Spider Bite On Dog

Spiders — you either love them, or you HATE them. 

And for dogs, spiders are often just exciting little creatures that catch their eye. Our curious pups love to sniff around, explore dark corners, and even paw at tiny critters they find interesting. 

This natural curiosity can sometimes lead them straight to a spider. The good thing is, most spiders in the US don’t have painful bites, and even fewer are poisonous to the point of hospitalization or medical attention. 

But some are. And while spider bites on dogs aren’t super common, they can still be worrisome. Most bites tend to be minor irritations, but some spiders carry venom that can cause more serious symptoms. 

Knowing what signs to look for and what types of spiders to keep an eye on can help you act quickly if your dog has a close encounter of the eight-legged kind.

What are spider bites on dogs?

A spider bite on a dog usually shows up as a small, red bump that’s a bit swollen and sore. You might notice your dog licking or scratching at it, trying to ease the itch or mild pain. Sometimes, the area can blister or form a tiny sore.

Types of venomous spiders to dogs

Most spiders aren’t harmful to dogs, but there are a few that pack a real punch. Here’s a look at the usual suspects:

• Black Widow spider: With its red hourglass marking, this spider’s neurotoxic venom can lead to muscle pain and cramps.

• Brown Recluse spider: Recognizable by a violin shape on its back, its bite can cause painful, slow-healing sores.

• Hobo spider: Less potent but still irritating, its bite may lead to skin infections if untreated.

• Wolf spider: These big, fast spiders may look scary, but their bite usually isn’t life-threatening - sensitive dogs might instead get some swelling and pain.

• Red Widow spider: Rare but powerful, its venom can cause intense discomfort in dogs.

• Brown Widow spider: This relative of the black widow has a similar hourglass shape on its back, and its bite is less dangerous but still painful.

• Brazilian Wandering spider: One of the most venomous spiders in the world - this spider is aggressive with a potent bite that can lead to severe reactions.

• Yellow Sac spider: Small and pale in color, the yellow sac spider is often found in homes and gardens. Its bite can cause mild tissue damage and inflammation that may irritate your dog.

Think your pup might’ve been bitten by a spider? Here are some spider bite symptoms you might see:

• Redness and swelling: This is often the first clue. If your dog’s paw or face looks swollen and they’re licking it, a spider bite could be the cause.
  
  
• Pain and itching: Like us, dogs can feel pain and itching after a spider bite. If you see your dog pawing or licking an area persistently, take a closer look.
  
  
• Blisters or sores: Some bites, especially from Brown Recluses, can create blisters that turn into open sores if not treated.
  
  
• Red ring or lesion around the bite: Some bites develop a red ring or visible lesion, indicating inflammation or necrosis.
  
  
• Lethargy: Does your pup seem off or tired? Your dog might be less playful or just not their usual energetic self.
  
  
• Muscle tremors, stiffness or cramps: This is more common with Black Widow bites, where the venom affects the nervous system, causing cramps, tremors or stiffness in muscles.
  
  
• Fever: Sometimes a spider bite can cause your dog’s temperature to rise.
  
  
• Trouble breathing: In rare cases, dogs may have difficulty breathing, which means it’s time to head to the vet right away.
  
  
• Vomiting: Vomiting is a possible reaction to venom in more serious bites.
  
  
• Seizures or paralysis: In extreme cases, venom can lead to seizures, paralysis, or even muscle stiffness throughout the body.
  
  
• Anxiety or restlessness: Some dogs become unusually anxious or restless, a sign that they’re in discomfort or pain.
  
  
• Joint pain: Joint pain may occur as part of the body’s reaction to the venom.

Dogs encounter spiders all over, from cozy corners indoors to spots outside like wood piles and sheds. Most spiders don’t bite unless they’re provoked, but bites happen when:

• Your dog sniffs around dark, hidden spaces like basements or garages.
  
• They chase or paw at a spider, which can lead to a defensive bite.
  
• They’re simply sleeping or rolling around in a spider’s hiding place, which increases the chance of a surprise bite.

Spider envenomation: how spider venom affects dogs

Spider envenomation in dogs happens when a poisonous spider injects venom through a bite. Different types of spiders have different levels of toxin in their venom, which can affect dogs in various ways.

Here’s how it works:

• The spider’s fangs pierce the dog’s skin, injecting venom directly.
• Venom travels through ducts in the fangs, straight from the spider’s venom glands.
• Once in the bloodstream, the venom’s neurotoxin can cause harmful symptoms in dogs, from muscle weakness and paralysis to, in rare cases, life-threatening reactions.

Find out how to protect your dog from venomous spiders in our guide. 

Spotting a spider bite isn’t always easy, since symptoms can sometimes mimic other skin issues.

Here’s how vets usually figure it out:

• Physical exam: Your vet will check the area for swelling, redness, or tissue damage.
• Watching symptoms: They’ll keep an eye out for signs like fever, tremors, or breathing difficulties, which could suggest a venomous spider.
• Blood tests: In serious cases, blood work can reveal effects of the venom, like changes in your dog’s white blood cells or electrolytes.
  
  

Is your dog covered by insurance? If not, check out Wag! Compare. Browse hundreds of insurance policies from the nation’s leading providers and find the plan that’s right for you. 

Treating a spider bite in your dog will depend on the type of spider, the severity of the bite, and how your dog is reacting. Here’s what the vet might do to help your pup feel better:

Clean the bite

First things first, the vet will carefully clean the area around the bite to help prevent infection and remove any residual venom. Keeping the bite clean is key to reducing irritation and helping your dog heal faster.

Pain relief and anti-inflammatories

To keep your dog comfortable, the vet may prescribe pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs. In more serious cases, muscle relaxants or stronger pain relievers like morphine may be used to ease pain and relax tense muscles. 

Antibiotics and anti-venom

For bites from venomous spiders, like the Brown Recluse, antibiotics may be needed to prevent infection. If it’s a Black Widow bite, the vet might even give an anti-venom to neutralize the venom’s effects. If your dog hasn’t had a tetanus shot, a tetanus antitoxin might be recommended, just to be safe.

Oxygen therapy and IV fluids

If the bite has affected your dog’s breathing or caused severe symptoms, oxygen therapy can help your dog breathe easier. IV fluids may also be given to keep your dog hydrated and support stable blood pressure, which is especially helpful if your dog is showing more serious signs of a reaction.

Antihistamines for itching and swelling

For milder reactions, antihistamines can ease itching and reduce swelling. This is especially helpful if your dog can’t resist scratching or licking at the bite site.

What about what you can do at home to treat your dog’s spider bite?

Home remedies for treating a spider bite on your dog

• Clean the bite area: Gently wash the area with mild soap and water to remove any irritants.

• Apply a cool compress: Hold a cool (not too cold) compress against the bite for a few minutes to reduce swelling and soothe the area.

• Use an antihistamine: Over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl can help relieve itching and reduce mild swelling — just check with your vet first for the right dosage.

• Prevent licking and scratching: Use an e-collar or keep your dog distracted to stop them from licking or scratching at the bite and making it worse.

If symptoms worsen or don’t improve, make sure to reach out to your vet for additional care.

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Good news! Most dogs bounce back quickly with the right care. For minor bites, recovery can be just a few days, while more serious bites might take a week or two.

Keeping the bite area clean, following your vet’s instructions, and giving your dog some rest will help them get back to their happy, wagging self in no time.