{"id":1465,"date":"2024-02-15T15:00:03","date_gmt":"2024-02-15T15:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vetpoint.pt\/lagarta-do-pinheiro\/"},"modified":"2024-05-17T09:59:01","modified_gmt":"2024-05-17T09:59:01","slug":"pine-caterpillar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vetpoint.pt\/en\/pine-caterpillar\/","title":{"rendered":"Pine caterpillar"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pine caterpillar<\/h2>\n

Pine caterpillar or Thaumetopoea pityocampa<\/h2>\n

The pine caterpillar, also known as the processionary, is a parasite of pine and cedar trees.<\/span><\/h3>\n

From the egg to the adult form, it passes through various stages, some of which are larval and very dangerous for our pets.<\/p>\n

With climate change becoming more and more noticeable, it’s difficult to define an exact period of activity for these caterpillars.<\/p>\n

Usually, they start to be seen around December until May. They can reappear between August and October.<\/h4>\n

These larval forms fall to the ground and make “processions”, hence their name, and have urticarial hairs that induce very intense and severe reactions in our animals.<\/p>\n

How to avoid pine caterpillars to protect our pets, especially dogs:<\/h3>\n
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  1. Avoid walks in places with nests:<\/strong> Avoid walks in areas where there are nests (clusters of webs) in pine or cedar trees. Even if you don’t see the nests, pay attention to the ground, as caterpillars may be present.<\/li>\n
  2. Inform local authorities:<\/strong> If you identify caterpillars, immediately inform the local council and\/or town hall so that preventative measures can be taken.<\/li>\n
  3. Seek Veterinary Assistance:<\/strong> If you suspect that your animal has come into contact with a pine caterpillar, go to the nearest Veterinary Medical Assistance Centre as soon as possible.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Warning signs<\/h3>\n

    Pine caterpillars are a real danger to pets. They have stinging bristles that can cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Contact with these bristles can lead to reactions such as:<\/p>\n