Processionary Caterpillars

Happy New Year, everybody!

Twenty-twenty-four is now not just a random, large number. Before long, you will be using it as a reference point. From now on, just roll it off your tongue when referencing some adventure that you had (sic) in the year ahead.

At the end of last year (this year, while I am writing this), we saw/have seen a number of dogs affected by the processionary caterpillar. The timing of the caterpillar’s appearance does seem to vary from year to year, occasionally appearing in early December, sometimes not until April. I think Jan/Feb will be their season this year! When I say to my wife, ‘Look out for the little hairy caterpillar’, she just gives me a look and starts chuckling!

The cute little hairs on these caterpillars are extremely irritating should they get stuck in your skin, and even more so should they get stuck on your dog’s tongue. The excessive reaction to these little hairs causes massive swelling of the tongue and, occasionally, other oral/nasal structures. Following exposure, the dog’s tongue will swell to encompass almost the entire mouth cavity. In rare cases, it can also affect breathing. The most common problem is that when the tongue swells so much, it begins to occlude the blood circulation to the tip of the tongue. Post-event, parts of the dog’s tongue will slough away, leaving a dog who speaks with a forked tongue (old Indian proverb, apparently).

Should you see your dog (or cat) drooling excessively and pawing at the mouth, please use a wet towel and clean the oral cavity as well as you can, i.e. the whole tongue, inside of cheeks and roof of mouth, gums – the lot! You must remove any remaining fine hairs to stop further reaction. We also recommend pet owners have a packet of cetirizine at home. This is a human antihistamine available at pharmacies. So, if you suspect a caterpillar encounter of the third kind, clean the mouth and call your vet. They will direct you as to how many cetirizine to give and then head to the vet for further injectable medications.

Please contact us if you would like any further information.