Last Updated: 25/08/2026
How to Tell if Your Dog Has a Spider Bite (and What to Do Next)
Worried your dog's been bitten by a spider? Learn the signs to watch for, why some bites are especially dangerous, and when it's time to call the vet.
Author: Dr Brittany Ward BVSc
Reading Time: 2 minutes - short read
If there's one thing Australia is well known for, it's our long list of deadly spiders. Pet owners generally know what to look out for themselves, but what about your dog? Here's how to spot a spider bite, what makes some bites more dangerous than others, and what to do if you suspect one.
What does a spider bite look like on a dog?
With a vast number of spiders in Australia, we can see a range of bite reactions as well, although they tend to be non-specific. Often a spider bite is never confirmed, or the species never identified when it comes to our pets.
Most spider bites will induce a localised reaction, and signs can include:
- A thick, red welt at the bite site often associated with tenderness or pain
- General lethargy
- Tissue around the bite site may also die (skin may turn black and start to fall away or discharge)
Most spider bites occur on the muzzle/nose, legs and paws.
Are some spider bites more dangerous than others?
Yes. More severe reactions can occur, such as the Redback Spider. Redback venom affects the nerves, with initial pain at the bite site, followed by full body pain, particularly from touch. Other spiders can cause:
- Paralysis
- Muscle tremors
- Joint pain
- Anxiety/restlessness
- Limping/lifting the paw
- Difficulty walking
- Reduced appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Difficulty breathing
In clinic, confirmed spider bites are actually pretty rare, most presentations are a dog with a mystery localised swelling and no spider ever sighted. That's normal, and it doesn't change how we treat it.
What should I do if my dog is bitten by a spider?
All spider bites should be taken seriously as there is no antivenom available and anaphylactic reactions can occur. Treatment is supportive and based on managing symptoms. If you suspect your dog has been bitten by a spider, take them to the vet immediately.
Spider Bite FAQs
Not sure if it's a spider bite or something else? Our full guide to insect bites on dogs covers mosquito, ant and fly bites too, along with general signs of an allergic reaction, and our guide to bee stings on dogs has specific information about the most common type of sting.
Snake bites are a medical emergency and another common problem in the Australian Spring and Summer months. For information on what to look out for and how to protect your pet, check out our article snake bites in dogs.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Wed 26 Aug 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Brittany Ward BVSc
Veterinarian
Dr. Brittany graduated from James Cook University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and started working in her home town in the Wide Bay-Burnett Region. She has always been excited about working in the veterinary industry, but over the last few years has grown especially fond of dog behaviour and training, surgery and orthopaedic disease.
