Spider bites

Spider bites

Only one species is potentially dangerous: the black widow spider or Lactrodectus mactans tredecimguttatus.

Rare, it is a small black spider with red spots. It is found in a few non-urbanized areas around the Mediterranean, in Corsica and in the Southern Alps.
Its bite is practically painless, but within a few hours, the neurotoxin present in the venom will trigger diffuse muscular pain, malaise and abdominal pain.

Take the dog to the vet as soon as possible.

The most frequent complication of all other spider species present in France is a wound at the penetration point of the chelicerae (mandibles with a hole at the end through which the venom exits). This wound then becomes an entry point for numerous bacteria. A good disinfection, quickly applied, is enough to solve this problem.

Rest assured, if your dog shows signs of annoyance after a spider bite, this sign of pain rules out the role of the Black Widow.
Note, however, that a large local spider, Narbonne Lycosis, can also be the cause of very rare cases of envenomation. It only bites if it's handled roughly or if a dog puts its paw on it!

In all cases, if the redness or swelling around the bite progresses, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.

Details: Also available:; Last Updated: 05 September 2024; Hits: 25

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