Utah is a beautiful state. Of course, we share these gorgeous landscapes with many forms of wildlife, including quite a few spiders. This is definitely something for pet owners to keep in mind, as several of our eight-legged neighbors are venomous. A Syracuse, UT vet offers some advice on keeping your furry best friend safe from spiders in this article.
Unfriendly Neighbors
Most spiders are harmless. In fact, many are beneficial. However, a few of our resident arachnids are quite dangerous. At the top of the list would be the notorious Black Widow, whose venom can be deadly. While they will usually only bite if cornered, that won’t keep Fluffy from batting at one. Next up is the Hobo spider, who loves to live in basements. These guys are feistier than Black Widows, and can be aggressive. They don’t always inject venom when they bite, which is very fortunate because it’s definitely no fun when they do. Their wounds can take a long time to heal. Then there’s the Wolf spider, which is definitely not one of the cuter spider varieties. Their bites can cause painful swelling and redness. Also on our list are the Yellow Sac spider, Desert Recluse, and Huntsman. Make sure you know what these look like, and where they’re most likely to be found. (Hint: most spiders find dark corners, windows, basements, sheds, and little nooks and crannies quite appealing.)
What To Do
Early detection and treatment can make all the difference when it comes to spider bites. It’s a good idea to inspect your furry pal daily, and check for swelling, redness, or soreness. If you know or suspect that Fido or Fluffy has been bitten by a spider, contact your vet immediately. If possible, take a photo of the spider, so it can be identified.
Prevention
With animal care, an ounce of prevention is always worth several pounds of cure. There are some things you can do to make your place less appealing to spiders. Keep debris piles, such as wood piles, picked up, and fill in holes under sheds and doghouses. When walking your pooch, don’t let Fido nose about in nooks and crannies that may be housing spiders. Ask your vet for more information.
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