Mary’s dogs are members of her family. She enjoys writing about her
furbabies.

Spider bites in dogs.

Jared Subia

There Were Spiders in My New Apartment

I recently moved into a small two-bedroom apartment that was built onto an
existing house. This was done to accommodate the owner’s mother-in-law. I
downsized from a large four-bedroom house.

I first began to notice a huge population of ants. These are the kind we
commonly call “sugar ants.” They are attracted to sweets, and they also love
toothpaste and soap. Through research, I now know spiders feed off of these
ants and other insects.

In this article, I will go into detail about my experience with spider bites
and how my dog and I were affected. This includes:

• How My Dog and I Got Bitten by a Spider
• How My Dog Was Assessed and Treated
• How My Dog Healed Over the Course of 2 Months (Photos Included)
• Venomous and Poisonous Spiders in the United States

This is how the wolf spider bite looked on my forearm the day after I was
bitten.

My Dog and I Were Both Bitten by Spiders

One morning, I noticed a red bump on my forearm. It looked like a mosquito
bite and I thought nothing of it. Four hours later, the bump was larger, and
the site was beginning to turn blue. I took an antihistamine and ignored it.
By the end of the day, the site was beginning to swell and turn even bluer. It
was time to see a doctor.

The doctor said he thought this was a spider bite. I live in South Florida
where spiders are quite common, although I had never seen any except for the
harmless daddy-long-legs spider. He said this bite was probably from a brown
recluse or a wolf spider. I was very frightened because I had read about the
brown recluse’s bite. Its bite will cause tissue to become necrotic, and it
will do a lot of damage.

The doctor explained that my bite appeared to be from a wolf spider and that
the bite would not be as bad as the recluse’s bite. He gave me a shot of
antibiotics to ward off any potential infection.

It took almost three weeks for the swelling and bruising to go away on my arm.
We called in an exterminator to do a whole house treatment. I began shaking
out all my bed linens before going to sleep each night!

This is how the spider bite looked like when it first burst.

How I Found the Spider Bite on My Dog’s Shoulder

One night when we were playing with Baby, I felt a lump on her left shoulder.
She already has a lump on her other shoulder that the veterinarian has assured
me is just a cyst, and one I should not worry about it. I thought to myself,
“This is just another lump.”

The following morning, Baby did not act like herself. She seemed lethargic,
and wouldn’t eat, drink, or play. It was obvious she was not well. I kept a
close watch on her all throughout the day. Later that same evening, I saw
blood on her white hair. The lump was swollen and had burst and was bleeding!

How are spider bites assessed?

I Took My Dog in for Emergency Veterinary Care

I called my vet at 8 pm. He said he would meet us at his clinic. I knew this
would mean an emergency charge, but at this point, I didn’t care. I told the
vet exactly what had transpired with Baby.

Scroll to Continue

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Assessing Baby’s Spider Bite

The vet used the clippers to shave away the hair so he could take a good look.
He looked very perplexed. I told him her bite looked exactly like the one I
had, and that my doctor had said mine looked like a wolf spider bite. My vet
said he had never seen a spider bite on a dog before. He said it would be
impossible to know for sure what kind of spider had bitten her unless I had
actually seen the spider. Of course, I had not seen whatever had bitten Baby.

He stuck a needle into the middle of the bite and only bloody serum came out.
He first thought he might lance the bite, but then thought better of that
treatment. He decided it would be better to treat the bite with an antibiotic
injection and an antihistamine. He gave me pills to give her at home and
instructed me to bring her back in two days. He said to call him immediately
if there was any change in her condition.

What to Do After a Spider Bites Your Dog

****Pet owners don’t often know that their dogs have been bitten by a spider.
They may or may not witness their dog experiencing pain. Once bitten, some
dogs may scratch or lick at the bite if it continues to be painful. But, they
may also get bitten and go on along their merry way.

Signs and Symptoms of Spider Bites in Dogs

Initially, some behavioral reaction to the bite itself or licking the site of
the bite would be the only indications that a dog’s been bitten. Depending on
the situation, the spider may or may not have had a chance to inject any
venom, and again, there’s no way to know if any or how much venom is now in
the dog’s bloodstream—because there’s no immediate diagnostic test.

When Is It an Emergency?

