Can Spiders Kill Dogs?
WouterIf your dog is bitten by a spider, it may not appear very painful right away. However, untreated spider bites can cause serious complications. Depending on the type of spider bitten, your dog could experience severe pain or even die.
There are a few common species of spiders that can be venomous to dogs. These include the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider. Both are highly toxic to your pet and can even kill it.
If your dog is bitten by a venomous spider, it needs to be taken to the veterinarian as soon as possible. In some cases, it may need to be hospitalized. The veterinarian will prescribe anti-itch medication and muscle relaxers. He or she may also recommend an e-collar to help protect your dog.
Your veterinarian will also likely give you anti-venom, which can be either intravenously or injected directly into your pet. Some dogs have a high chance of surviving a venomous spider bite, if it is caught early.
A brown recluse spider is a venomous spider that is found in the Southern United States and the Midwest. The bite of a brown recluse spider is usually not very painful. Nonetheless, it can be fatal if not treated promptly. It can also lead to kidney failure if not treated correctly.
Black widow spiders are extremely venomous and dangerous to dogs. You should know that the male black widow spider is less than an inch long and does not have an hourglass-shaped mark on its back.
