What Happens When a Black Widow Spider Bites a Dog?

There are three species of black widow spiders in the U.S. and all of them are highly venomous. When a black widow spider bites a dog, the bite may be dry, meaning no venom has been injected, but venomous injections can be serious.

  1. Symptoms

    • When a black widow spider bites a dog, a wide variety of symptoms may arise. They include paralysis, muscle rigidity, excessive salivation and respiratory problems. Muscle pain may make the dog howl and whine.

    Recommended Action

    • If you think your dog has been bitten by a black widow spider, get it to a veterinary doctor. The doctor will make a diagnosis by examining the area of the bite and doing a urinalysis and a complete blood profile test. Anti-venom drugs are available for black widow spider bites and may be prescribed.

    Treatment

    • There are some common things that may be part of treatment for a dog with a back widow spider bite while it is hospitalized. These include giving oxygen if the dog's respiration is affected, intravenous fluids for stabilization and anti-venom drugs to counteract the spider venom. Other medications are provided to relieve pain and assist in the dog's recovery.