How to Tell If Your Dog Has Eaten a Spider
WouterYou might think that spiders are harmless, but some are actually quite deadly to dogs. This makes it important to know if your dog has eaten a poisonous spider.
A common venomous spider that is harmful to your dog is the brown recluse. Also known as the violin spider, this spider is found in western and southern parts of the United States. Despite being venomous, it has no anti-venom, and its bites can lead to kidney failure, liver damage, and death.
If your dog eats a spider, the venom can be ingested, and then be broken down by his stomach acid. However, it can still harm your dog, and you should monitor his condition for a few hours to ensure that he doesn’t have a bad reaction.
Hobo spiders are another species that can cause your dog to have a negative reaction. These spiders are large and have a V-shaped abdomen. They are often imported from Europe, and they are commonly found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
Hobo spiders are highly venomous, and the venom is toxic. The spider’s venom is a mixture of proteases and phospholipases. It enters the bloodstream, and the venom can destroy red blood cells.
If your dog has eaten a hobo spider, you should bring him to your vet immediately. If the bite is not treated, the venom will enter the bloodstream and cause a serious wound. After the wound has healed, the dog will be more likely to develop secondary infections.
