El case of the pine processionary It is something that not everyone knows about, but it can be very dangerous for our dogs. This time, in which spring is near and winter begins to give its last blows, is when this processionary appears, and we must be very careful with it, since it causes serious damage to dogs.
Knowing the processionary, when it appears and what we should do if it affects our dog is essential. Quick action can even save the life of the dog, so it is something that must be taken as a real threat to the safety of our furry dogs, especially if there are pine trees near where we live.
Processionaries are caterpillars that reproduce in pines. In the trees we will see white balls that look like cobwebs, and that means that they have the processionary. These caterpillars come down from the trees one after another, in procession, hence its name. It is on the ground that dogs usually find them. And we can say that today there are them everywhere, even in urban parks, so be very careful.
These processionaries they are very poisonous, and produce allergies and symptoms that reproduce rapidly in the dog. The dog, if it comes into contact with the caterpillar, will scratch or try to hit its tongue with its paw because it will hurt. If we believe that he has come into contact with them, we must immediately take him to the vet to inject him with corticosteroids.
El contact with these caterpillars it's very dangerous. If it is not treated in time, it can lead to necrosis of the tongue, and in cases they have had to amputate it in dogs, and even part of the mouth. It can also lead to death if the infection spreads and inflames the larynx.