In a dog that’s going to react to a spider bite, you may not see anything at
all for 8 to 10 hours. Then, the dog will start showing evidence of severe
pain, maybe with a bit of swelling. A dog that cries when touched, doesn’t
want to move, isn’t eating, or isn’t as active as usual, may have been bitten.
The dog may also shake and pant. This indicates that your dog is in need of
emergent care. If the dog received sufficient venom, its muscles will start to
cramp and the pain can spread to its entire body. If you notice any of the
signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What Kind of Spider Bite Is It?

The vet’s main concern was that this could be the bite of a brown recluse
spider. This would be very serious as the tissue can become necrotic. There
was also the possibility of the bite being from a black widow spider or a more
common spider, the wolf spider.

We have all three of these kinds of spiders where I live in Florida. Any one
of these spiders could cause the reaction Baby had. A lot also depends on the
weight of the dog. Baby weighs 14 pounds, which means it wouldn’t take much
venom to make her sick.

The treatment of spider bites in dogs.

Hyttalo Souza

2 Days After the Spider Bite

After two days, Baby was still lethargic. She wouldn’t eat or play, and drank
very little water. I took Baby in to see the vet again. The vet changed the
antibiotic to a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Baby had a slight fever. All I
could do at this point was to watch her and encourage her to drink water and
eat. I gave her water with a syringe. I cooked chicken for her, and she did
eat a small amount of that.

Treatment for Spider Bites on Dogs

The main treatment for dogs afflicted with spider bites includes antibiotics,
steroids, and supportive care for any other complications that develop. As
mentioned, my veterinarian did not want to open the initial wound but
preferred to treat the bite with antibiotics and steroids.

Below, you can see how the spider bite on Baby progressed over time.

This is how the spider bite looked after three days.

1 / 3

2 Weeks After the Spider Bite

It took Baby a full two weeks to recover from this bite. She remained
lethargic for that two weeks. Slowly, she began to show signs that she was
feeling good again. She returned to her usual running and playing. I cannot
tell you how glad I was to see her back to her old self. I remain very
cautious and afraid of reoccurring spider bites for both me and Baby.

The spider bite is finally healed!

4 Weeks After the Spider Bite

After four weeks since Baby received the wolf spider bite, the wound healed
very well; however, I do believe she will be left with a permanent scar. The
hair that was shaved by the veterinarian has not grown back. I am wondering if
it will grow back. She has beautiful white, curly hair, but she may have to
live with a bald spot! Oh well, I’m not complaining. At least she is alive and
well.

This is my Miniature Schnauzer, Baby, before she was bitten by the spider.

1 / 2

Getting Rid of Spiders in Your Home

I wish I could report that the scary spiders have been found and eradicated
from my home. After two treatments inside and outside by professional
exterminators, I cannot say for certain that the spiders are gone.

I purchased some spider traps and put them all around my apartment. They have
a glue board attached. So far, all I have captured is a lot of ants! My hope
is that we won’t be bitten again. If we are bitten again, I think I will be
moving out!

Poisonous and venomous spider FAQs

The Black Widow Spider

Black widow spiders are more plentiful in the southern and western U.S. but
can be found throughout North America. The red or red-orange hourglass-shaped
mark on their black, shiny abdomens makes black widows easy to identify, and
they sometimes have a bit of red on their backs as well. Although a black
widow leaves an obvious bite mark with two punctures on people, the bite is
not easily found on a dog. The hair on the dog makes a bite difficult to see.

The Black Widow Spider

Texas A&M University

The Brown Recluse Spider

The brown recluse spider is, as its name implies, brown and lives mainly in
the Midwest and South. It is sometimes called a “violin spider,” because of
the dark shape on its head which resembles a violin or fiddle. Unlike the
black widow, the recluse requires pressure against its body to bite. This
pressure would be created, for example, if your dog happened to lie down on
one, which, is usually how dogs get bitten by any spider.

The Brown Recluse

Br-recluse-guy [Public domain]

The Wolf Spider

The wolf spider comes out at night. They have an acute sense of touch. It is
thought that dogs that are bitten by these spiders probably lay on one as they
sleep. I believe one of these bit me in my bed and also bit my dog as she
slept. Symptoms of their venomous bite include swelling, pain, and itching.
They don’t seem to cause necrotic wounds like the brown recluse spider. Some
researchers believe these spiders also live in the grass on lawns.

The Wolf Spider

Texas A&M University

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It
is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription,
or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional.
Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a
veterinarian immediately.

