Home Remedies for Spider Bite on Dogs

Home remedies can be beneficial, but what can remedy a spider bite on your dog? Depending on the species, spider bites can severely threaten your dog. Many times, a dog getting bitten is unavoidable. Being proactive and familiarized with the different types of poisonous spiders can make all the difference.

 

 

Recognizing the spiders and their bites can keep your dog from unnecessary harm. Keep reading for an in-depth explanation of how spider bites may affect your dog and what you can do at home if your dog is bitten.

 

 

What is a Spider Bite?

A spider bite, or the more technical term arachnidism, is simply a wound that comes from being bitten by a spider. Most of the time, most spider bites are harmless. A spider will not bite unless they're in danger or perceive a threat. Even the insect bites we think come from spiders usually end up being from other bugs. Sometimes, skin infections or hives have also been mistaken for spider bites.

 

 

Some spider bites can cause itchiness, swelling, redness, and pain. Other times, your dog might not even notice they have a spider bite. Although there are more than 30,000 species of spiders, there are some dangerous ones to be aware of. Luckily, you and your canine only need to worry about two threatening spiders if you live in North America.

 

 

Both the black widow and the brown recluse have fangs long enough to penetrate the skin and inject their venomous toxin. The hobo spider can also envenomate an animal, though this is rarer. The bites are not deadly; however, localized tissue irritation and possible necrosis can occur. If you or your dog gets bitten by either of these spiders, you should immediately seek medical attention. To help us distinguish between a common spider bite and a dangerous one, we will need to review all the symptoms of spider bites and how to identify them.

 

 

What Does a Spider Bite Look Like on Dogs?

Before using home remedies for a spider bite, you need to make sure your dog was actually bitten. Identifying a spider bite on a dog's skin can be tricky.

 

 

Most times a common spider bite will resemble a bite from any other insect and there's no need to raise immediate concern. If the symptoms seem intense or get worse, you should take your dog to the vet. Some typical signs of spider bites to be aware of are:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Tremors
• Pale Gums
• Anxiousness
• Limping
• Muscle pain
• Drooling
• Itchiness
• Swelling and redness
• Trouble walking or standing
• A bull's eye mark or a blister
• Weak pulse or increased heart rate

 

 

Depending on which species of spider delivered the bite, symptoms can vary. Most bites will include signs of irritation, redness, and swelling. If a lot of venom is released during the bite, symptoms might also include muscle pain, diarrhea, cramping, vomiting, tremors, and anxiousness.

 

 

Noticing a spider bite on a dog can be challenging, especially if the dog has a thick fur coat. Before you identify a bite, your dog might become restless, yelp, or lick the affected area. Attention to any differences or more advanced symptoms listed above can help you be more actionable.

 

 

What Are the Symptoms of Spider Bites on Dogs?

So, how can you tell if your dog has a spider bite? Signs of a spider bite can vary depending on which species did the biting. As noted earlier, two spiders are poisonous to dogs in the U.S. As a dog owner, you need to be concerned with the black widow and brown recluse spider bites.

 

 

Signs of a Black Widow Spider Bite

If your dog gets bitten by a few female black widow spiders, there are several signs to look for. A female black widow usually ranges between 2 and 2.5 cm in length. They are a shiny black color and often have red or orange stripes or red marks under their abdomen that resemble an “hourglass.” Males are generally considered non-toxic because of their smaller fangs.

 

 

Dogs bitten by a black widow might display symptoms of the following:

• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Pale Gum Color
• Cramping
• Paralysis
• Muscle Tremors
• Severe muscle pain
• Unbalanced walking
• Abnormal blood pressure changes

 

 

The neurotoxins found in the black widow's venom (female) affect the dog's nervous system, which causes spasms or paralysis. Smaller dogs are more prone to experience more severe symptoms.  Treatment for a female black widow bite requires a visit to the vet and usually includes an antivenin, IV fluids, pain medications, and anti-seizure medications.

 

 

If you suspect a black widow has bitten your dog, don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680)immediately for life-saving care and advice. It is not advised to rely only on home remedies if a black widow spider bites your dog.

 

  

Signs of a Brown Recluse Spider Bite

Signs that a brown recluse spider bit your dog include reluctance to put weight on the affected area, pawing or scratching at the body, head, neck, or ears, and localized swelling. Sudden limping or lifting one leg while standing can also be good initial indicators that a brown recluse bites bite may have occurred on a leg/paw.

 

 

Another name for the brown recluse is the “violin spider,” and the symptoms of its bite tend to get worse as time passes, depending on how severe it is. More severe symptoms can include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Blistering
• Red, itchy skin
• A skin lesion that mimics a bull's eye
• Necrotic tissue (dead skin) around the bite (not seen immediately)
• Gash or wound after the dead tissue falls off (not seen immediately)

 

 

Apply a cool compress to reduce the swelling and redness on your way to the vet. Avoid ice packs, as constant skin contact with them can impair circulation, create localized hypothermia of the tissue, and wreak more havoc. The most common treatment for a brown recluse spider bite in humans and dogs may include a medication called dapsone; however, your veterinarian would be the best to prescribe the best treatment.

