Black Widow Bite to Dog

I had been very worried about the possibilities of my dog receiving a bite from a black widow spider. My best friend’s dog got a bite from a black widow and her beautiful little spaniel ended up having to be put down. So I got online and found some very helpful information. There are poisonous spiders such as the female black widows (Latrodectus) and brown recluse (Loxosceles) Spider and their bites affect different areas of the pet’s body depending on the type of spider.

The amount of venom that your dog could receive varies depending upon species of spider, location of bite, and size and species of animal. Black widow spider: Signs of the black widow spider bite include regional tenderness and numbness followed by hyperesthesia. Muscle pain (severe) and cramping of the muscles of the chest, abdomen, back, and other large muscles occur. Abdominal rigidity without tenderness is a classic sign of envenomation by the black widow spider. Seizures are possible. Respiration may be compromised because of the abdominal cramping. Muscle rigidity decreases with time followed by muscle paralysis. Increased blood pressure and heart rate may be seen. Death is caused by respiratory or cardiovascular collapse. Extremely sensitive to black widow spider bites, cats show signs of severe pain, drooling, restlessness, and early paralysis. Death is common in cats. Antivenin may be given for black widow spider bites. Identify the spider if possible. Seek veterinary attention. IV fluids and pain medication will be administered, and lab work performed to monitor organ function. For black widow spider bites, additional treatment may include medications for seizures and muscle cramping, and monitoring cardiopulmonary function. The prognosis varies depending on many factors but in order to give your dog the best chances it is vital that if your dog is bit by a black widow or any other spider, you seek immediate medical attention from an animal medicine professional.