How to Treat a Brown Recluse Spider Bite in Pets

A brown recluse spider bite can further damage the health of your pet if unattended. If you suspect your pet has been bitten, it’s important to treat a brown recluse spider bite properly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
   A Captured brown recluse spider

   Before you treat the brown recluse spider bite, pull out your camera phone and take a good picture of it for identification. You may also try to carefully catch the spider, but I don’t recommend it. Properly identifying the spider with your veterinarian can ensure that your pet receives the proper treatment quickly.

2. If your cat or dog has been bitten by a brown recluse spider, the area around the bite will swell and become red; the site of the bite will be painful to the touch. Your pet may experience nausea, and a blister will from at the site of the bite.

3. 
   An ice pack will reduce pain and swelling

   To treat a brown recluse spider bite in pets you want to apply an ice pack. While this won’t really address the poison, it will decrease pain and swelling, and possibly prevent skin damage.

4. 
   A Brown recluse bite on human skin

   If it’s a brown recluse bite it will continue to worsen after about 12 hours so you know it’s not just another spider bite. The blister will turn into an open wound, and symptoms of nausea and tissue damage will persist.

5. In treating the brown recluse bite you will also want to wash the site of the wound. This will help prevent infection. Prevent your pet from moving more than necessary and circulating the poison.

6. 
   Your vet will know how to handle the spider bite

   You really can’t properly treat a brown recluse spider bite for your pet; your pet must be taken to the veterinarian. If the spider bite continues to worsen, seek proper care for your pet. Also, see the Pet MD tips for a Brown Recluse Spider bite listed in the resources section.

Resources

• Pet MD Tips for Spider Bites