© 2014 Mary Hyatt

Comments

I just killed what looked like a Hobo Spider or It was large, body about 1″
with bags on its head . on August 02, 2020:

It was in my hiding in the corner behind the door, which was next to the
shower stall. It has been extremely hot here this week, I sprayed in the fall
for spiders, around the baseboards doors and windows, but keep finding them
now that its hot out, can’t figure how they are coming in.

Jasmin on July 28, 2020:

Hi I have 15 puppies that are two weeks old near brand and one of the puppies
had gotten bit by spider in the neck what should I do and I don’t know what
kind of spider it got bit by so how can I take care of it without resolving to
go to the vet the swelling is huge and I’m a little worried I have to take him
to the vet anyways huh

Christa murch on July 15, 2020:

My 7lbs poodle mix was bitten by a spider. Probably a wolf spider or a brown
recluse.

It’s been 5 days by now. Our Vetenarian did the right treatment with 3
different antibiotics !

However my little Milo is still struggling to get through this and he
developed other organic symptoms liver pancreas and diabetic symptoms. He is
still on 3 different antibiotics and supportive drip. His vet is doing daily
tests that are being sent to a laboratory. We hope that the results are good.
I read that treatment like this could last more than 2 weeks up to 4 weeks. So
I am hopeful !

Pleb on October 31, 2019:

A wolf spider wouldn’t do that kind of damage. Looks like a brown recluse.

Blade on August 11, 2019:

It looks rather severe for just a wolf spider bite, which is pretty rare as
they usually flee. I have even tried provoking a wolf spider, but unless you
trap them, like try to squish them, they are hesitant to bite. Brown recluse
are more aggressive and will bite more readily. The doc may be right, but it
would be helpful to see a specimen of the spiders infesting your house to be
sure?

Angela on July 24, 2019:

Leave glue traps all the stuck ants are bait for the spiders. Orkin told me
that. Also wolf spiders eat brown recluse, my shack in the woods is infested.

John O on May 16, 2019:

I am trying figure out what but my dog. My dog had 2 small scabs on her nose
and it started swelling. I thought it was a puncture wound from rusty nails
and took her to the vet. The vet just looked at it and prescribed a topical
antibiotic. I was out of town for a while after that withmy friend watching
the dog, but the 2 scabs merged and kept growing on her nose until it was over
2” wide and 1” long. The scab growing was the concern and increased over 2
weeks. I’m in Texas also and she is a 50 lb pit mix. She never got lethargic,
but scratched at the nose to try and peel off the scab which the majority of
it has peeled off with pink skin below at this point. There is still an outer
edge of the scab around her nose. I may bring her in again just for review,
but going to a different vet. The swelling did go down, but she absolutely
hated the topical ointment and wanted to bite anyone applying it. I still have
no clue what caused it, but know the scab kept growing in size around her nose
over a couple of weeks. May take her in tonight, but I described the symptoms
to my friend who works at a vet and she thinks the scab growing larger was a
symptom of a bite. The fact that there were 2 scabs makes me think a snake,
but no clue what did it yet. I think a venomous snake would do more damage and
I’ve never seen any near my house.

Lnn on February 16, 2019:

Did you keep the wound open to air out or with a gauze or bandage?

Darlene in SC on December 23, 2018:

Be careful! My sheltie was bitten by a brown recluse spider(s). First sign was
total paralysis of back half of body including legs, screaming in pain,
extreme panting, constant body shaking. Was treating for spinal stroke,
however hair was covering bites. Multiple 4 inch areas already necrotic black
by the time the specialists identified bites. At least 3 areas, maybe more.
$8000 later, 1 week in vet specialist hospital, and now 1 week home on 5
medications, sheltie is beginning to walk again. Has 25 staples from surgery
to remove necrotic tissues. Walking like a drunk sailor now, but 3 weeks after
event learning to walk again. Have not found source of bites. Can kill your
dog. Mine was 1 1/2 years old and still had a very hard time. I am 74 and also
had a very hard time taking care of immobile 30 lb pet, expelling urine, and
carrying him up and down steps. But he is lovely and will walk for Christmas.
No better gift from God!

Natalie on June 27, 2018:

Thank you for posting this! I just took my Beagle to the vet this morning with
what was apparently a Wolf Spider bite. It looks exactly like the bite on your
little dog. I never would have thought a Wolf Spider could do something like
this. You live, you learn I guess.

