PETS Pine processionary caterpillars

BETWEEN the months of February and April the processionaries (pine caterpillars) migrate from their nests (bags) in the pines to their burial area to form the chrysalis that will rise to the butterflies at the end of summer. Sometimes it can happen earlier, so from January you have to be careful.

The fact they go in procession on the ground attracts dogs, not so much cats. The hairs released by caterpillars contain a capsule with a toxin called ‘taumatopein.’ Hair in contact with the skin or mucosa of dogs releases the toxin causing severe swelling, generally on the face, lips, mouth and tongue, in these cases causing the dog to scratch its face and salivation.

If the contact with the toxin has been intense, it can cause severe necrosis and infection of the tissues with loss, for ex­