In spring there are many things to pay attention to for the dog, to prevent him from being affected by diseases or allergies.
First of all we find insects and parasites, such as fleas, ticks and, above all, processionaries. Let’s find out the 3 remedies for a processionary stung dog.
What is the processionary?
The processionaries are of larvae of the Lepidoptera family which infest oaks and pines (pine processionary) and that as adults they transform into butterflies.
They usually go out in the hot season and represent a danger to dogs because they are covered with stinging hair.
Symptoms of a dog stung by a processionary moth
When the animal comes into contact with the processionary caterpillar, the first symptoms are:
- hypersalivation, caused by the inflammatory process;
- enlargement of the tonguesometimes so extensive as to suffocate the animal.
Here’s what to do if your dog is stung by a processionary moth.
How to save the dog from the processionary?
Let’s find out the 3 remedies for the processionary sting in dogs.
1) Wash the affected area
The first thing to do is to eliminate the stinging substance as much as possible from the affected area, especially if it is the oral cavity. Therefore, immediately make gods abundant washings with water and a pinch of bicarbonate to disinfect the inflamed part. Try to help yourself with a pump or a syringe without a needle to reach each affected point better and deeper.
However, this is only the first move to make as a first aid remedywhich however does not completely solve the problem and does not greatly reduce the risk that the dog may get sick and, in the worst cases, die.
The processionary, in fact, is very dangerous, which is why you have to be very careful what the dog smells during walks in the countryside and check that there is no processionary in the area.
2) Induce vomiting
If the dog has not only touched this dangerous insect, but has also swallowed it, then it is absolutely necessary to induce vomiting, even before running to the vet. In this case, in fact, the stinging hairs of the insect come into contact with the internal organscausing ulcers and inflammations, even very serious and dangerous.
Have him ingest a glass of water with 4-5 teaspoons of salt to help him get out what he just ingested, even if the process is not simple. If you notice that the method does not work quickly, rush to the vet and leave it to him.
This too is first aid, however, to be put into practice while going to the doctor without much hesitation. Every minute can be precious to save our dog.
3) Consult your vet
The best thing to do promptly for a dog stung by a processionary moth is to contact the vet and go to the clinic. It will be the doctor, in fact, who will establish the seriousness of the situation and, based on that, also what is the best therapy.
Usually a cortisone-based treatment is used which can counteract the effect of inflammation and deflate the affected part of the dog that has come into contact with the processionary.
Sometimes, in the most serious cases, solving the problem can prove to be very complicated, therefore the earlier you intervene, the more chances of success you have.
Processionary: images
Here are some images of the processionaries: they can be found on the ground, in trees or hidden in the leaves… so keep your eyes peeled!
Processionary stung dog: video
Here are some pictures of a dog stung by a processionary, taken care of by vets.