Discover how to prevent and treat spider bites on your dog
If your dog has been attacked by a wolf spider, should you be alarmed? Fortunately, no. The wolf spider is not poisonous. Their bites could result in slight discomfort, tiny, localized swelling, or itching, which we’ll talk about treating later in the essay. However, they are often not a cause for concern.
Saying this is great until your beloved dog starts to sob uncontrollably, limps, and lifts a foot off the ground, terrifying the life daylights out of you in the process.
Learn what to do instead of panicking by reading on.
The 6 Steps to Treat a Dog Bites by a Wolf Spider
1. Examine the circumstance
Most of the time, you probably won’t even be able to pinpoint the source of this abrupt agony. You won’t definitely know the source unless you see the spider.
Currently, determining if a wolf spider attack is more likely than a more dangerous bite from a black widow, brown recluse, snake, or bee/wasp is crucial. If you believe your dog was bitten by something more dangerous, they will likely need to visit the vet, but if it was a wolf spider bite, they won’t need to (until issues emerge).
2. Remain Calm
Do not panic if your dog suddenly exhibits signs of having been bitten or stung. Your dog will read the situation and stress more if you panic while they are both panicking.
They nearly appear to be thinking, “I knew I should be panicking because the human is panicking!” They will be lot calmer if you maintain your composure.
3. Check for a bite
If the bite from the wolf spider swells, you might be able to find it. However, they most likely won’t bleed enough for you to notice them in that way. Additionally, it’s unlikely that they will swell to the point where you can find them.
The majority of the time, the only indication that your dog was bitten is if they suddenly start to limp, whine in agony, or lift one of their feet off the floor. Or they might suddenly start chewing or scratching a certain area.
Fortunately, the discomfort and swelling are only temporary; they should subside to something slightly less severe after 5 to 20 minutes. But, you know, Huskies, dogs come in various drama levels.
4. Apply a Cold Pack to Ease Pain
If you can locate the specific location and are sincere about helping, a brief period of time using a cold pack may help minimize the discomfort and swelling, but avoid applying the ice to their skin.
Be sure you wrap it just enough to spread the cold. Additionally, do not leave it directly on them for more than two to three minutes without removing it first to make sure the skin is not becoming too chilly.
When applying an icepack to oneself, you may feel when it becomes too cold and take it off, or you can ask someone else to do it so that no damage or cold burns are done. However, a dog lacks those abilities, and an ice pack has a tendency to do more harm than good.
5. Have Them Walk It Off or Get Their Attention
A bite from a wolf spider will heal and disappear fast if left untreated. However, some dogs may lick or gnaw at the sore region, leading to an open wound where they were bitten.
Because of this, it might be preferable to just walk it off. Take them on a pleasant, distracting stroll to prevent them from over-grooming the area and to give them something to do while the stinging subsides.
You can attempt other methods, such as keeping them occupied, watching them, and stopping them from chewing or scratching, if you can’t take them on a distracting stroll. Put the “Cone of Shame” on them if you have one. Although this approach is severe, it is unquestionably the most successful.
The discomfort should rapidly pass. Remember to be patient if you are watching them and interrupting them while they gnaw at the mouthful. Even while it could be frustrating in the moment, keep in mind that you only need to continue this until they feel better; you won’t have to do it forever.
6. Keep an eye out for issues
Even though wolf spider bites typically heal without infection, this possibility exists, particularly if the dog overgrooms the bite and causes skin abrasions nearby. Keep an eye out for infection signs:
- Heat
- Swelling
- Redness
Bring your dog to the vet for medical attention if they show signs of infection after being bitten by a spider.
What Does a Venomous Bites Look Like?
The greatest thing you can do if you’re not sure what bit your dog is to keep a close eye on him. Take them to the veterinarian if they exhibit any of the symptoms listed below.
- Blisters
- Swelling
- Bulls-eye mark can be seen on the skin.
- Flu
- Depression
- pain
- nausea or diarrhea
- Weakness
- extreme pain
Many diseases have several symptoms, so schedule that appointment with the doctor as soon as your dog exhibits any of these symptoms after you know or suspect they were bitten by something. Even one of these symptoms could be a warning indication for future, more serious issues.
Conclusion
Wolf spider bites can be barely uncomfortable or they can be completely invisible. The best course of action is to make sure your dog doesn’t aggravate the situation. Additionally, it could be a good idea to relocate somewhere with no spiders at all.
