Does anyone know what to do in case of a black widow bite on my dog?

Question

I just caught my dog playing with a black widow, its legs were still moving, i got it away and squashed it but I don't know it he got bit by it. He seems to be acting fine, but I don't know if he was bit. any ideas what to do?

He's doing just fine, was just running around and playing with his toys and in the back yard...

He seems to be all worn out from playing but now he is on my bed, laying on his back with his legs in the air, sleeping, no breathing problems, but as long as hes in a stationary spot i think ill just keep checking on him

Answer 1

My dog was bit by a black widow. I think that if it bit your dog, he would be showing it, as it is a very painful bite! My dog had to have treatment, and went home on benedryl, to keep her breathing passages open..She lost all of the hair around the bite area, but within about 10 days she was fine.. I really think your dog got lucky, but the symptoms to watch for would be any swelling, and difficulty breathing..

Answer 2

Keep an eye open for swelling around the bite and if it starts to swell, get him to a vet. I got bit by one a year ago and I was in the ER for 8 hours!

Answer 3

If you see any sore or acting funny you should go to the vet. Don't wait all weekend. Read the symptoms here. It attacks there muscles and respiratory system the will die be case they can't breathe!
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1681&articleid=2395
Toxin
Spider venom

Source
Poisonous spiders such as the female black widows (Latrodectus) and brown recluse (Loxosceles)

General Information
Spider bites affect different areas of the body depending on the type of spider.

Toxic Dose
Varies depending upon species of spider, location of bite, and size and species of animal.

Signs
Black widow spider: Signs of the black widow spider bite include regional tenderness and numbness followed by hyperesthesia. Muscle pain (severe) and cramping of the muscles of the chest, abdomen, back, and other large muscles occur. Abdominal rigidity without tenderness is a classic sign of envenomation by the black widow spider. Seizures are possible. Respiration may be compromised because of the abdominal cramping. Muscle rigidity decreases with time followed by muscle paralysis. Increased blood pressure and heart rate may be seen. Death is caused by respiratory or cardiovascular collapse. Extremely sensitive to black widow spider bites, cats show signs of severe pain, drooling, restlessness, and early paralysis. Death is common in cats.

Brown recluse spider: Initially, bites from the brown recluse spider are not painful. The cutaneous form of reaction is seen within 2-6 hours of the bite with signs of localized pain and redness. A blister is seen within 12 hours of the bite; this lesion often progresses into the classic "bull's-eye" lesion. The skin dies and focal ulceration occurs within 7-14 days. Skin healing is very slow, taking several months, and scars may remain. The viscerocutaneous form with signs of fever, joint pain, weakness, vomiting, seizures, blood disorders, and kidney failure rarely occurs but is possible. Death is more likely if the viscerocutaneous form occurs.

Immediate Action
Identify the spider if possible. Seek veterinary attention.

Veterinary Care
General treatment: The area around the wound will be clipped and cleaned. A cold compress may be used in cases of recluse spider bites.

Supportive treatment: IV fluids and pain medication will be administered, and lab work performed to monitor organ function. For black widow spider bites, additional treatment may include medications for seizures and muscle cramping, and monitoring cardiopulmonary function. For brown recluse spider bites, additional treatment includes debriding the affected tissues, irrigating the affected areas with Burow's solution, and providing antibiotics. If available, hyperbaric oxygen for several days may be helpful.

Specific treatment: Antivenin may be given for black widow spider bites.

Answer 4

Go to the vet - better safe then sorry.

Black widows creep me out.. *eek*

Answer 5

Go to the vet!