods like grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, and avocados, as these can be toxic to pets.

What Can You DO To Help Your Furry Baby... 💡 What You Can Do to Help:If you think your pet is feeling anxious, here are ...
14/07/2025

What Can You DO To Help Your Furry Baby...

💡 What You Can Do to Help:
If you think your pet is feeling anxious, here are some gentle steps you can take to support them:

👩‍⚕️ Talk to Your Vet
Start by checking in with your veterinarian to rule out any health issues that might be contributing to their behavior.

🔍 Find the Triggers
Pay attention to what sets off your pet’s anxiety. If possible, reduce or avoid those triggers (like keeping them in a quiet room during fireworks).

🏡 Create a Comfort Zone
Set up a cozy, quiet space just for them — with their favorite blanket, toys, or a calming scent. A little "safe spot" can go a long way.

🎾 Keep Them Active & Engaged
Daily walks, playtime, training games, and puzzle toys all help burn off nervous energy and keep their mind occupied.

🎓 Seek Professional Help if Needed
If your pet’s anxiety doesn’t improve, a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist can create a personalized plan just for them.

💊 Medication as a Last Step
For pets with more severe anxiety, your vet may recommend medication to help them feel calmer and more comfortable — especially during stressful events.

With patience, love, and the right support, you can help your pet feel more at ease. And remember — a calm pet is a happy pet. 💛🐾

Triggers for Anxiety in Pets...🐶 Common Triggers of Anxiety in Pets:Here are a few things that can make pets feel uneasy...
12/07/2025

Triggers for Anxiety in Pets...

🐶 Common Triggers of Anxiety in Pets:
Here are a few things that can make pets feel uneasy or stressed out:

🔹 Separation from You
Many pets feel anxious when left alone, even for short periods. This is especially true for pets who are used to having someone around all the time.

🔹 Loud Noises
Thunderstorms, fireworks, vacuum cleaners, or even nearby construction can be really scary for sensitive ears.

🔹 New Places or People
Meeting new people, visiting new homes, or even bringing in unfamiliar objects can be overwhelming for some pets.

🔹 Changes in Routine
Even small shifts — like your work hours changing, moving house, or a new baby or pet — can shake up your pet’s sense of stability.

🔹 Past Trauma
Pets who’ve experienced neglect, abuse, or abandonment in the past may carry that fear with them and be more easily triggered.

Anxiety in Pets Continued...Is Your Pet Feeling Anxious? Here’s What to Look Out For 🐾💛Just like humans, our furry frien...
08/07/2025

Anxiety in Pets Continued...

Is Your Pet Feeling Anxious? Here’s What to Look Out For 🐾💛

Just like humans, our furry friends can experience anxiety too — and they often show us in the only way they know how: through their behavior and body language. 🐶

If you’ve noticed your dog or cat acting a little off, it could be their way of saying, “I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed.” 😣

Here are some common signs your pet might be dealing with anxiety:

🐶 Behavioral Clues:

✔️ Lots of barking, whining, or howling — especially when left alone

✔️ Chewing on furniture, scratching doors, or other destructive habits

✔️ Pacing back and forth or seeming unable to settle down

✔️ Extra clingy… or suddenly more distant than usual

✔️ Skipping meals or drinking more/less than normal

✔️ Repeating behaviors like tail chasing or licking the same spot

✔️ Acting aggressive when they usually aren’t

✔️ Hiding under beds or trying to run away

🐾 Physical Signs to Watch For:

📍Heavy panting or lots of drooling

📍Shaking, trembling, or jittery movements

📍Licking their lips often or yawning a lot (when they’re not tired!)

📍That wide-eyed look where you can see the whites of their eyes

📍Shedding more than usual

📍Having accidents in the house, even if they’re normally well-trained

🧠 Anxiety can be triggered by all sorts of things — loud noises, changes in routine, unfamiliar visitors, or even just being apart from you for too long.

👉 The good news? If you spot these signs early, you can help your pet feel safe and supported. Sometimes simple changes can make a big difference, and in other cases, your vet can offer extra guidance and care.

Because at the end of the day, they’re not just pets — they’re family. 💛

Next we we will move onto potential triggers and what to do😉

Did You Know???Cats Purring Can Stimulate Endorphins and Reduce Stress 🫠Whilst dogs show their happiness through wagging...
05/07/2025

Did You Know???

Cats Purring Can Stimulate Endorphins and Reduce Stress 🫠

Whilst dogs show their happiness through wagging their tails, cats communicate their happiness by purring (but they also purr to self soothe if they are stressed!) 🐱

The frequency of a cats purr, between 25 and 150 Hertz, has also been associated with the promotion of healing and some pain relief. Studies suggest that exposure to a cat’s purr can stimulate the production of endorphins and reduce stress in both cats and humans.📢

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The Pet Sitter... Where your pets become our family

Taking a much-needed break from the outside world, but not sure what to do about your furry friend?

Fear not, the Pet Sitter is here!

Being an animal lover, you want to do everything in your power to make sure your animals are healthy, happy and safe. But you can’t be there all time.