Sandra on May 22, 2018:

You story was very informational thank you. My Maggie had a red bump bout the
size of a marble to appear one morning, I’m not really sure what it was but
she really didn’t act any different. I started putting hemp oil on it and it
seem to start to flatten out after about a week. It looks as if it is healing
and getting smaller. It’s been about 3 weeks now, not inflamed anymore and
going away. After reading your story I do believe it was a spider bite.

Suzanne on May 01, 2018:

I also have a problem with Wolf Spiders but I sprayed around the exterior
doors and windows with a Euculyptus solution and put cedar mulch in the flower
beds and that has helped tremendously.

Karen on March 27, 2018:

My dog has a lil white pimple on her head what coyld this be?

Rachel Tuckett on January 13, 2018:

Dog home. $10

Michelle Bradley on March 06, 2017:

Spiders perform a useful task in our ecosystem. They keep flies and disease
carrying mosquitoes down. Usually they are shy unless provoked or protecting
eggs. I think we should be able to live together harmoniously. F I find a
poisonous spider in my house I remove it to the outside where it can hunt
prey. Live and let live. The same goes for snakes 😉

miss cellany on May 23, 2016:

I’ve coexisted peacefully with the spiders in my flat for 6 years or so, never
been bitten.

Last night though, my dog’s face was swollen (she looked like a sharpei) I
assume it must have been a spider bite as it was too late for bees or wasps to
have been out and about. Poor girl! I put baking soda and water mixture on her
face and she went to sleep – not sure whether to take her to the vet or not.
Swelling looks like it’s coming down now.

stella vadakin from 3460NW 50 St Bell, Fl32619 on March 01, 2016:

Hi, I wanted to read this on the spiders as we have a new spider it has a
bright green on it. I have been bit two times, and it leaves a black and blue
mark. I had the house exterminated and so far so good. I am glad you are fine.
Watch out for the new green and black spiders, people think they were brought
to Fl. and mixed with our Fl. spiders.

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on December 22, 2014:

Hi, LindaSarhan I still am on guard at all times! I shake out my bed linens
before going to bed at night, and I am on the lookout all the time for spider
webs in my apartment!

Baby’s hair is finally growing back, but it looks like the hair will be
straight instead of curly. Isn’t that strange? Oh, well, at least she isn’t
bald from the bite. Thanks for reading and commenting, Mary

Linda Sarhan from Lexington KY USA on December 22, 2014:

cringes I do not like spiders at all, but those wolf spiders have a special kind of attitude. I am glad that your dog is better.

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on December 15, 2014:

Hi, peachpurple. Yep! Whenever I see a spider now, I don’t try to find out if
it is poisonous or not. I smack him! I never want to go through this
experience again!

peachy from Home Sweet Home on December 15, 2014:

so next time when i see a spider, regardless of type, should i use my sandles
and smack them to death?

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on November 20, 2014:

Hi, DDE, this was really a scary experience for me and Baby. I just hope we
are never bitten again!

Wonder if you have spiders in Croatia? They are very common here in Florida.

Yes, we are fine now, although I think Baby will have a permanent scar. The
hair is not growing back (yet). My best, Mary

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on November 20, 2014:

These photos look scary. Just to think of what those spiders can do to one is
frightening. I am glad you wrote about it. I know more from your experience.
Hope all is well now?

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on November 07, 2014:

Yes, I was really worried about Baby! I just hope it never happens again to
either of us! I still live in fear of these spiders.

Thanks for reading and commenting, Mary

Victoria Lynn from Arkansas, USA on November 07, 2014:

I’m so glad you both are better. Poor Baby. I would be so scared for my dog.
And for you, too! The pictures really show how awful the bite were!

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on November 05, 2014:

Hi favored, Thank so much for reading about my experience with a spider bite.
Although it seems to be rare for a dog to be bitten by a Wolf spider because
of their hair, it can really happen. What a scary experience!

Thanks for sharing so other pet owners may be aware.

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on November 05, 2014:

Hi, teaches12345 You know, I have lived here in FL. since 1965, and I’ve seen
all kinds of poisonous snakes, scorpions, etc. but this was my first encounter
with a spider bite!

I’m not sure I am rid of them to tell you the truth. I can only hope!

Fay Favored from USA on November 05, 2014:

I saw this post a few days ago but waited to read it so I wouldn’t rush. Thank
you for posting this important information along with the photos and video.
Making sure to add this to my pet board and sharing it as well. Glad you two
are doing better.

