Reading With Rosie

First of all, Thimble and her brothers thank you all for the birthday wishes yesterday! You helped make their day extra purrfect.

And, now we have our contribution to Athena's always fun Caturday Art Blog Hop. Many of you probably know that I love me my calico angel Rosie, and that she is one of my favorite subjects to doodle. Many of you have probably also gathered that books are another one of my favorite things, and that I also quite enjoy doodling them. Therefore, many of you probably won't be too surprised by the doodle we have for you today.

I read a great many books with my angel Rosie by my side. I could never have asked for a more purrfect reading buddy. Happy reading to all of you!

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Tip of the Day:

A couple days ago, we talked about ear mites. These mites are not the only kind that can infest our pups and kitties, though. As many of you likely already know, there are other mites that can affect the skin of our furbabies.

There are a number of different mites that can affect our pups or kitties. In dogs, mites that cause sarcoptic mange are perhaps most common, and are also highly contagious between dogs and also to humans. Mites that cause demodectic mange are perhaps a bit less common, as a healthy immune system can often suppress them, and they are also far less contagious. Cats have certain mites that more commonly affect them, such as cheyletiella mites and mites that cause notoedric mange. Both of these are contagious, similarly to the mites that cause sarcoptic mange.

No matter the species of your furbaby, they can potentially be affected by mites. Depending on the type of mite, as well as the pup or kitty's overall health and the severity of the infestation, you might see a variety of symptoms. When it comes to mites and mange, keep an eye out for itching and scratching, hair loss, scabs or scaly skin, and discoloration of the skin, just to name a few.

If you think you see any signs related to mites, or signs of any dermatological issue, have your furbaby seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Not only is itching and scratching uncomfortable, but lesions and secondary infections can result. Left untreated, mites and their side effects can become a risk not only to your furbaby's comfort and happiness, but also to their health.

All of that being said, keep in mind that treatment for mites will likely not only include medications prescribed by your veterinarian. Mites will also need to be eradicated from the environment. You may need to pitch bedding and rugs, or at the very least efficiently wash them in hot water. Do whatever it takes to ensure that your furbaby and their environment is as sanitary and safe as possible, so that they can live a happy, healthy life.