{"id":14225,"date":"2025-02-28T13:55:34","date_gmt":"2025-02-28T13:55:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/balmesvet.com\/?p=14225"},"modified":"2025-03-20T11:58:08","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T11:58:08","slug":"blog-caterpillar-processionary-barcelona-dog-cat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/balmesvet.com\/en\/blog-caterpillar-processionary-barcelona-dog-cat\/","title":{"rendered":"How to protect your dog or cat from the processionary caterpillar in Barcelona"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every year the earlier arrival of the pine processionary caterpillar generates concern among veterinarians and pet caretakers alike. With the onset of good weather, the risk of your cat or dog coming into contact with one of the most dangerous insects for their health increases: the <\/span>pine processionary caterpillar<\/b>. This small but toxic insect can cause everything from mild irritations to serious reactions that can endanger the life of your canine and feline companion. In this article, we will explain what the pine processionary caterpillar is, why it is so dangerous, how to recognize its symptoms, prevention measures, and most importantly, how to act if your dog or cat comes into contact with it.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the pine processionary and why is it dangerous?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) is a lepidopteran insect <\/span>widespread in pine forests throughout Europe and specifically in the Iberian Peninsula<\/b>. This pine caterpillar feeds primarily on the leaves of conifers of the Pinus and Cedrus genera. During the month of December, in its moth phase, it forms a white pouch in the treetops, where it lays its eggs, forming nests that can house up to 200 larvae.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Protege<\/b><\/h3>\n

Its larval <\/span>stage III is the most dangerous<\/b>. It is a caterpillar about 3 cm long with numerous <\/span>highly toxic dorsal hairs<\/b>. The most harmful moment for the public is when the caterpillars seek to bury themselves in the ground to complete their metamorphosis and descend the trunk of the trees forming a characteristic line that simulates a \u201cprocession\u201d, hence its name.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This phase normally begins around February and lasts until April. However, the duration of the different stages may vary depending on weather conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The most concerning aspect of these caterpillars are their stinging hairs, which are known as trichomes, and it is estimated that each specimen has about half a million of them distributed throughout the body. These \u201cpoisonous darts\u201d contain a toxin called Thaumatopin, which is how the processionary caterpillar defends itself from its aggressors, who, when in contact with these hairs, can suffer allergic reactions that can range from localized inflammation to severe respiratory problems and, in extreme cases, death.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms of contact with the pine processionary\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

The first reaction of a cat or dog upon contact with a pine caterpillar is usually to lick and rub the affected area persistently. This contact should always be considered a veterinary emergency, as the consequences can be serious.<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms appear immediately or in the first hours after exposure. Some signs to take into account are:<\/span><\/p>\n