Dogs are curious by nature. Every time you bring something new into your home, your dog has to give it a thorough inspection. The same behavior will apply to the outdoors. There is an excellent chance your dog will be sticking its nose into the homes of other animals, which may result in getting bitten. Most spiders won’t be able to pierce your dog’s skin, but there are a few kinds that can. Among these types are several poisonous varieties, such as black widows, which is why it is so important to know the signs of spider bites in your pet.

Common Signs

There are many signs that may indicate that your pet has been bitten. If your dog exhibits any of these signs, you should check for other signs of a bite. It will be important to monitor their behaviors to catch progressing symptoms before they get too bad. Some common signs of spider bites include:

• Swelling of body parts or abnormal bumps
• Fever- keep an animal thermometer around your house to accurately measure your pet’s temperature
• Behavioral changes- if a normally active, enthusiastic pet begins to behave more reserved, there may be an underlying problem
• Lack of appetite- if your pet is ignoring their food, especially if this is out of character for them, you should check for other problems
• Lethargy- many pets can be lethargic at times, but excessive lethargy can indicate a spider bite

What to Do

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more difficult it will be to help your pet.

Spider bites can be deadly for your pet. It is important to ensure that you are always paying close attention to your pet’s behaviors. If you think your pet may have been bitten by a spider, contact us at Borrett Animal Hospital immediately.

Fruits and vegetables are healthy for humans, so they must be healthy for dogs too, right? This isn’t necessarily the case. There are plenty of fruits and vegetables that can add nutritional value to your dog’s diet.

However, it is important to know which fruits and vegetables may be dangerous to your dog. Those precious puppy dog eyes can be hard to resist, so learn about what may make an acceptable treat for your pooch!

Acceptable Fruits and Veggies

Some fruits and vegetables that your dog can eat include:

• Celery- celery is especially helpful to freshen up dog’s breath
• Watermelon- make sure you remove the seeds and rind first to avoid possible intestine blockages
• Berries
• Apple slices- remove the seeds and the core, because apple seeds naturally contain small amounts of cyanide
• Baby carrots- carrots are nutritional and good for your dog’s teeth
• Bananas- bananas can be fed in moderation, but should be used only as a treat due to their high sugar content
• Green beans- these are often used for weight management

Unacceptable Fruits and Veggies

Fruits and vegetables that might be bad for your dog include:

• Avocado- nearly every aspect of avocados are toxic for dogs
• Cherries- cherries contain cyanide
• Grapes and raisins- incredibly toxic and can cause immediate kidney failure in dogs
• Mushrooms- some varieties may be safe for dogs, but it is best to avoid them altogether
• Onions- onions damage a dog’s red blood cells and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea

You give your pet treats because you love them and want to make them happy. It is important to ensure that the treats you give them are safe to consume. If you think your dog has consumed something that will be toxic to them, contact us at Borrett Animal Hospital today!