Introductions

Are Joro Spiders Poisonous to Dogs? My Dog Ate a Joro Spider!

Are Joro spiders poisonous to dogs? Are Joro spiders venomous or aggressive? In this article, we’ll answer everything you need to know about these questions. That includes what to do if you have a dog bitten by a Joro spider, and also the command you’ll need to prevent any future problems between your dog and spiders.

Next, we’ll cover other things you’re going to want to know, such as what to do if your dog ate a Joro spider, how big are Joro spiders, where are Joro spiders from, and Joro spider identification, so you can be sure what you’re dealing with. Finally, we’ll finish by instructing you on how to get rid of Joro spiders. Keep reading!

Are Joro Spiders Poisonous to Dogs?

Are Joro Spiders Poisonous to Dogs?

Joro spiders are not poisonous to dogs. While Joro spiders are venomous, they are not considered to be highly toxic to dogs. Dogs that encounter these spiders are typically safe unless they get bitten, which is quite rare. They then may experience minor discomfort or localized reactions. Always contact your vet if you suspect a spider bite.

Are Joro Spiders Venomous?

Joro spiders are venomous but their venom is primarily designed for subduing their prey, not as a defense against larger creatures like dogs or humans. The venom of a Joro spider isn’t typically harmful to dogs.

If your dog does get bitten, which is rare due to the spider’s non-aggressive nature, you might notice slight swelling, redness, or discomfort at the site of the bite. However, these symptoms are usually mild and subside within a few hours to a few days.

Are Joro Spiders Aggressive?

Joro spiders are not typically aggressive towards larger animals, including dogs. They prefer to retreat rather than confront a potential threat. They are more likely to bite if they feel cornered or directly threatened.

It’s also important to note that only the females are large enough to pierce a dog’s skin; males are too small and their fangs cannot penetrate a dog’s skin.

Training the “Leave It” Command

To avoid any potential issues with Joro spiders, or any other potential dangers, it is beneficial to train your dog to follow the “leave it” command. Here’s a simple way to do this:

  1. Start with a treat in both hands. Show your dog one closed fist with the treat inside, and say “leave it.”
  2. Ignore the behaviors your dog exhibits to get the treat. Once your dog stops trying, give them the treat from the other hand.
  3. Repeat until your dog moves away from the first fist when you say “leave it.”
  4. Next, only give your dog the treat when they move away from it and also look up at you.
  5. Once your dog consistently follows the command, you can practice it with more challenging items, always rewarding them for following the command.

These steps will get your dog to stay away from joro spiders, but it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issues (prey drive, curiosity, overexcitement, etc.) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address those, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.

“Well, how do I make these changes last?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like your dog eating Joro spiders and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog bothering Joro spiders ever again!

My Dog Ate a Joro Spider

are joro spiders venomous?

If your dog ate a Joro spider, there’s generally no need to panic. While Joro spiders are venomous, their venom is not typically harmful to dogs if ingested. However, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your pet and contact your vet if any unusual symptoms occur.

Why Are Joro Spiders Bad?

While the term “bad” might not be the most accurate descriptor, Joro spiders, like all spiders, can be problematic for certain reasons. They are venomous, which means they can bite when threatened. However, their venom is not typically harmful to dogs or humans.

The primary issue with Joro spiders, like any other spider, is that they can become pests if they infest your home in large numbers. Furthermore, their large size and bright colors can scare individuals who are afraid of spiders.

Can Dogs Eat Joro Spiders?

Though dogs shouldn’t eat Joro spiders (or any spiders for that matter), eating one is typically not going to be harmful. This is due to the fact that Joro spider venom isn’t particularly toxic to dogs.

It’s important, though, to keep an eye on your dog for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, or difficulty breathing. If your dog shows any of these symptoms after eating a Joro spider, contact your vet immediately.

Stopping Your Dog Eating Joro Spiders

The best way to prevent your dog from eating Joro spiders is by maintaining a clean environment, both indoors and outdoors. Regular cleaning can reduce the number of spiders around your home.

In addition, teaching your dog the “leave it” command can be highly effective in preventing your dog from eating spiders or anything else they shouldn’t. Learn how to do it in the first section.

In summary, while it’s not recommended for dogs to eat spiders, a dog eating a Joro spider is usually not cause for alarm. However, always monitor your dog for signs of distress after they’ve ingested a spider.

If you notice any worrying symptoms, it’s best to contact your vet immediately. Remember, prevention is the best course of action—keeping your environment clean and training your dog to avoid spiders is the ideal way to protect them. Learn more in the first section.

You should take care of this now so you’ll know that your dog will always behave in the future. That means you won’t have to worry about things like are crab spiders poisonous to dogs, are woodlouse spiders poisonous to dogs, are banana spiders poisonous to dogs, or are trapdoor spiders poisonous to dogs.

Dog Bitten By Joro Spider

If you have a dog bitten by a Joro spider, don’t panic. While a bite from this spider can cause some discomfort and localized swelling, it’s usually not dangerous to dogs. Still, it’s important to monitor your pet for any signs of adverse reactions and to seek veterinary attention if needed.

