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
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Vetter 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
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