Processionary Caterpillar, Beware

A problem for animal owners in Spain and some other countries.

It is a big problem in Calahonda and surrounding areas as we have hundreds and hundreds of pine trees which are protected. By law people with these trees on their property are supposed to spray every year, many do not and among these are some of the local authorities. People need to take care walking their dogs. Some of my friends have dogs that have suffered terribly, please read the following article and be aware of the dangers.

The processionary caterpillar builds its nests in the pine trees from early January onwards. Their white fluffy appearance looks like candy floss – nothing but trouble for curious dogs –

Inside these nest, the caterpillar goes through several stages of larvae and in the last one, number four, the body is covered with an incredible number of microscopic hairs.

Each hair can cause a severe allergic reaction to humans and animals alike. It is not even necessary to physically touch a caterpillar. Hair blown in the wind is enough to create great blisters on exposed parts of the body and a visit to the veterinary is called for.
We all love to walk in the pine forests. It would be sensible to put a muzzle on your dog for these walks. Your dog will soon get used to his muzzle and it offers protection from all kinds of hazards – especially the dangers of the processionary caterpillar.

Processionary caterpillars derive their name from the way they march in file. Coming down the pine tree they form a single file and walk behind their leader to their new territory, where they will stay underground during the summer.
Interestingly, if their leader loses its way, the file has been seen to walk endlessly nose to tail, in a circle.

Dogs and Cats will paw them and will be poisoned immediately. The pain will cause the pet to bring its paw to its mouth, and the result is gangrene. This is a highly dangerous situation and the pet can die within hours.

CALL YOUR VET – TAKE STRAIGHT TO YOUR VET---- Immediate action is called for. Explain what has happened and take your dog straight away. DO NOT TOUCH YOUR PET – Roll it in a towel and try to get someone to help you. Always be prepared for such an emergency.

Tich in a pot

All my cats seem to like sitting in pots. Tich is no exception and usually chooses one in the sun.

Halle

Border Collies

Happy Birthday Breeze, four years old. What a beautiful dog who belongs to Debbie and is brilliant at agility, all down to love and dedication.

Last summer I had the privilege to meet Debbie who is a friend of my friend Chris.They meet up each day to walk and train their dogs. What a great life for the dogs meeting up, playing and doing what they love to do.

Debbie and Chris along with a couple of like minded friends have rented a field and set it up with agility equipment where they can go each day to train and do what their dogs most enjoy.

 Border Collies were bred to work, they need to be occupied, they need loads of exercise. Anyone thinking of getting one think again. This is not a dog you can walk round the block once a day and expect it to be happy, if that is what you want look at some other breed. If you want to walk miles and spend time teaching your very intelligent companion how to fit in with your life, maybe, just maybe a Border Collie is for you.