As every year, pine processionary caterpillars appear in parks and green spaces, drawing attention to their potential danger. Climate change is affecting their patterns, and for dog owners this is a real concern because pine processionary caterpillars can pose serious risks to pets if actions aren’t taken promptly. This article explains what pine procession is, its impact on dogs, and practical steps to stay safe.
Related
What is canine pyometra: symptoms and treatment
SV
To be alerted and to know what to do if we find pouch caterpillars in the sea. walks with our pets we tell you today All you need to know about processions and dogs.
What is a pine procession?
The pine processionary caterpillar, Thaumetopoea pityocampa, is a deciduous lepidopteran species common in pine forests across Southern Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa. This pouch caterpillar is recognized as a major deciduous insect in Spanish pine forests, and its cautious spread has implications for both people and pets.
How often should a dog be bathed?
Raul Merida
The pouch caterpillar carries fine hairs that can detach and drift through the air, causing irritation to ears, noses, and throats in humans and triggering allergic reactions in animals. The toxin-like substance, present on the hairs, is known to cause these responses when contact occurs.
What does the procession do to dogs?
As noted, the caterpillars are armed with painful hairs that can be dangerous for pets. Contact can trigger severe allergic reactions and dermatitis at the site of contact due to the toxin-laden hairs, which can become lodged in the skin or mucous membranes.
Forbidden foods for dogs: what they should never eat
drawing
Inflammation can develop over time as the hairs irritate tissues. The most common areas touched by these hairs include the nose, lips, and mouth, where swelling and discomfort may occur.
Leishmaniasis vaccine: Everything you need to know to protect your dog
HORSE
Lesions may appear as erosions and progress to ulcers and tissue damage. The very hairs involved in pine procession can travel by air and irritate the eyes and nose, potentially causing blepharitis or corneal issues, along with respiratory symptoms in some cases.
The most poisonous plants for cats and dogs
SV
Symptoms of a purse caterpillar bite in dogs
Symptoms vary by the body area contacted and the duration of exposure. Common signs include:
-
increased saliva
- Itching and hives
-
Inflammation at the contact site
-
Red, swollen, or darkened tongue
-
significant pain
-
restlessness or nervous behavior
-
vomiting
Can a dog be vegan or vegetarian?
Raul Merida
How to identify a pouch caterpillar?
The pine purse is typically seen in pine forest areas during the spring months, from March to May. However, climate-driven shifts have extended the season in recent years, allowing sightings in parts of the Mediterranean region from January to July.
My dog licks his paws a lot, what’s wrong?
SV
In the late winter and early spring, the caterpillars descend from nests and spread across the ground, forming chrysalis and eventually becoming butterflies as they seek shelter. This movement can coincide with increased pet licking and irritation on contact with hairs.
Scabies, toxoplasmosis and other diseases that pets can infect humans
SV
Pine procession nests are easy to spot in trees. They look like white silk bags on sunlit branches, still growing and sheltered from the cold, often appearing during warmer periods.
The name pine procession reflects their behavior. When the caterpillars descend, they march in a tight line, one after another like a regiment. Walking a dog near these nests requires vigilance, especially in parks and hills where the procession may pass.
How to avoid these situations
Prevention matters. When walking a dog, stay alert for pine procession nests. Here are practical steps to reduce risk:
- Keep distance from pine areas. As good weather returns in late winter and early spring, nests become visible and the procession often moves in a line. Some areas are marked to warn visitors.
- Prevent your dog from sniffing suspicious spots. Areas where hairs may have fallen should be avoided to prevent contact.
- Always keep the dog on a leash. Do not allow free roaming if the insects are suspected nearby.
What should I do if my dog has been stung by a regiment?
Stay calm. If a dog comes into contact with the pine procession, the best course is to follow these steps:
- Return home immediately. This helps the dog recover with less stress and allows for careful inspection.
- Wash the affected area with warm water. Heat can help calm the toxin and remove hairs. Avoid rubbing, which can release more hairs and worsen irritation.
- Prevent the dog from licking the area. Use a muzzle or a barrier if needed to stop further exposure.
- Seek veterinary care. An expert will determine the right treatment, including medications if necessary.