Dianna Mendez on November 05, 2014:

Those wolf spiders are so big! Living here in the south, one must be cautious
and look out for these spiders. I hope you are rid of them and never
experience a bite again, Mary.

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 31, 2014:

When we first moved to Florida, I killled a Daddy Long Legs spider and Hubby
had a fit! He told me never to kill one of those as they ate harmful bugs and
other spiders. I guess he was a “normal” house spiders! I don’t like any of
them!!

Nell Rose from England on October 30, 2014:

We have normal house spiders, they are horrible but they don’t bite, but we do
have something called a false widow, which does bite, but has only recently
been discovered, yuck!

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 30, 2014:

Hi , drbj. How nice to see you!! I’ve never been exactly fond of spiders; I
just left them alone, but now I am very afraid of the Wolf Spider!!

I live in fear that we will get another bite from one of these spiders.

Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Mary

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 30, 2014:

Hi, Nell, I wish I could say I have caught some spiders in those traps, but I
have not! I just keep catching ants, but since the spiders feed on the ants, I
guess that’s a good thing.

Yes, I’m very careful now with the bed linens.

Wonder if you have these pesky spiders where you live? I hope not.

Thanks for reading and commenting, Mary

drbj and sherry from south Florida on October 30, 2014:

I have never liked spiders, Mary, and now after this devastating experience
for both you and Baby, I like them even less. So sorry that you both suffered
so much from this poisonous spider bite and hope it NEVER recurs.

Nell Rose from England on October 30, 2014:

I am glad you are both recovering now from those awful spider bites. good idea
to put traps down, but it must be awful to think you may be bitten in the
night again. Just make sure your bed is well away from the wall, in fact the
further into the room the better, don’t let the bedclothes hang down to the
floor, and give a quick check before getting in as you said, horrible things
spiders!

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 30, 2014:

Hi, Peggy W Yes, this was a very scary experience being bitten by the Wolf
Spider! At least that is the spider the Drs. suspected. We are both recovered
now, but I live in fear that we may be bitten again!

Thanks so much for reading, commenting, and sharing with others. My best to
you, Mary

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on October 30, 2014:

Wow Mary! What a scary experience for you as well as your precious dog Baby. I
am glad you have both recovered. Sharing this information with others. Hope
neither one of you is ever bitten again!

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 30, 2014:

Hi, Lissa Clason. What a horrible experience to be bitten multiple times by a
Wolf Spider!! I can’t imagine. Just the one bite was bad enough for me. I can
just see in my imagination how bruised you must have been. I’ll bet you shake
out your jacket like I shake out my bed linens!

Yes, thank you, Baby and I are both fine now, Mary

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 30, 2014:

Hi there, oceansnsunsets Oh, how nice that you remembered my Hubs about my old
house! Those “tours” are still here. I had a lot of blood, sweat and tears in
that old house, but it was time to let it go.

My grandchildren still cry over the loss of the house, because they spent so
many happy hours there.

I like my little apartment, I just have to get rid of the spiders somehow! I
don’t want to share my space with them. I wish you well with your new job; I
hope you will enjoy it. Bye for now, Mary

Melissa Clason from Fayetteville, NC on October 29, 2014:

I had a terrible experience with wolf spiders last March. A mother wolf spider
left her egg sac in my jacket pocket, probably in the very dusty chorus
classroom, and the babies hatched without warning while I was walking to my
next class. They were crawling all over me and it felt like a scene straight
from a horror movie. I was black and blue all over from the bites, and became
swollen like a hot air balloon for about a month. I’ve got a few scars left
from the really bad bites. I’m sorry that you and Baby were bitten, it’s very
unpleasant and painful. I’m glad that you two are okay now.

Paula from The Midwest, USA on October 29, 2014:

Mary, I hope you grow to like your little apartment more and more over time. I
am sure you miss the other, and I love that you documented so much of that
house for us to see and share in on HP. I remember it in my mind, the little
“tours” you gave and the stories of the house, in pictures. I loved that. Yes,
another challenge in life, they seem to keep on coming don’t they? I miss some
of the homes I had in the past, very much. They are such a special part of our
memory though.

