Toxic to dogs · Bites & stings

Is Black Widow Spider toxic to dogs?

Extreme severity No safe amount — No amount is considered safe.

Yes, Black Widow Spider is extremely toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can be life-threatening, so treat any exposure as an emergency and contact a vet immediately. No amount is considered safe.

Symptoms to watch for

  • severe muscle pain
  • cramping
  • walking drunk
  • tremors
  • paralysis
  • blood pressure changes
  • drooling
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • death

How vets treat it

Treatment includes the use of an antivenom, IV fluids, anti-seizure medications, pain medications, and symptomatic supportive care.

Why it's dangerous

The spider's venom contains a potent neurotoxin that causes massive release of neurotransmitters, leading to severe muscle pain, cramping, and neurological dysfunction.

Toxic compound: a-latrotoxin

Good to know

Female spiders are the primary threat; males are generally considered non-toxic due to small fang size. Immature females are brown and darken with age.

Sources

This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.

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