My dog ate spiders (black widow, brown recluse) — what should I do?
YELLOW — Call your vet today
What to do now
- Call your regular vet today (or a poison hotline if after hours).
- Watch closely for the symptoms below; if they appear or worsen, go to an emergency vet.
- Remove any remaining material and keep packaging/labels — the vet will want product names and amounts.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control expert tells you to.
- Note the time it was eaten, roughly how much, and your dog's weight.
Why it's a problem
Most spiders are harmless; black widow and brown recluse bites can be serious.
Symptoms to watch for
Pain, muscle rigidity (widow), skin wound (recluse).
When: Hours
Frequently asked questions
Is spiders (black widow, brown recluse) dangerous for dogs?
It can be. Most spiders are harmless; black widow and brown recluse bites can be serious. Call your vet today for advice.
What are the symptoms if my dog ate spiders (black widow, brown recluse)?
Pain, muscle rigidity (widow), skin wound (recluse).
How soon do symptoms appear after a dog eats spiders (black widow, brown recluse)?
Hours
What should I do if my dog ate spiders (black widow, brown recluse)?
Call your regular vet today (or a poison hotline if after hours). Watch closely for the symptoms below; if they appear or worsen, go to an emergency vet.
Who can I call for help?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, both 24/7 (fees may apply), or your nearest emergency vet.
Dose guidance
No reliable dog-specific threshold is published for home use, so any amount should be discussed with your vet or a poison hotline.
Sources
Last verified against these sources: 2026-10-13. Where sources disagree, PawPanic uses the more conservative guidance.
Also known as: spider · Category: Garden · Last reviewed 2026-10-14