I wouldn’t blame you for wanting to move if it can’t be corrected from the
spiders. Maybe as the seasons change it will get better? I know it doesn’t get
as cold there though. I did have a good day, so thank you for that! I am
starting a new part time job, and it went well. 🙂 Talk soon, take care!

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 29, 2014:

Hi, Mel Carriere, where in the world can I go to avoid these dangerous
spiders? I think they are all over the world!

If we don’t soon rid my apartment of spiders, I’ll be looking to move
elsewhere!! We have Black Widows here, too, although I have never seen one.

Thanks for reading and the nice compliment on my Hub about the spider bite on
my dog. My best, Mary

Mel Carriere from Snowbound and down in Northern Colorado on October 29,
2014:

That’s horrible. I would start packing. I am always running across spiders in
mailboxes but have yet to be bitten. One of my co-workers was bitten by a
black widow and was out for weeks. Great hub!

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 29, 2014:

Hi, AliciaC Thank you so much. Yes, I was very worried about my little dog
after she was bitten by the spider. My bite didn’t make me sick like Baby’s
bite, though, it just looked pretty bad!

Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Mary

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 29, 2014:

Hi there, travmaj I am used to seeing many insects here in Florida, but this
is the first time I’ve encountered spiders!! Wonder what kind of spider bit
your sister-in-law. It must have been a bad one for it to still be bothering
her! I wish I knew of a way of preventing our dogs from these bites.

Thanks for reading about Baby and me and our spider bite. So nice to see you,
Mary

Zulma Burgos-Dudgeon from United Kingdom on October 29, 2014:

Hope it goes well. Maybe you could drill a small hole in some of them and make
a decorative mobile or something…hmmm, my mind tends to drift; don’t mind
me. 🙂

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on October 28, 2014:

I’m so glad that Baby has recovered, Mary. She must have had a miserable two
weeks. Your wound looks like it was very unpleasant, too! Thanks for sharing
the useful information about your experience and about dangerous spiders.

travmaj from australia on October 28, 2014:

Glad you and Baby are both well again, how distressing. As Jodah mentioned we
have many spiders and creepie crawlies here in Australia. My sister-in-law had
a nasty spider bite three weeks ago and it is still troubling her. I hadn’t
thought that maybe my dog Nell could be bitten. I will be most careful after
reading your advice. Glad you are both ok.

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 28, 2014:

Hi, sheilamyers I suppose cats could be bitten by spiders, too, but I would
think their hair would protect them somewhat. Baby has pretty long hair, and I
would have thought her hair would have kept the spider from biting her. Good
thing he didn’t bite her on her tummy!!

Too bad you have a spider problem in your house. I never did before this
happened.

Thanks for reading and commenting, Mary

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 28, 2014:

Hi, tillsontitan, Oh yes, when our beloved pet is sick or injured, it hurts
us, too! I was very worried about Baby, and was so happy when she was well
again. Yes, I am hoping that by keeping the ants out will prevent the spiders
from coming back.

Thanks so much for reading and commenting, and for the votes, Mary

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 28, 2014:

Hi again, phoenix2327 Thanks for coming back with that additional info. We
have a market nearby that sells these kinds of produce. So I will peel off the
protective layer before I use them. I will let you know the outcome. I will
put them ALL over my apartment!

Thanks again, Mary

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 28, 2014:

Hi, Iris. Oh dear, those Brown Recluse spiders give a nasty bite. My doctor
didn’t think that is what bit me because of the bruising. There may be a
treatment for dogs for the Brown Recluse, but I was unable to find out
anything about that in my research. You are lucky your tissue didn’t get much
worse. I saw photos on the internet of those bites and the results!! I’m glad
there was treatment for your bite.

Thanks for reading and for your comment, Mary

sheilamyers on October 28, 2014:

I’m gad you’re both okay now. Thanks for sharing the information. I find the
occasional spider in my house and have been bitten a couple of time, but none
of them have been the dangerous ones. I think what you said about your dog
could also apply to cats so, if my cat ever starts acting strange, I’ll be
sure to look for anything unusual.

Mary Craig from New York on October 28, 2014:

How scary for you and Baby. It is so hard to watch our dogs suffer since they
can’t tell us how they feel and we love them so much.

I’m glad things have worked out for both of you and hope the spiders are gone
for good. Maybe keeping the ants away will keep the spiders away.

Voted up, useful, and interesting.

