The processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) is a very dangerous caterpillar for our dogs, since the simple contact with it can cause an emergency vet. In the most serious cases, when we talk about the ingestion of the insect or direct contact with the mucous membranes, we can be facing a severe picture, which can cause the death of the animal
The presence of the processionary caterpillar in Mediterranean areas is especially common in spring, the time when the larvae hatch from their bags and parade in procession to their new hiding place. For this reason, during this period and the following ones, we must be especially careful during walks
If you are worried about the presence of the processionary caterpillar in your garden, in your usual walking areas or you think that your dog may have come into contact with one, on our site you will be able to discover everything you need know about the processionary and dogs, its symptoms and treatment
Time and zone of the processionary caterpillar
The pine processionary caterpillar is increasingly common in the pine forests of southern Europe, specifically in the Mediterranean area, although we can also find it in North Africa, the South of the American continent, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary or Bulgaria, for example. It has a predilection for pine trees, on which it feeds, although it can also live in fir and cedar forests.
It is important to point out that the processionary caterpillar is catalogued as a pest in Spain, so it is not uncommon to observe control methods by part of the forest agents in different forests, especially during the spring and summer If you have observed the presence of caterpillars in your home or nearby, do not hesitate to inform yourself about how to combat the processionary caterpillar in the garden or contact your town hall.
Cycle of the pine processionary
To understand when the processionary caterpillar is most dangerous to dogs, we must pay attention to its biological cycle, which we will detail below, accompanied by a graph.
During the months of March and April, the processionary caterpillars descend from the nests, located in the treetops, forming a long row of individuals. It is precisely at this time that the caterpillars become most dangerous, as they are capable of projecting stinging hairs into the air if they feel threatened.
Once they reach the ground, the caterpillars bury themselves to protect themselves and become chrysalises, which will hatch into butterflies, around the months of May and JuneThen mating and egg laying take place in the pines, during the summer.
Just thirty days later, the eggs will hatch and the larvae will begin to develop, passing through five different larval stages, until they are mature enough to begin climbing trees and forming, as well, their characteristic nests, ideal to protect themselves from the arrival of the cold.
Between the months of November and February the larvae will remain hidden in the nests and will begin to interact with each other, creating social bonds and making night outings to feed Then, when spring comes again, the caterpillars prepare to descend from the trees once more, forming as always a procession led by a female.
For more details, don't miss this other article: "Cycle of the processionary caterpillar".
What happens if a dog grazes or eats a processionary?
As we told you in advance, processionary caterpillars have stinging hairs on the upper part of their bodies, which they are capable of projecting into the air when they feel threatened. These hairs are similar to the spikes of some plants, due to their rigidity, and once they penetrate the individual they release a toxic substance
Pine processionary caterpillar toxin is especially strong, causing severe irritation and inflammation. If it comes into contact with mucous membranes or the tongue, poisoning can cause wounds that are likely to become necrotic, that is, cause the death of the cells that form that tissue, although it can also cause a blockage of the respiratory tract, thus aggravating the clinical picture.
Symptoms of processionary caterpillar stings in dogs
If we have detected the presence of the processionary caterpillar in our garden or in the surroundings, it will be essential to take certain precautions whenever we go out for a walk, as well as to know some of the signs that indicate a possible intoxication in our dog.
The symptoms produced by contact with a processionary caterpillar in dogs are:
- Hypersalivation
- Skin inflammation
- Allergic reaction
- Skin irritation
- Blisters
- Ulcers
- Inflammation of the tongue
- Red, bruised or black tongue
- General discomfort
- Nervousness
- Excessive scratching
- Trouble breathing
These are some of the most frequent signs that we can observe after a processionary comes into contact with our dogs, however there are many more. What can we do then if our dog has smelled a caterpillar? Or much worse, what happens if a dog eats a processionary caterpillar?
Below, we give you the keys to a correct first aid action and, but do not forget that it does not replace in any case the necessary medical attention, so if you have observed the symptoms mentioned we advise you to go to a veterinarian urgently
What to do if your dog touches or eats a pine processionary?
Now that you know the serious effects that the simple contact of the processionary caterpillar with a dog can cause, it will be essential to review the first aid in case of contact with the processionary caterpillar:
- Without using your hands, always using gloves or tweezers, Carefully remove the processionary caterpillar or the villi that may have stay on our dog's fur.
- Wash the affected area with abundant fresh, clean water.
- We will avoid rubbing, manipulating or putting pressure on possible wounds, as we could cause the stinging hairs to release more toxic substances into our dog's body.
- We will immediately go to a veterinary center, going to the emergency room if necessary.
Treatment of contact with a processionary caterpillar in dogs
The consequences of contact or ingestion of the processionary caterpillar in the dog are serious and, in some cases, can be lethal if the dog is not treated on time. Aside from skin reactions, a dog that has been poisoned can choke or suffer necrosis in some area of its body, which would involve amputation of that specific tissue or area.
The treatment to apply will depend on the reaction of the dog's organism to the toxic substance, and may include the administration of antibiotics, use of corticosteroids and antihistamines, as well as the provocation of vomiting. In the most serious cases, hospitalization and the use of fluid therapy may be necessary to keep the dog properly hydrated, especially if it is in a state of shock.
Treatment for tongue necrosis in dogs
When eating a pine processionary caterpillar, the most common is that necrosis begins to occur in the affected dog's tongue. Although this is the most common reaction, we have already seen that more symptoms may appear after the processionary sting, which is why it is so important to pay attention and go to the clinic as soon as possible. Once there, if cell death (necrosis) is observed in part of the tongue, the veterinarian will most likely start intravenous treatmentfor greater efficiency and leave the patient hospitalized to monitor their status. In addition, it will be necessary to remove the necrotic tissue , so only a veterinarian can carry out this type of treatment in case of observing necrosis in the tongue of the dog after eating a processionary.
How to prevent processionary caterpillar bites in dogs?
Climate change directly influences the biological cycle of processionary caterpillars, for this reason, rising temperatures cause them to carry out a active behavior, away from the colonies, longer than usual, which poses a serious risk of intoxication for our animals.
To prevent contact with or inhalation of the processionary caterpillar we must regularly monitor the trees in our garden, town or city to detect any early form the presence of nests. In the case of locating them in our garden, we will contact a phytosanitary professional directly, but if we observe them in a public space we will contact our town hall. As owners, we must stay alert during walks, especially in the spring and summer.
In addition, to ensure the dog's good he alth, we highlight the importance of deworming your pet on a regular basis and following the vaccination schedule prescribed by the veterinarian.
Deworming and vaccination contribute to the good he alth of the animal, help prevent the development of certain diseases and avoid a possible infestation of fleas, ticks and worms, with all its consequences.
