Emergencies
In the event of an emergency, just dial the number
112. Multilingual operators are available,
just ask for the service you require and explain your problem.
Ticks
Are quite prevalent in this area and can cause dogs/cats
incurable damage meaning the animal has to permanently take drugs. Don't
delay. Buy a preventive collar such as Preventic or Senican. There is also
Frontline, a fluid that is applied to the dogs neck and is recommended as
giving protection against fleas. If you find a tick on your pet I am
advised that if you douse it with acetone or alcohol the tick loosens its
grip and it is then possible to pull the whole bug away, much preferable
to leaving part in the animal which can cause an abscess.
Processional Pine Caterpillars Procesionaria de los Pinos
Latin name thaumetopoea pityocampa, these are found
throughout the warmer regions of Southern Europe, the Near East and North
Africa, and as well as causing much damage to pine forest are a major
danger to animals and in a lesser degree to humans.
Do not touch them, warn your children that they are not like the friendly
English caterpillar. The very fine hairs are poisonous and most dangerous.
The caterpillars are first noticed living in silk cocoon style nests in
the pine trees to which they are most harmful, stripping them of the pine
needles and when hungry they will leave their cocoon to seek out another
as yet uninfested tree on which to feed. They travel nose to tail in a
line, hence the name Processional. They are most noticeable from January
to mid April and are at their most dangerous in mid/late February. Often
seen in the evenings walking in lines going from tree to tree.
If they drop on you or your pet don't brush them off with
your hands, the effect is most unpleasant, causing great irritation, rash
and pain. Dogs, cats and people can suffer from shock. The caterpillars
are still virulent even when dead. Do not hit them with sticks, hairs
flying in the air are just as dangerous. Burn them but be careful of
floating hairs. If the caterpillars are in the tree cocoon state, spray
with hair spray, cover the cocoon and the affected part of the branch with
a plastic bag, cut down that part of the branch, place it on clear ground
and burn it. If the caterpillars are on the ground marching, it is better
first to spray them with lighter fuel then set them alight. This reduces
the risk of flying hairs. Take care to only do this where you can
not inadvertently start a forest fire, as the summer months can be very
dry. If you live near pine trees it is recommended that you keep
Anti Histamine tablets handy as an early treatment. In particular avoid
ingesting the hairs, dogs are most at risk by sniffing the ground where
they are or have marched.
Take particular care with your eyes. If affected the result
is serious causing pain, swelling as with a bad case of conjunctivitis.
Take this hazard into account when looking
for property, particularly if you have children
For details of the life and habits of these creatures,
see Terrence Fitzgerald's pages on social caterpillars.
Treatment
If a person or animal shows signs of shock, get them to a
doctor or vet immediately
Local Toads
Are very poisonous to animals. If molested they exude a
poison from their skin or saliva and an animal ingesting this can suffer
heart failure. They are not particularly harmful to humans so don't kill
them just keep animals and children away.
Treatment
An infected animal needs urgent treatment by a Veterinary
within 40 minutes or death is quite probable.
Other Animals
Wolves, Bear, Boar and Lynx
Are to be found in some mountainous districts but are rarely
seen unless you take mountain walking as a sport, even then they are more
likely to avoid you. It is estimated that there are no more than 800 Lynx
surviving in the whole of the Iberian peninsula.
Snakes
Are not commonly seen, I did see one several years ago, white
and about 3-4ft long, I was told it was harmless but didn't try to prove
the point. There is one snake similar to the English Adder.
Scorpions and Spiders
Scorpions
are around, mainly in the country areas and open foreshores
Spiders
are in the undergrowth but mainly harmless except for a funnel web spider,
which I have been told is not found in the coastal areas.
Warn children not to pick up crawlies. My vet says he
has had no record of dogs/pets being attacked locally in recent years.
Marine Animals
Sharks
are found in the Mediterranean and are caught sometimes by fishermen but I
have not heard of any problems swimming from the beaches.
Sea Urchins
If you are unlucky enough to tread on one, do get proper treatment from a
doctor or visit the hospital casualty without delay.
Jellyfish
Are found in all coastal areas as they are in England, they
are nasty and difficult to see or to avoid at times. If you are unlucky
enough to be stung by a jellyfish, do get proper treatment from a doctor
or visit the hospital casualty without delay. Do not rinse jellyfish
stings with fresh water it will re-trigger the stingers; take off any
tentacles, rinse with sea water then gently bathe with vinegar. If you are
unable to get attention or vinegar, the mild acid in human urine
(medically, preferably male) stops the nematocysts releasing venom, then
cover with talcum powder or shaving cream, let it dry then scrape off.
Sting will usually fade in an hour.
Warning some people are allergic to
Jellyfish stings, if the person stung starts itching elsewhere, has
breathing problems, swelling of the throat or feels feint;
seek immediate medical attention.
