Hobo spiders were once considered poisonous and thought to cause tissue necrosis (cell death) upon biting. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hobo spiders are non-toxic to humans.
Dogs are well tolerant to venomous spiders, but two types of spiders can harm them. Because hobo spider bites have not been formally investigated in the field of veterinary medicine, the consequences of hobo spider bites on dogs are currently unknown. However, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian in the case of any spider bite.
- Although dogs can survive spider bites, occasionally, they may suffer from bite-related health problems.
- Many vets feel that the impaired immune system in a dog is the cause of health problems due to spider venom.
- Despite existing information, there are many varieties of poisonous spiders that are not included in any veterinary scientific literature.
How to identify a hobo spider
Hobo spiders are among the various common spiders seen in the Pacific Northwestern of the United States. These spiders may be difficult to recognize based just on their appearance. Many spiders have long legs, brown bodies, and gray abdomens with yellowish markings.
The funnel-web spider family includes the hobo spider. These spiders use their silk to create funnel- or tube-shaped hiding spots.
A hobo spider has a body length of about one-fourth to half an inch and a leg spread of about one to two inches. There are approximately 200 spider species in the area that resemble one another. These spiders are usually harmless or cause relatively minimal bite responses.
While the hobo spider bite has been described as lethal in the past, fresh data reveals that it is not as severe as previously thought.
How to establish a spider bite on dogs
Symptoms vary depending on the kind of spider that bites a dog. It may be difficult to detect a spider bite on a dog, especially if the dog has a thick coat of fur.
Most bites will show indications of irritation, redness, swelling, or you may notice your dog become restless, yelping or licking the injured region before you see a bite.
If a large amount of venom is released during the bite, symptoms may include muscular soreness, diarrhea, cramps, vomiting, tremors, and anxiety.
Pay attention to any distinctions or the more advanced symptoms. This will help you act early. If your dog's symptoms get more severe or worsen, you should take them to the clinic.
Before you try home remedies for a spider bite on your dog, make sure that the dog is truly bitten. Identifying a spider bite on a dog may be difficult. A common spider bite will most often mimic a bite from any other bug, so there is no need to be concerned right away.
What are the symptoms of a spider bite in dogs?
The two universally serious spider bites are a black widow or brown recluse spider bites. However, due to their weakened immune systems, older dogs are more likely to die because of other spider bites as well. Dogs with high blood pressure are likewise more vulnerable.
Dogs who are bitten by spiders present with the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Drooling
- Weak pulse or increased heart rate
- Trouble walking or standing
- Muscle pain
- Itchiness
- Swelling and redness
- Red, itchy skin
- A bull’s eye mark or a blister
- Pale gums
- Limping
- Anxiousness
- Dead skin around the bite (it is not seen immediately)
- Wound after the dead tissue falls off
How to treat spider bites in dogs
It is not recommended to treat a spider bite at home; immediate medical attention is needed because it may complicate your dog’s condition. A vet treats your dog with necessary antibiotics and antiseptics to reduce the effect of the bite.
- Most dogs will heal completely from a spider bite.
- The recovery time depends on the dog. More severe bites might take months to heal completely and scarring can develop.
- The best thing to do is to follow your veterinarian's recommendations and keep an eye on the bite until it has completely healed.
How to protect dogs from spider bites
The only way to protect your dog is by preventing spider bites, which can be achieved by taking precautions to control the spider population around your surroundings.
- Clean up the untouched spots more frequently
- If you see a spider infestation in your home or kennel, do not leave your dog unsupervised in basements, attics, or sheds
- Avoid stacking up logs or firewood against your house
- Investigate deadly spiders and become familiar with their appearance
- Keep an eye out for any changes in your dog's behavior and inspect them if you suspect something is amiss
- Make use of an excellent deadly spider reference book
SLIDESHOW
When Animal (Allergies) Attack: Pet Allergy Symptoms, Treatment See SlideshowVetter RS. Hobo Spider. The University of California. http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7488.html
Catseye Pest Control. Facts About Hobo Spiders. https://www.catseyepest.com/library/pests/spiders/hobo-spider/
Pendergrass J. Poisonous Bites and Your Pets: Which Insects and Animals to Look Out For. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. https://blog.healthypawspetinsurance.com/toxic-household-insects-and-spiders
Top Are Hobo Spiders Poisonous to Dogs Related Articles
Brown Recluse Spider Bite Picture
The brown recluse spider, also known as the violin spider, is most commonly found in the Midwestern and southern states of the United States. It is brown in color with a characteristic dark violin-shaped (or fiddle-shaped) marking on its head and has six equal-sized eyes (most spiders have eight eyes). Brown recluse spiders are usually found in workplaces with secluded, dry, sheltered areas such as underneath structures logs, or in piles of rocks or leaves. If a brown recluse spider wanders indoors, they may be found in dark closets, shoes, or attics. The brown recluse spider cannot bite humans without some form of counter pressure, for example, through unintentional contact that traps the spider against the skin. Bites may cause a stinging sensation with localized pain. A small white blister usually develops at the site of the bite. The venom of a brown recluse can cause a severe lesion by destroying skin tissue (skin necrosis). This skin lesion will require professional medical attention.
