Pet Threats and Animal Dangers in Spain
Insects,
snakes and ticks may threaten the health of dogs living in on the Costa
del Sol. Find out about the dangers of processionary caterpillars,
leishmaniasis, ticks and snakes, how to recognise the threat and what
to do about it.
There are certain insects and predators that present a danger to
animals in Spain, both on the coast and further inland. These threats
to pets tend to be regional so it's advisable to discuss the local
dangers with your vet. However, here are some of the most significant
threats to pets and animals in the Mediterranean area.
Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is a disease that mainly affects domestic dogs. In humans it is called Kala-Azar
which is the Indian for black fever. It is carried by a small, yellow
sand fly that resembles a mosquito and is around two to three
millimetres long. Mediterranean countries are severely affected by this
disease. It is said that the fly carrying the disease does not bite at
sea level, only at altitude - but the altitude at which they bite is
not high. Any question about the area can be addressed to the local
ayuntamiento (town hall) or vet.
Typically the fly bites the exposed skin of the dog (nose and ears).
Dogs can incubate Leishmaniasis for over a year before displaying
symptoms, which vary from dog to dog. One clue is when the hair around
a dog's eyes drops out and claws grow abnormally. Infected animals will
lose weight, become anaemic and often display symptoms of renal
failure. If medical help is not sought, the dog will die after several
months.
There are products (available from vets) that can protect against
the bite if applied regularly and should be used to protect against
this disease from spring to autumn, when the risk is highest. Also
cattle pest control badges are said to protect against the bites, but
the best protection is to keep a dog inside from before dusk until
after dawn, the time when the flies are most active.
- Further, comprehensive, information on canine Leishmaniasis: Click here
- Leishmanasis from the World Health Organisation (WHO): Click here
Processionary Caterpillars or Procesionarias del pino
The processionary pine caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) is
usually three to four centimetres long, brown and hairy. At the start
of spring the caterpillars come out of round, white, fuzzy nests built
in pine trees (normally property owners will burn these nests if they
see them) and travel down the tree and across the ground in single
file, sometimes stopping in writhing circles. This phenomenon will
continue well into the summer.
These caterpillars are extremely dangerous as they "burn" the flesh
of any animal, child or person that touches them. A small animal can
die from the burn on contact. If a pet comes in to contact with these
caterpillars it is advisable to seek veterinary assistance immediately.
- More information from Iberian Nature: Click here
and scroll down to "c", caterpillar (in English)
- Comprehensive information: Click
here
- Advice for what to do in the event of cats or dogs coming into contact with the caterpillars in Spanish from Consulta Vet: Click here (in Spanish)
Poisonous Snakes in Spain
There are some poisonous snakes that can cause death if they bite an animal. For more information on poisonous snakes, see:
Dangerous Ticks in Spain
As in most hot countries ticks can be a serious problem for cats and
dogs and not only do they spread disease but they can cause serious
discomfort to the animal. Two of the most common diseases are
Babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis. Take advice from the local vet in order to
ensure that the pet is adequately protected. Drops and collars are
available.
Note: if tick bite disease is ignored in can be fatal.
Hunting and Dog Walking
Dog walkers should be aware that hunting is practised in many rural parts of
Spain and that the season for certain species may be quite long. It's
recommended to wear bright red clothing and keep the dog close at hand or on
lead.
Hunters may register parcels of land (which they may own or rent) as reserved
for hunting certain species. These areas carry the sign stating Coto
privado de caza and should be avoided by dog walkers.
During the breeding season of perdiz, a partridge-like game bird,
private hunting groups may lay out poisoned meat to help to protect the nests
from roaming dogs.
Glossary
| English | Spanish |
|---|
| fleas | pulgas |
| ticks | garrapatas |
| bedbugs | chinches |
| lice | piojos |
| wasps | avispas |
| bees | abejas |
| snake | serpiente |
| bumblebees | abejorros |
| horse flies | tábanos |
| processionary caterpillars | procesionarias del pino |
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