Zulma Burgos-Dudgeon from United Kingdom on October 28, 2014:

Well, there is a majestic chestnut tree on the corner of our street. My
daughter picked the ones that had dropped, peeled off the outer, protective
layer and placed the chestnuts on her windowsill. They do have a limited
effect, though. Her area is fine but my other daughter reported one in her
room today, so we’re putting some in there as well. She really hates spiders.

Cristen Iris from Boise, Idaho on October 28, 2014:

Mary, I was bitten by a brown recluse many years ago. Baby’s bite looks
similar in size and color; however, my wound didn’t have much blood, only
necrotic tissue. They put me on an anti-leprosy drug until the main wound
healed. I’m curious to know if there is such a treatment for dogs.

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 28, 2014:

Hello again, oceansnsunsets Yes, I had to give up my beloved house. I could no
longer afford to keep it up. I miss it very much. It was home for 30 years. I
have adjusted to my tiny apartment OK, though. Just another challenge in life!

The bruising on my arm is what gave the Dr. the idea it was a Wolf Spider
instead of a Brown Recluse. Plus the fact the Wolf is not an aggressive
spider, but will bite if touched.

I hope you have a wonderful day! Mary

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 28, 2014:

Hi, again phoenix2327 I forgot to ask: Do you just throw the chestnuts around
the house unshelled? I’m going to buy some!!

Zulma Burgos-Dudgeon from United Kingdom on October 28, 2014:

Indeed you can. Why didn’t I think of that?

Paula from The Midwest, USA on October 28, 2014:

Sure thing Mary, and it is so nice to see you also. I feel out of the loop
with you, and didn’t realize you had moved out of your little house. My job
had been keeping me extra crazy busy there for a while, and there was no time
for my online sites.

As for a possible snake bite with Molly, I bet that is what it was! You have
the experience of seeing the results of such bites way more than me. She
seemed fine and it went away but I did have an appointment for her just in
case. It went down, and we never ended up going but I always wondered. Thank
you, and so glad you are both ok. I got a bad bite once when putting on a
sweater after moving into a new place. It had been in a closet in a box, I was
in college actually. I felt it bite my arm and I panicked and reached my hand
up into the sweater with large sleeves, and kind of pulled it out and did a
“heebie jeebie” dance, even though I wasn’t scared of spiders usually, lol.
What was I thought no big deal, I had to get medical attention for later for
how crazy that bite site changed and looked, red, then lines, then all kinds
of stuff. Still, never quite the bruising you got. I bet it all settles down
over time, but they just maybe get agitated with a lot of new activity I hope?
Talk later Mary, have a great day.

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 28, 2014:

Hi, phoenix2327 Here in Florida, we have many different pests who invade our
homes! I can live with most of them, but NOT spiders! I will certainly buy
some chestnuts, thank for that suggestion. I can always roast some of them,
too.

Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Mary

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 28, 2014:

Good Morning, Bob. Yes, I’m thinking we both rolled over onto a Wolf Spider
during our sleep. I never felt anything, and Baby did not yelp, either.

Thanks so much for reading and for the votes, Mary

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 28, 2014:

Hi, Jackie, I never heard of using vinegar to keep the spiders at bay! I use
vinegar for general cleaning. I hate the smell, but I’ll do anything to
prevent another spider bite! I have not caught any spiders in the traps I
bought.

I feel like I am at war with an unseen enemy! My best, Mary

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 28, 2014:

Hi, oceansnsunsets, Yes, this has been quite an ordeal, but we are both fine
now. Your experience with Molly reminds me of all the times we saw dogs that
came into our Vet. clinic with snake bites on their noses. They see a snake
and stick their noses right down to sniff the snake!

So nice to see you, thanks for reading and commenting, Mary

Zulma Burgos-Dudgeon from United Kingdom on October 28, 2014:

Glad to hear you and Baby are better.

We live in a rural village so getting spiders in the house is inevitable.
There is an old wives tale that if you put chestnuts in a room the spiders
will avoid it. My daughter tried this and we haven’t seen any spiders for a
couple of months now. Hope it lasts cause there won’t be anymore chestnuts
till late August/early September.

Bob Bamberg on October 28, 2014:

What a terrible couple of episodes, Mary. So glad you and Baby are OK. This is
an interesting hub, full of helpful, well-documented information. My thought
was that you and Baby must have brushed against, or rolled onto the spiders. I
didn’t realize that Black Widows would bite unprovoked. Terrific hub…voted
up, useful and interesting.

Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on October 27, 2014:

So horrible; Mary and I have spiders too but I read somewhere here at HubPages
that sweeping your walls (sponge mop or cloth wrapped round a broom) with
white vinegar kills them and prevents them. I don’t know but I have been doing
that and am not noticing any. I just do it once a week whether I see any or
not! I leave them alone outside but they are not welcome in! Thanks for
sharing.

Paula from The Midwest, USA on October 27, 2014:

Hello Mary, oh my goodness! This is awful. Reading the story was one thing,
but seeing the pictures was another thing altogether. I am so glad you are
both over your bites. I recall my dog Molly getting bitten on her lip or
cheek. I don’t know what it was, but she swelled up on her nose and lip area
very bad. It looked so pathetic, but wasn’t anything like what you went
through with your Baby. I hope the spider situation gets better, not worse in
the future. Take care Mary.

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 27, 2014:

Hi, Faith Reaper. Yes, thank you, we are both fine now, but I have to tell
you, I was very worried about Baby. It’s so nice to see her back to her old
self.

Thanks so much for the votes, the Tweet and the Pin, I appreciate that, Mary

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 27, 2014:

Hi, FlourishAnyway Yes, my Baby is a real cutie, I think! When I was bitten, I
did not feel a thing. I sleep very soundly but you would think I would have
felt it when it bit me. Also, I never heard Baby yelp in pain when she was
bitten, either.

I’m glad your bite was not severe. It would be nice if you knew what spider
bit you. Thanks for reading and commenting, Mary

Faith Reaper from southern USA on October 27, 2014:

Oh, I am so happy Baby and you are doing well now! How scary. I am terrified
of spiders, and we have plenty down here in the deep South.

This is good information here.

Up ++ tweeting and pinning

(((Hugs)))

FlourishAnyway from USA on October 27, 2014:

So sad that this happened to you both, and I am glad you have both recovered.
Baby is a cutie pie. Those bites on both of you were nasty. I was bitten this
summer by a spider, I believe, on the foot. It was a sharp pain and the area
swelled and became very itchy and hard for about a week. It was red and then
bruised but nowhere as badly as your wound. I don’t know what type caused it.

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 27, 2014:

Hi, Jodah. I’ve never seen a black widow spider and I hope I won’t either! I’m
sure that was a scary experience when your daughter was bitten by the spider.

Yes, we are both fine now, but it was pretty scary for a while. Thanks for
reading, commenting and the votes, Mary

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 27, 2014:

Hi, always exploring, I was never afraid of spiders until this happened, now I
live in fear!! I have a large black snake who live in my yard. I like them
because they eat rats. He just startles me when I almost step on him.

Thanks for reading and commenting, Mary

John Hansen from Gondwana Land on October 27, 2014:

Ink ow the feeling Mary. Here where I live in Australia we have lots of
spiders and other creepy crawlies,luckily neither us humans or our pets have
been bitten as far as I know. Years ago my daughter Jody was bitten by a red
back spider (your black widow) at school. She had to go to hospital and
suffered some paralysis in one leg for a time but nothing serious. I found a
six inch centrepiece in the bathroom the other night and quickly relocated
that. Glad you and baby have recovered. Voted up.

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on October 27, 2014:

I am so very afraid of spiders, any kind! This is my first to see a spider
bite up close, terrible! I certainly hope the exterminators were able to get
rid of them all.. I had two baby snakes in my driveway this morning, I didn’t
kill them , just swept them out in the yard with my broom, I’m scared of them
too. I think it must be that time of year when creepy things come out. Yipes!

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 27, 2014:

Hi, there, billlybuc I have a daughter who just moved to Oregon. She tells me
all the time I should get out of Florida where we have so many critters that
bite folks!

Thanks for your well wishes; we are all better now.

Mary Hyatt (author) from Florida on October 27, 2014:

Hi, colorfulone Yes, this has been a very scary event in my life! Thanks for
being the first person to comment on my new Hub!

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on October 27, 2014:

My goodness that is scary. Thankfully we don’t have those spiders here. I’m
sorry this happened to you and your dog, Mary. I hope thing improve rapidly.

Susie Lehto from Minnesota on October 27, 2014:

I am glad that you and Baby are both doing well after those spider bites. It
is scary to think of what a little bite can do. We do have Wold Spiders around
here, and I do have some of those sticky traps that work very well.

Stay safe!