Black Widow Bites in Canine

Black widow spiders (Latrodectus mactans) are tiny bugs which might be solely three to 10 millimeters lengthy. They are often darkish grey to black in shade, and mature spiders have the basic crimson hourglass form on their abdomens. Youthful spiders, nonetheless, might not develop this sample till later in life.

Black widow spiders favor heat, temperate climates like these within the southern United States. They are often present in outside places similar to tree stumps, rodent holes, and piles of leaves. They will additionally arrange webs inside garages, basements, and open buildings similar to barns.

Bites can happen when canine go for walks outdoors or if the spider turns into trapped or by chance stepped on. Black widows usually are not an aggressive spider species and like to cover away from different animals, however in conditions the place they’re confused, they might chew. Typically, this chew is taken into account “dry,” which means that it didn’t break pores and skin or no venom was injected. Sadly, envenomation is profitable greater than 80% of the time.