 

 

Your vet might prescribe corticosteroids to prevent further necrosis. They also help contain the venom within the infected cells, keeping it from spreading.

 

 

Antibiotics & Antiseptics

Antibiotics and antiseptics are usually given to the dog to prevent secondary infections. The wounds left behind from a brown recluse bite will most likely need to be bandaged. If you suspect a brown recluse has bitten your dog, immediately call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680)for life-saving care and advice. It is not advised to rely only on home remedies if a violin spider bites your dog.

 

 

Both brown and recluse spiders and black widow spiders live in undisturbed areas. They will not bite unless threatened, and in fact, they need some pressure to inject their venom. Sitting, stepping, lying, or accidentally disturbing them can cause them to bite.

 

 

Which Dogs Are Affected by Spider Bites?

All dogs are at risk when bitten by a poisonous spider like the black widow and brown recluse spiders. However, older dogs are more at risk of deadly reactions to spider bites due to their weaker immune systems. Dogs who have high blood pressure are also more at risk.

 

 

How to Protect Dogs From Spider Bites

Preventing a dog from getting a spider bite can be as challenging as stopping a toddler from falling. Still, there are things you can do to keep your dogs safe. If you've seen spider webs in your home, calling a pest control professional can help reduce the risk of encountering a venomous spider. Plenty of experts use pet-friendly and eco-friendly techniques to keep spiders at bay.

 

 

Here are some more proactive tips on how to keep your dogs safe from nonvenomous spider bites:

• Clean up those undisturbed areas more often
• Noticing an infestation of spiders in your house or kennel
• Do not leave your dog unattended in basements, attics or sheds
• Avoid piling up lumber or firewood and storing it against your house
• Study dangerous spiders and familiarize yourself with what they look like
• Pay close attention to any changes in your dog's behavior and examine them if you think something is wrong
• Utilize a good reference guide for venomous spiders

 

 

How Quickly Do Dogs Recover from Spider Bites?

Most dogs can recover entirely from a spider bite. The recovery period is different for each dog affected. More severe bites can take months for a wound to heal fully, and at other times, scarring can occur. The best thing to do is follow your vet's instructions and monitor the bite until it fully recovers.

 

 

Home Remedies for Spider Bite on Dogs

Depending on the type of spider bite, your dog might receive IV fluids, antivenin, pain medication, or antibiotics. In Addition to your vet's advice, there are some remedies you can apply to treat a spider bite at home. Ice packs are great for reducing swelling and irritation. Applying an ice pack can also be useful for a nasty bite; using cold compression can actually slow down the spread of the venom.

 

 

If you recognized the spider that bit your pet and it was venomous, take your pet to the vet immediately.  However, you may try one of the following home remedies if it is a non-venomous bite or the area doesn’t appear extraordinarily tender or swollen.  If the bite is getting worse or showing no signs of improvement after a reasonable amount of time, it might be best to have your vet take a second look.

 

 

Cool compresses are great for reducing swelling and irritation. Applying the compress can also be useful towards a venomous bite, using cold compression can actually slow down the spread of the venomous bites. Elevating the limb can also be helpful if possible. If you've gone through all the treatment options but still want a more natural approach, consider these home remedy options for spider bites:

 

 

Clean the Bite

Wash the bite with soap and water, then apply a cold compress to the area.

 

 

Use a Potato Poultice to Reduce Inflammation

You can create a potato poultice at home by slicing a potato and putting the shreds in a thin cloth. Next, apply it on the spider bite until the potato gets dry.

 

 

Make a Baking Soda Paste

Applying baking soda to a bite has been shown to speed up the healing time. You can make the paste using water and baking soda.

 

 

Use Aloe Vera to Soothe the Area

Aloe vera can also help reduce inflammation and itchiness. When using it on dogs, opting for a non-toxic, pet-friendly gel is better than using the gel from a plant.

 

 

Apply a Salt Mixture

If you suspect your canine was bitten by a venomous spider, you may be able to remove some non-venomous bites by applying a wash towel and saltwater. Mix some water and salt, dip the cloth in it, use it to dress the wound, and let it soak for a few hours.

 

 

Turmeric Powder & Olive Oil

Another remedy to help decrease pain, irritation, and redness other insect bites is to make a paste of turmeric powder and olive oil and then apply it to the bite. After an hour, remove the paste with warm water and reapply more until symptoms reduce. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory that has many benefits for dogs.

 

 

Take your pet back to the vet

If the bite is getting worse or showing no signs of improvement after a reasonable amount of time, it might be best to have your vet take a second look. Before deciding to treat your dog at home for a spider bite, getting a vet's professional opinion is best. If the vet decides it's not a bite worth worrying about, consider you and your pet lucky. Learn more here.

 

 

Final Thoughts - Home Remedies for Spider Bite on Dogs

While home remedies can offer some relief for spider bites on dogs, it is essential to recognize the seriousness of sure bites. Understanding the type of spider and monitoring your dog's symptoms are crucial to ensuring their safety. Always consult your veterinarian, especially if you suspect the bite is from a venomous spider. Prompt medical attention combined with appropriate home care can help your dog recover quickly and prevent complications. Your dog's health and well-being should always come first when dealing with spider bites.