Caterpillars and cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria

On the Tarn basin in Lozère and Aveyron, our rivers, of exceptional quality and beauty, are an ideal place for relaxation, where swimming and canoeing are practiced… As elsewhere, cyanobacteria naturally develop there every summer, the cause of several dog deaths in recent years.

The presence of cyanobacteria is not necessarily linked to pollution. In the presence of heat, light and moderate currents, they are capable of colonizing river bottoms and can be the cause of intoxication.

This phenomenon is not alarming, but it can present a health risk, particularly in relation to dogs. To avoid it, it’s important to know the symptoms of intoxication and the simple, common-sense precautions to implement, for which everyone is responsible.

The presence of cyanobacteria doesn’t call into question the good quality of river water!

What are the symptoms of cyanobacteria toxin poisoning?
If a dog shows the following symptoms after accessing the river:
trembling, loss of balance, nausea, bulging eyes, drooling…
Take him promptly to a veterinarian, if possible having collected any vomit.
What precautions should be taken against cyanobacteria in rivers?
Keep dogs on a leash and do not allow them access to the river.
Think about dog-sitting!

Processionary caterpillars

Every year, from February to May, processionary caterpillars wreak havoc. The stinging hairs are very fragile and release a substance called “thaumetopoeïne”, causing oedema and violent allergies. Envenomation due to stinging caterpillar hairs is often very serious and can be fatal, especially if ingested. Processionary caterpillars are a real danger for your dog. Some lose their tongues, others their lives…

What are the symptoms....
Every year, animals die from contact with caterpillars, through suffocation or anaphylactic reaction.
- The tongue
– heavy salivation
– swelling of the tongue
– inability to drink or eat
– change in tongue color vomiting
– tongue necrosis
- The nose
– untimely scratching of the muzzle
– swelling of the muzzle and its contours
- The internal body (anaphylactic shock):
– drop in blood pressure
– loss of consciousness
-disturbed breathing
What precautions should I take against processionary caterpillars?
If your dog shows any of the following symptoms consult your vet as soon as possible. Every year, animals die from contact with caterpillars, through suffocation or anaphylactic reaction.
Prevent the animal from scratching, but protect yourself! Don’t touch the animal in the area of contact with the caterpillar, as you could poison yourself too.Equip yourself with gloves and a respiratory mask if necessary.
Rinse thoroughly! With a shower or a jet of water, rinse swollen areas thoroughly.

Other precautions

Risk of hydrocution?
Swimming is not without danger for dogs. A few precautions should be taken to enjoy the joys of summer swimming with your companion.
- Don’t take him swimming at the hottest times of the day (between 10am and 4pm). Prefer early morning or late afternoon.
- Wet the dog before he goes swimming. Don’t forget fresh water at all times, and don’t let your dog drink stagnant water, which is a reservoir for bacteria that can lead to a disease called leptospirosis.
Carnations?
Spikelets are the secondary spikes of wild grasses themselves grouped together in a spike at the top of a stem. In late spring, these grasses dry out, harden and then detach very easily from their stems. They hook into the hairs and their pointed tips enable them to perforate the skin and subcutaneous tissues, and can enter even the smallest orifice.
They can penetrate the ears, nose, eyes, mouth, genital tract, anal sacs, between the fingers or under the paw, in the armpits or slip under the skin, etc.
They hook into hairs and their pointed tips enable them to perforate skin and subcutaneous tissue, and can enter the tiniest little orifice.
They can penetrate the ears, nose, eyes, mouth, genital tract, anal sacs, between
fingers or under the paw, in the armpits or slip under the skin, etc.
- Remember to inspect your dog regularly
- In fields, keep the animal on a leash.
- Shear the animal completely or certain parts of the body (paws, inside ears…)