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Black widow spider poisoning in dogs occurs when a black widow bites and injects toxic neurotoxin into the dog’s body. This can cause a range of symptoms, including muscle aches, tremors and paralysis.
In some cases, it can be fatal to a dog so it is always vital to see a vet right away if you notice that a black widow has bitten your dog.
As a note, while female black widows carry poisonous venom, male black widows are generally non-venomous.
If you see any signs that your dog is at risk of poisoning from a black widow bite, then what? you should consult your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment. Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of black widow spider poisoning in dogs.
Symptoms Of Black Widow Spider Poisoning In Dogs
Black widow spider poisoning in dogs can cause a range of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Paralysis
- vibrations
- drool a lot
- increased heart rate
- Trouble breathing
- Raised blood pressure
- Bad muscle pain (especially around the abdomen)
- Diarrhea
- vomit
In severe cases, black widow spider bites can be fatal to dogs if they don’t receive immediate medical attention.
Causes of Black Widow Spider Poisoning in Dogs
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Black widow spider poisoning can affect all dogs. It can happen both outdoors and indoors as black widow spiders live in both environments.
You can identify black widow spiders by their size and markings: adults are about two to two and a half inches long and have a red or orange marking on their bodies.
In general, very young and older dogs are at higher risk of an extreme side effect from black widow spider bites because they tend to have underdeveloped or weakened immune systems.
In addition, dogs suffering from high blood pressure have a higher risk of death from black spider bites.
Veterinary Treatment
If you notice that your dog has been bitten by a black Widow, you should immediately consult your veterinarian. The vet may order a complete physical examination and blood work.
If your dog develops diarrhea or starts vomiting, it may be helpful to bring a sample for analysis by your vet.
Treatment often includes a period in hospital. This is so that the vet can administer supportive care, including intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, and appropriate medication. In many cases, vets will use anti-venom drugs.
Has a black widow spider ever bit your dog? Did you have to take your pet to the vet to help him recover? Tell us all about it in the comments below.
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