{"id":44246,"date":"2025-11-28T11:43:04","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T10:43:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dermoscent.com\/nos-conseils\/les-chenilles-processionnaires-ennemies-des-chiens-et-des-chats-au-printemps\/"},"modified":"2026-04-30T16:04:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T14:04:31","slug":"processionary-caterpillars-springtime-enemies-for-dogs-and-cats","status":"publish","type":"nos-conseils","link":"https:\/\/dermoscent.com\/en\/our-advice\/processionary-caterpillars-springtime-enemies-for-dogs-and-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Processionary caterpillars: springtime enemies for dogs and cats"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Once\u00a0the fine weather arrives<\/a><\/strong>, people tend to spend more time enjoying outdoor activities, particularly those who own a dog or a cat. Unfortunately, this is not without danger for your pets. Some of the creatures our pets may encounter, such as\u00a0processionary caterpillars<\/strong>, can cause them\u00a0serious health problems<\/strong>. What are the\u00a0risks<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0what action<\/strong>\u00a0should be taken if contact occurs?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The processionary caterpillars, what is it?<\/h2>\n

\"\"The processionary caterpillar is the\u00a0larval stage<\/strong>\u00a0of a type of moth. In order to metamorphose into a\u00a0chrysalis<\/strong>, it first spends a certain time nourishing itself, mostly by feeding on\u00a0conifer needles<\/strong>\u00a0(i.e. pine, cedar, etc.), around which it also weaves its silk cocoon. In spring, it then\u00a0comes down from its tree<\/strong>\u00a0in order to burrow underground and thus complete its transformation. Risk is particularly high at this time of the year, as the\u00a0chance<\/strong>\u00a0for our pets of\u00a0coming into contact<\/strong>\u00a0with them is considerably increased.<\/p>\n

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Note: the term \u201cprocessionary<\/strong>\u201d originates from the habit these caterpillars have of\u00a0travelling around together<\/strong>\u00a0in single file.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Risks to your animals<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Be under no circumstance fooled by the non-threatening appearance of these caterpillars. They actually possess\u00a0urticating hairs<\/strong>\u00a0which are released when\u00a0threatened<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0stressed<\/strong>. These hairs are different from the caterpillar\u2019s visible hairs: each is\u00a0equipped with a hook<\/strong>\u00a0which attaches to the skin and\/or the surfaces of other organs, then ruptures and delivers a highly\u00a0dangerous toxin<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Though cats can be affected,\u00a0it is mainly dogs<\/strong>, with their playful temperaments, that tend to be most attracted to these tiny crawling creatures. The\u00a0muzzle and mouth<\/strong>\u00a0are most often affected. However, because the urticating hairs are very volatile, it is not unusual for other parts of the body to be involved (e.g.\u00a0the eyes and eyelids<\/strong>). If ingestion occurs, the\u00a0digestive tract<\/strong>\u00a0can also be damaged.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Symptoms in dogs and cats<\/h2>\n

Muzzle and mouth<\/h3>\n

In addition to the\u00a0pain<\/strong>\u00a0caused, there will be\u00a0significant inflammation<\/strong>\u00a0visible around the animal\u2019s mouth and muzzle.\u00a0Necrosis<\/strong>\u00a0of the tongue can rapidly develop and could even cause some parts to fall off, depriving your animal of eating properly.<\/p>\n

Skin<\/h3>\n

Contact with your dog or cat\u2019s skin will cause an\u00a0aggressive rash<\/strong>\u00a0with multiple\u00a0red spots<\/strong>.\u00a0Itching<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0swelling<\/strong>\u00a0of the affected area also often occur.<\/p>\n

Eyes<\/h3>\n

The fact that these urticatig hairs can seriously\u00a0damage the eyes<\/strong>, any contact with eyes is very dangerous and very painful for your animal. Moreover, the hairs can cause inflammation of the conjunctiva and the cornea resulting into corneal ulcers. Without being treated properly, they can even cause\u00a0complete loss of sight<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What to do in case of contact?<\/h2>\n

If contact with a processionary caterpillar occurs,\u00a0rinsing thoroughly the affected area<\/strong>\u00a0without rubbing is recommended. It is important to seek\u00a0urgent medical care<\/strong>\u00a0as the consequences can sometimes be serious and irreversible for your cat or dog. When treated rapidly, the chance of a full recovery without long-term effects are much better.<\/p>\n

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Good to know: humans are also equally susceptible to such risks!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":44244,"template":"","categories":[],"categories-conseils":[259],"class_list":["post-44246","nos-conseils","type-nos-conseils","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","categories-conseils-health-and-well-being"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nProcessionary caterpillars: springtime enemies for dogs and cats - DERMOSCENT\u00ae<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Once\u00a0the fine weather arrives, people tend to spend more time enjoying outdoor activities, particularly those who own a dog or a cat. 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