presence pouch caterpillars pine This year, as every year, the park and green areas were highlighted. climate change, this is a real headache for pet owners. This is because, pine purse caterpillar contains a serious danger to dogs Since you can contact them cause the death of the animal if you don’t act on time.

Relating to

  • Regiment advances its arrival due to climate change

Getting ready and knowing what to do if we find sac caterpillars in the tree. walks with our pets we tell you today Pouch caterpillar and everything you need to know about the caterpillar dogs.


Pine purse caterpillar: symptoms and allergic reaction Tony Seville

What is a pine purse caterpillar?

This pouch caterpillar pine (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) is a deciduous lepidopteran species very common in the pine forests of southern Europe, Asia Minor and northern Africa. This pouch caterpillar It is considered the most important deciduous insect in Spanish pine forests.

This pouch caterpillars is covered with hairs sinking that can separate and float in the air, so they can causer irritation of the ear, nose and throat in humansalso intense allergic reactions. The substance that gives him this ability sinking One toxin Its name is Thaumatopin.


Pine purse caterpillar: what to do if it bites my dog alex dominguez

What does the pouch caterpillar do to dogs?

As we said, pouch caterpillars develop stinging hairswhich can be very dangerous for our pets, especially dogsbecause contact with them causes severe allergic reaction. HE mocking contact causes with the dog’s skin stinging dermatitis with toxic-irritating properties at the contact site.

This inflammation over time, because creepy pouch caterpillar They have the ability to become trapped in the affected area. The most common area of ​​contact with the hairs of the pine purslane plant is the nose and can cause tongue inflammation(glossitis), lips and mouth (stomatitis).

Lesions may initially be identified by their appearance as erosions and progress to form ulcers and necrosis. Also these dangerous stinging hairs pine sac caterpillar, They can be carried by air and by contact with the eye and nose area i.inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis) or corneal ulcers And respiratory tract infections (acute rhinitis).

Symptoms of a caterpillar bite in dogs

This bite symptoms pouch caterpillar it differs from pine in dogs depending on which part of the body the toxin comes into contact with and for how long:

  • increased saliva

  • Itching and hives

  • Inflammation of the contact area

  • Red, purple, or black tongue

  • significant pain

  • restless or nervous behavior

  • vomiting


PROCESS SWEET | They are nests of pine processionary beetles that we can find in forests and green areas.

How to identify the pouch caterpillar?

This pouch caterpillar pine It is usually seen in pine forest areas. spring months, from March to May. Although in recent years and due to climate change The season of the regiment has been extended so we can find it in the Mediterranean region from January to July.

In these two months, with the onset of spring, when the caterpillars descend from their nests, they wander freely on the ground in order to be buried and protected, forming a cocoon and becoming butterflies.

slots pouch caterpillar very easy to detect in pine trees. They have the appearance of a white silk bag with a round shape and we can find them on the sunniest branches of trees where they continue to thrive and are protected from the cold.


Thaumetopoea pityocampa: This is the butterfly that the pine purse caterpillar turns into. Wikipedia

The distinctive name of the pouch caterpillar derives from the behavior of these animals. vermin when they come down from the slots, completely glued in a regiment in perfect order, as they move one after the other. when is this moment pine purse caterpillar parades in parks and mountains when it becomes essential to be extremely careful while walking our dog and to walk with a thousand eyes.

Pouch caterpillar: how to avoid bites

As they say, prevention is better than cure, so the first thing to do be very careful when taking the dog for a walk from time to time pouch caterpillar pine continues at full speed. Therefore, here are some actions you should take:

  • Stay away from the pines. This pine purse caterpillar, come out of their burrows in late February or early March with the arrival of good weather and are easily identifiable as they usually go one after the other, come on, in a taunt. Additionally, some of these areas are often flagged to warn of their presence.
  • Prevent your dog from sniffing in suspicious areas. Some slots fall to the groundTherefore, to avoid contact with them pouch caterpillarsdon’t let them smell it.
  • Always have your pet on a leash. Never release your dog if you suspect these insects are present in your area.

What should I do if my dog ​​has been bitten by a pouch caterpillar?

Keep Calm, if your dog comes into contact with the pine purse caterpillarthe best thing you can do Next steps:

  1. Come home now. The most urgent thing is to return home, wherever you are. we can deal more calmly while animating after contact with a pine processionary beetle.
  2. Wash the infected area. most recommended clean that area with warm or hot watergiven heat calms the toxin. it is best to wash spray In order not to harm the dog. This way we will eliminate possible hair residues pouch caterpillar Yes absolutely, nothing to rub the areabecause they can break the hairs and release more toxins.
  3. Prevent the dog from licking itself. if we have it in our house we will put a bell so that it does not lick itself and can spread possible hair residues on the skin. other parts of the body.
  4. go to the vet This is perhaps the most important thing. put your dog in the hands of an expert you will know how to act according to the situation and whether you have to give some kind of medicine You will know which one is the most suitable.