Joro Spider Bite on Dog

Joro spiders are venomous, but their venom is typically not harmful to dogs. When a Joro spider bites a dog, it can cause localized pain, swelling, and redness. These symptoms are generally mild and transient. However, each dog may react differently and some may have allergic reactions.

If your dog seems excessively uncomfortable, lethargic, or shows signs of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, seek veterinary care immediately.

Immediate Steps After a Joro Spider Bite

If your dog has been bitten by a Joro spider, try to keep your pet calm and examine the bite area. Clean the bite site with warm water and mild soap, and then apply a cold compress to minimize swelling. Monitor your dog for any changes in behavior or health, and contact your veterinarian if any concerning symptoms arise.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

While most spider bites, including those from a Joro spider, result in mild and self-limiting symptoms, it’s essential to seek veterinary attention if the bitten area becomes increasingly swollen or painful, if your dog seems unusually lethargic, or if they have difficulty breathing. These may be signs of an allergic reaction or secondary infection.

Preventing Joro Spider Bites on Dogs

Preventing Joro spider bites on dogs involves maintaining a clean home environment, regular grooming of your pet, and discouraging them from sticking their noses into spider-friendly habitats like wood piles or leaf litter. Training your dog to obey commands like “leave it” can also be beneficial. Learn how to do it in the first section.

In summary, while Joro spider bites can be uncomfortable for your dog, they are usually not dangerous. Always monitor your dog’s behavior after a spider bite and seek veterinary attention if your dog exhibits signs of a severe reaction. Prevention, through maintaining cleanliness and training your dog, is the most effective strategy against spider bites.

How Big Are Joro Spiders?

How Big Are Joro Spiders?

Joro spiders are quite large, with females reaching body lengths of up to 1 inch and leg spans of up to 4 inches. Males are smaller, measuring around 0.3 inches in body length. The large size and striking coloration of these spiders can make them seem quite intimidating.

Where Are Joro Spiders From?

Joro spiders are native to East Asia, particularly Japan, where they are known as the ‘Jorō-gumo.’ In recent years, these spiders have also been found in the southeastern United States, most notably Georgia. Despite their origins, Joro spiders are well-adapted to a variety of environments and can thrive in different climates.

Where Do Joro Spiders Live?

Joro spiders build large, strong orb-shaped webs in shrubs, trees, and tall grasses, where they wait for prey to become ensnared. They prefer habitats that offer a blend of open air for web building and vegetation cover for protection. It’s not uncommon to encounter them in gardens, parks, or forest edges.

Joro Spider Identification

Joro spiders are relatively easy to identify due to their size and color. Females are large and brightly colored with a yellow abdomen adorned with grey-blue bands and red markings. They also have striking golden webs. Males, while smaller, share the same distinct color patterns but are less vibrant. They also lack the typical large abdomen seen in females.

In conclusion, Joro spiders are quite sizable, especially when considering their large leg span. These spiders, originating from East Asia, have established a presence in various parts of the world, including the United States.

They can be easily identified by their large size, vibrant coloration, and the presence of their golden orb-shaped webs. Despite their intimidating appearance, Joro spiders are mostly harmless and play a beneficial role in controlling pests. Learn the command you’ll need to control your dog around them by going back to the first section.

How to Get Rid of Joro Spiders

To get rid of Joro spiders, implement a blend of routine cleaning, yard maintenance, and targeted pest control. Minimizing outdoor clutter, sealing potential entrances to your home, and using professional pest control services can be quite effective. Though Joro spiders are not inherently dangerous, their size and colorful appearance can cause unease, especially around pets.

Joro spiders, known for their striking yellow and blue bodies, are not a threat to humans or dogs, but their size can be unsettling. Therefore, it’s understandable if you want to deter them from settling in your yard or home. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Cleaning Outdoors: Like many spiders, Joro spiders appreciate cluttered areas. Regularly cleaning up leaves, wood, and other garden debris can discourage them from settling in your yard.
  2. Sealing Entry Points: Inspect the exterior of your home for any gaps or cracks. Spiders can use these as entry points to migrate indoors. Sealing these gaps can help keep them out.
  3. Regular Yard Maintenance: Keeping your lawn mowed and bushes trimmed reduces hiding spots for Joro spiders. The less clutter in your yard, the less attractive it is to these spiders.
  4. Professional Pest Control: If the spider population becomes overwhelming or if dealing with it yourself makes you uncomfortable, consider hiring a professional pest control service. They can provide targeted, effective treatment to eliminate Joro spiders.

While Joro spiders may look intimidating, they are not usually a threat to humans or pets. However, maintaining a clean and clutter-free outdoor environment can help prevent them from setting up residence in your yard, keeping both you and your furry friends more at ease. Learn the command you’ll need to keep your dog safe in the first section.

I’m sure you’re ready to have all of this behind you, so I’ll let you get started now. Good luck with everything, and thanks for reading our article “Are Joro Spiders Poisonous to Dogs? My Dog Ate a Joro Spider!”

The Author

KB Williams

KB Williams

Hey there! I'm a dog behavior expert and lover of travel. Since 2016, I've been sharing my knowledge of dog training and behavior while exploring the Pacific Northwest with my two rescues.