Menu

Download our Petland App today for information on your local Petland's Available Pets and Pet Supplies. All at the tips of your fingers!

Petland Logo
Login/Register

Please create a free account below, or login by clicking here.

Zip Code(Required)
Pet Information and Coupons

Disclaimer

Stay updated with Petland! By checking the above box, you are providing your electronic signature to consent to receive SMS text messages, emails, mailings and other communications from Petland, even if such communications are considered advertisements, and you confirm that you are the subscriber or customary user of any phone number you submit. Text messages may be sent using an automated dialing system. Your consent is not a condition of purchasing any goods or services, and may be revoked at any time by responding STOP to any SMS text messages you receive. Message and data rates may apply. Additionally, you are consenting to location, usage, and information collection.
Pet Store Banner Pet Store Banner

Black Widows and Dogs

October 3, 2022

We often associate our fur-legged friends being bit by ticks and fleas. These pesky creatures are known for their persistency and potential health risks. Ticks and fleas are parasitic insects that require hosts to complete their life cycle. In contrast, spiders, such as the Black Widow, are not parasitic, meaning that they do not require a dog or cat to live off of. Although many spiders would prefer to hide from other animals, there may be situations when this does not happen and a spider bite occurs. Generally, almost all spiders inject venom into their bites. For the majority of spiders, the amount of venom that is injected is very small and not lethal to your dog. For Black Widow spiders, however, even the tiniest amount of their venom can cause life threatening health problems.

What happens when a dog gets bitten by a black widow spider and what are the common symptoms?

Black Widow spider venom contains a neurotoxin that can cause clinical signs related to the nervous system. It excites the dog’s neurons and can lead to tremors and or painful muscle twitching. Their bites can also cause severe muscle cramping and very stiff abdominal muscles. Excitation of the nervous system can lead to an elevated respiratory rate as well as an elevated heart rate. In severe cases, seizures, paralysis, and respiratory arrest can occur. Vomiting and diarrhea are among the most common initial symptoms. Excessive drooling and nausea are also common. Pain and swelling around the bite area is also a routine symptom. This can be very painful for your dog and needs to be treated right away.

Areas to avoid

Black Widows tend to hide in dark and secluded areas. A woodpile, under an old piece of furniture in the garage, and cluttered areas where they have a sense of protection are some of the most common places. Although these spiders are not generally aggressive, they certainly are dangerous. They tend to go on the attack when they feel that they are at risk. By keeping your dog away from areas such as this will limit his chances of being bit by a Black Widow spider.

What time of year are Black Widow spiders most active and what states are they found in?

Black Widow spiders emerge in early spring when mating occurs through early summer. Young spiderlings continue to grow into adults during the spring and summer and mature by late summer. Adult widows are most prevalent during late summer and fall. In the US, they are found in all the four southwestern deserts (Great Basin, Sonoran, Chihuahuan, and Mojave). They can also be found in Florida and Texas.

What to do if your dog has been bitten by a black widow spider?

Although many spider bites are not witnessed, watching for spider bite symptoms will help protect your dog from possible serious health issues. If your dog has acute swelling noted in a particular part of his body, a fever, and is lethargic, there is a good possibility he was bitten. Contacting your veterinarian immediately to report this is very important as time is a factor. An antivenin is available for Black Widow spider bites which can help to reverse the effects of the bite. Intravenous fluids may also be provided for extra support, and muscle relaxer medications can be administered to help with your dog’s muscle twitching and tension. They key is to identify the symptoms and notify your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Related Articles

View All Articles

  • Top Dog Breeds for Older Individuals

    Top Dog Breeds for Older Individuals

    Dogs make great companions and quickly become a part of our family. They offer us years of joy and happiness and provide us with a lot of good. Each breed of dog varies and has ...

    Read This Blog

  • Two of America’s Favorites | The French Bull Dog and The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    Two of America’s Favorites | The French Bull Dog and The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    Americans really love their dogs, and two of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States are the French Bulldog and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Both of these pup...

    Read This Blog

  • What To Do If Your Pup Is Packing on The Pounds

    What To Do If Your Pup Is Packing on The Pounds

    Just like people, pups can experience weight issues which can result in health issues. Although each dog’s weight will increase or decrease over time, every breed has an a...

    Read This Blog

  • Meet The Two Of The Newest Dog Breed Recognized By The American Kennel Club (AKC)

    Meet The Two Of The Newest Dog Breed Recognized By The American Kennel Club (AKC)

    Big news in the dog world! The American Kennel Club announced that they are recognizing two new breeds of dogs. The Mudi and the Russian Toy. This was first announced a few mont...

    Read This Blog

  • Melanoma in Dogs

    Melanoma in Dogs

    Many of the cancers that affect humans can also affect their dogs. Our pups can develop tumors internally or can develop them on their skin and in their mouths. One such cancer,...

    Read This Blog

  • Easiest Puppy Breeds to Train

    Easiest Puppy Breeds to Train

    Are you looking for a puppy? Trying to decide which is the right breed for you can be challenging. There are several things to consider before making a final selection. How big ...

    Read This Blog

  • Our Dogs Like to Sleep!

    Our Dogs Like to Sleep!

    As we age, we often find that we sleep less deeply at night which results waking up in the morning not feeling well rested. This causes many of us to try and sneak a nap in some...

    Read This Blog

  • Constipation in Dogs — What to Do

    Constipation in Dogs — What to Do

    Constipation occurs in dogs when they are unable to produce normal stool during their daily routine. Your dog will not be able to defecate or greatly strain while trying to do s...

    Read This Blog

  • Dogs That Enjoy a Couch and Movie More Than a Yard and A Ball

    Dogs That Enjoy a Couch and Movie More Than a Yard and A Ball

    All dogs enjoy the smell of fresh air, chasing a ball, and running in circles outside. After all, they are creatures who need exercise and sunlight, and the feeling of freedom. ...

    Read This Blog

  • Best City Dogs

    Best City Dogs

    The excitement, culture, and nightlife of living in a major city is something many people enjoy. Normally a major city is a fast moving and lively place to live. Due to how many...

    Read This Blog

  • Top Six Most Recently Registered Dog Breeds

    Top Six Most Recently Registered Dog Breeds

    For a dog breed to find itself on the American Kennel Club’s registry, certain specific requirements must be fulfilled. This process is not an easy one, as the American Ke...

    Read This Blog

  • Dogs are Amazing!

    Dogs are Amazing!

    We all know that our pups are amazing and bring us a lot of enjoyment and love. There is a reason why they are referred to as “man’s best friend.”  WeR...

    Read This Blog

Help Need Help?