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 Skyline Animal Hospital immediately.