Dangerous Foods Dogs Should Never Eat
Watch this slideshow of the dangerous foods dogs should never eat. Some of us may know about fat trimmings and chocolate, but there are many other foods your dog should avoid. See what they are!
Spider Bites: How to Identify
Do you know what a spider bite looks like? Which spider bites can be fatal? How long does it take to recover from a spider bite? How does spider bite venom work? How do you treat a brown recluse spider bite? How long do spider bites last? Learn about spider bite swelling, treatment, blisters, rash, and symptoms.
How To Tell the Difference Between a Spider Bite and a Mosquito Bite
Learn how tell the difference between a spider bite and a mosquito bite and how to care for each.
Dog Bite
A dog bites about 4.5 million people each year, and about 27,000 will need surgery. Dog bites often become infected and will need medical treatment and management. Make sure that the dog's rabies vaccination is current; if not, rabies treatment may be necessary. A dog bite may cause symptoms and signs like puncture wounds, lacerations, pain, swelling, and redness. Treatment and management of a dog bite in and infant, child, teen, or adult depends upon the severity of the wound.
How Do You Get Rid of Spider Mites Naturally?
Spider mites are small insects that infect garden plants. They live on the undersides of the plant leaves where they may spin protective silk webs. They cause plant damage by puncturing the plant cells to feed. Their webs are super fine and spread densely over leaves and stem without the classical geometric form.
How Do You Keep Spiders Out of Your House?
Spiders are one of the most dreaded pests seen in our homes. Fear of spiders or arachnophobia has been ranked as one of the greatest phobias, along with fear of snakes, heights, and public speaking. However, spiders on a whole aren’t that dangerous. Spiders mainly use their fangs to inject venom into the prey.
How Do You Know if You Have Been Bitten By a Spider?
What is a spider bite? Learn the signs of a spider bite and what to do if you've been bitten by a spider.
Is a Banana Spider Bite Poisonous?
The banana spider is also known as the calico spider, golden silk spider, giant wood spider, Brazilian wandering spider or armed spider. Banana spiders do bite humans and they are poisonous.
Is the Hobo Spider Poisonous?
The hobo spider bites when they feel threatened. This species is frequently confused with other species of spiders, especially the brown recluse spider. The misinformation on hobo spiders is so prevalent that it was previously thought that they can produce necrotic lesions similar to that caused by brown recluse spiders.
Is Your Dog Normal?
Watch this slideshow on a range of puzzling canine customs, from chasing their own tails to rolling around in unmentionables, Many quirky habits are normal in dogs, though a few may suggest hidden medical problems.
Top 12 Behavioral Problems in Dogs
Watch this Dog Behavioral Problems Slideshow which explains how to help eliminate common issues like chewing, excessive barking, aggression, biting, jumping, and begging.
Puppies and Dogs Quiz
Do you really know about puppies and dogs? Learn the ropes or get a refresher course with the Puppies and Dogs Quiz.
Spider Bites (Black Widow and Brown Recluse)
Most spiders in the United States are harmless; however, black widow and brown recluse spider bites may need medical treatment. Symptoms of a harmless spider bite generally include pain, redness, and irritation.
Signs and symptoms of a black widow spider bite include pain immediately, redness, burning, and swelling at the site of the bite. Sometimes the person will feel a pinprick or double fang marks.
Brown recluse spider bite symptoms and signs are a mild sting, followed by severe pain and local redness. These symptoms usually develop within eight hours or more after the bite. Black widow and brown recluse spider bites have similar symptoms, for example, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, and abdominal or joint pain.
Generally, brown recluse and black widow spider bites need immediate medical treatment. If you think that you or someone you know has been bitten by a brown recluse or black widow spider, go to your nearest Urgent Care or Emergency Department for medical treatment.
What Do Spider Bites Look Like?
The appearance of a spider bite varies depending on the type of spider causing the bite. Spider bites often take longer to heal than other insect bites.When Should You Go To the Doctor for a Spider Bite?
Learn what medical treatments can help with your spider bite symptoms and speed up your spider bite recovery.