Which spiders can affect animals?

The redback spider is the main spider in Australia that can cause signs of envenomation in dogs and cats. However, dogs and cats are much more resistant to the venom of redback spiders than people so bites do not commonly make pets sick.

What are the signs of redback spider bites?

In dogs there is initial pain at the bite site followed by restlessness, muscle tremors and weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and irregular breathing. In severe cases the dog may become partially paralysed.

Cats bitten tend to become extremely agitated with drooling of saliva from the mouth, twitching, open mouth breathing and may become inco-ordinated and distressed.

Treatment

Antivenom given in the early stages rapidly abolishes all effects. Animals may respond without antivenom but this can take weeks so the rapid easing of their distress with antivenom should be considered.

Biology

Information about the biology of the redback spider can be found in the General section.