If you are a dog owner, you may be very well aware of their habit of sniffing and eating anything they find weird. Anything moving before them will trigger their instincts to go after them.
One such incidence is when they see a spider run on the walls of the house, they are tempted to run after them, and sometimes it ends with them eating spiders, and sometimes spiders can bite our dogs.
We are already scared of spiders, and when we see that our dog has eaten one, it surely freaks us out. Believe me, you do not want to be in a situation like this.
As a responsible pet parent, it is important to know whether dogs eating spiders gets them sick or will be dangerous for them and cause any health issues.
Do not worry, we have all the answers to your question here. In this article, you will learn what happens to your dog if it eats a spider, what you should do next, and whether spiders are toxic for your dogs, along with many other topics.
Without much delay, let us start the read.
Can Dogs Eat Spiders?
First things first, can dogs eat spiders? No, ideally, they should not be the ones eating spiders. However, they do eat house spiders, which does not seem to cause a lot of problems for them.
But if you think or know that your dog has eaten a spider, keep monitoring your dog for any discomfort or abnormalities, including distress, nausea, or vomiting.
If they seem uncomfortable to you, reach out to a vet immediately.
What Happens if My Dog Eats a Spider?
If your dog eats a house spider, there won’t be any issues, and a dog’s system will process the spider the same way it processes any other food.
If your dog has eaten a different type of spider other than the house spider and it is venomous, there can be some health risk, and then a vet intervention is required.
If, in the process of eating a venomous spider, your dog gets bitten by it, then it may cause intense pain, swelling, irritation, soreness, and redness in your dog’s body. If the poison gets severe, it may cause fever and vomiting, and the condition may worsen depending on the quantity and type of the venom.
If you think that the spider eaten by your dogs is not a common house spider but a different one that can be venomous, you should head straight to the vet and get your dog checked.
Are Spiders Toxic to Dogs?
Technically, dogs are not toxic to house spiders or even house bugs. They are very common in every household, and most spider bites will cause mild pain and soreness in the bite area.
They are some rare species that, if you bite your dog, can cause severe discomfort in dogs, but as said, they are very rare. If you notice any abnormalities or discomfort and you are unable to identify the reason, rush to a vet as soon as you can to determine the reason.
Sometimes, dogs can get very sick if they even eat a venomous spider. The severity depends on the type of spider and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, pain, seizures, and excessive drooling. In very rare and serious cases, it can cause paralysis.
If there is a powerful and big spider, and it bites your dog or your dog tries to eat it, then it can be very fatal as it may cause organ damage and cardiac arrests.
What to do if Your Dog Ate a Spider
If you think your dog has eaten a spider or if you have seen your dog eating one, you should contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
If your dog has even been in contact with a spider and is now showing signs of discomfort, that’s a sign to consult a veterinarian before anything severe takes place.
If your dog ate a spider, first try to get a photo or any remaining information about the spider, which will help the vet understand the toxicity of the spider.
Then, note down the time when you see or realize that your dog has eaten a spider or even got bitten by it. A vet will ask this question, and it is very important to answer precisely.
Along with all these details, you will have to tell the vet what are the uncommon symptoms you are noticing in your dog and any abnormalities they are noticing.
A veterinarian may also ask these questions at the time of appointment or on a call before you come in just to prepare for the treatment.
A vet may ask for some other information as to how many spiders your dog has eaten and which area you live in, just to have a clear understanding of what kind of treatments to begin.
After collecting all the details, a vet will prepare antivenom dosages; if bitten by the spider, they may also provide wound care or supportive care until the dog has healed completely.
Signs Your Dog has been Bitten by a Spider
It is very hard to identify when there is a spot of a bite or any injuries in your dog as their thick fur makes it hard for us to detect any injuries.
One way you can check if your dog has a spider bite or not is by checking for any lumps or swelling in their body. Also, check for any unusual redness.
Let us have a look at some of the common signs of spider bite in dogs.
1. Swelling
One of the most common signs of spider bites is swelling. It is very easily noticeable as well if your dog has a swollen body, leg, eyes, or chin; it is a sign that all is not right.
2. Fever
Spider bites generally cause fevers in dogs, especially when the spiders are big and poisonous. Fever can be measured by a pet thermometer will be available at a pet store.
3. Changes in Behavior
A dog, when bitten by a spider, will show signs of abnormalities; a very playful dog will just become lazy or angry at times. If you see any of these signs, it means everything is not normal.
Other Signs of Spider Bites are
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Lumps
- Redness
What Spiders Can Hurt a Dog?
Spiders are very dangerous at times, as there are a lot of venomous spiders in the world that can inject some fatal venoms. Spider bites on dogs are not very harmful as, in most cases, the spider bites are from the house spiders and not from a very venomous one.
While there are some spiders that are known to be venomous, and they are found in different parts of the country. Let us know them.
1. Black Widow Spider
Black widow spiders are one the most venomous spiders that are known for their bite, which can be harmful to dogs.
Their bite can cause muscle pain, stiffness, and tremors, and in severe cases, it can lead to paralysis. However, fatalities are rare, especially if the dog receives prompt veterinary care.
2. Brown Recluse Spider
Another dangerous spider is a Brown recluse spider. Their bites can cause localized tissue necrosis (death of tissue) and can be painful. The severity of the reaction can vary among individuals.
3. Hobo Spider
While less dangerous than the black widow or brown recluse, having a unique name, the hobo spider’s bite can cause tissue damage and necrosis, leading to skin lesions. Symptoms include swelling, redness, and pain.
4. Wolf Spider
Wolf spiders are generally not considered highly venomous to humans or dogs. Bites from wolf spiders can cause localized pain and swelling, but severe reactions are uncommon.
5. Tarantula
A very familiar name, Tarantula is another spider that makes it to the list. Their bites are usually not harmful to dogs. Their venom is relatively mild, and bites are generally characterized by local pain and swelling.
It’s important to remember that most spider bites are not life-threatening to dogs. However, if you suspect your dog has been bitten by a spider or if you notice any unusual symptoms, such as swelling, pain, or signs of an allergic reaction, it’s best to seek veterinary care promptly.
In some cases, a veterinarian may recommend treatment to manage pain and inflammation.
FAQ’s
Most probably, nothing. A dead spider can not bite, and there is no risk of an allergy or a reaction. So, if your dog eats a dead spider, it won’t do any harm, and it will just pass through the system of your dog like everything else, but it is always good to monitor your dog’s activity.
No, the simplest answer to this question is no, you shouldn’t. It is hard to know the toxicity level of the spider, and some spiders contain toxins that can harm your dog and cause severe health issues.
Black Widow, brown recluse, hobo, wolf, and tarantula spiders are some known venomous spiders in the world, and their bite can cause serious health issues, even death.
Conclusion
If your dog has eaten a spider and you are wondering whether your dog can eat a spider or not, then you should know that a dog should never eat a spider, and sometimes, eating a spider can cause serious issues in a dog’s health. While eating a spider, dogs can also get spider bites, which can be painful and discomforting.
Take this article as a guide to understanding potential dangers and precautions from dog-eating spiders and knowing the different signs of spider bites on dogs and their toxicity.
Dr. Lillian is a D.V.M. passionate about promoting awareness of dogs. She shares her expertise through her blogs on canineweekly.com and provides animal care services, including internal medicine, dermatology, and emergency care. Dr. Lillian is committed to contributing to animal welfare.