(LOOTPRESS) – As Halloween approaches, it’s common to see decorations featuring ghosts, snakes, and spiders, but the toxicology experts at Pet Poison Helpline have a more serious warning—spiders, especially venomous ones like black widows, pose a real threat to pets. A review of case data by the helpline shows numerous reports of suspected black widow bites, but diagnosing the bites can be challenging.
“Severe reactions to black widow spider bites are rare in humans, but pets, especially cats, are more at risk,” said Dr. Renee Schmid, a senior veterinary toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline. “With the thick hair most pets have, it can be hard to find the bite wound, so veterinarians usually rely on symptoms to make a diagnosis.” Pets, like humans, can’t describe what they’re feeling, making diagnosis even more complicated.
One recent case in Reno, Nevada, revealed how dangerous these encounters can be. A pet owner found a black widow spider in his kitten’s vomit. Fortunately, the kitten wasn’t bitten, but Dr. Schmid explained that the outcome could have been much worse if the venom had been injected.
In another case from Vancouver, Canada, a cat named Ice Cream was thought to have been bitten by a black widow after she showed symptoms of difficulty breathing and unsteadiness. However, further examination revealed a bee sting, not a spider bite, as the culprit.
Black widow venom can cause severe reactions in pets, including swelling, inflammation, necrosis, and even organ failure. Cats and horses are particularly susceptible to the venom, and in extreme cases, a single bite can be fatal.
Dr. Schmid emphasized that while spiders are more visible during Halloween, they are a year-round danger. “Even in cold climates, spiders don’t disappear but go into overwintering. Pets can still encounter them in barns, sheds, or homes. If your pet comes into contact with a venomous spider, seek veterinary help immediately.”
Pet Poison Helpline encourages pet owners to be vigilant and has launched Toxin Tails, a campaign that shares real-life cases of poisoning dangers to educate both the veterinary community and pet owners. All pets featured in Toxin Tailsrecovered fully after treatment.
For more information on spider bites and other pet poisoning risks, contact Pet Poison Helpline or consult your veterinarian.
