Spider and Scorpion Safety for Pets in Oro Valley
By ILoveOV.com Staff
Recently, a concerned Oro Valley resident asked a question that might cross the minds of many desert pet owners:
“My dog was stung by a black spider, 1/4 to just under 1/2 inch. We live in Oro Valley, Arizona. What kind of spiders/scorpions are in our area? Are any of them dangerous?
Living in the Sonoran Desert means sharing our neighborhoods with a wide range of desert creatures, including spiders — and yes, scorpions, too. Most are harmless, but a few are worth knowing about — especially if you have pets.
Common Spiders in Oro Valley
Here are the most frequently encountered spiders in our area, including those that pose health risks:
Black Widow Spider
1. Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus hesperus)
- Color: Shiny black with a red hourglass on the underside (females).
- Size: ¼ to ½ inch.
- Danger: Yes. Venomous to both dogs and humans. Bites can cause pain, tremors, and drooling in pets.
- Where Found: Sheds, patio furniture, woodpiles.
Desert Recluse
2. Desert Recluse (Loxosceles deserta)
- Color: Tan to light brown, with a violin-shaped marking on its back.
- Size: ⅜ to ½ inch.
- Danger: Yes. Bites may cause necrotic skin wounds. Less commonly encountered than people think.
- Where Found: Garages, storage areas, under rocks and debris.
3. False Black Widow (Steatoda grossa)
- Color: Glossy dark brown or black; lacks red hourglass.
- Size: ¼ to ⅜ inch.
- Danger: No. Bites may cause localized swelling but are not serious.
- Where Found: Around windows, eaves, and backyard clutter.
4. Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax)
- Color: Black and fuzzy with white spots and metallic green or blue fangs.
- Size: ¼ to ½ inch.
- Danger: No. Harmless to pets and people. These are active hunters and quite common.
5. Trapdoor / Funnel-Web Spiders
- Color: Black or dark brown, heavy-bodied.
- Size: ½ inch or more.
- Danger: No. Their bite may irritate, but they are non-venomous.
- Where Found: In burrows under rocks, in soil, or ground cover.
What if a Spider bit My Dog?
If your dog is bitten or stung, monitor them closely. Most bites from non-venomous spiders cause only mild swelling or irritation. However, you should seek veterinary attention immediately if you see:
- Swelling that worsens
- Vomiting, fever, or excessive drooling
- Lethargy or weakness
- Signs of pain or stiffness
- A wound that becomes discolored or ulcerated
What If It Were a Scorpion?
Another OV resident recently updated us:
“We think he picked up a scorpion outside, on or in his fur, and brought it into the house. Are they dangerous?”
That’s common here in Oro Valley. The Arizona Bark Scorpion is the most venomous in North America — and it’s native to our region.
Arizona Bark Scorpion
Arizona Bark Scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus)
- Color: Pale tan, long, narrow tail, small pincers
- Size: 1.5 to 3 inches
- Danger: Yes — venomous. Can cause pain, paralysis, or worse, especially in small dogs.
Symptoms of a Scorpion Sting in Dogs
- Whining or limping
- Licking the sting site
- Swelling, vomiting, drooling
- Trembling, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing (severe cases)
What To Do
- Move your pet away from the area
- Wash the sting area with soap and water
- Apply a cool compress
- Contact a vet immediately if your dog is small, a puppy, or shows severe symptoms
Preventing Encounters
- Seal cracks and crevices around your home
- Shake out towels, shoes, and bedding
- Keep yard debris and woodpiles away from the home
- Use a blacklight at night — bark scorpions glow!
Emergency Veterinary Care Close by and in Oro Valley
Veterinary Emergency Group 24/7
7080 North Oracle
520-476-3410
After Hours
141 E. Fort Lowell Road
520-888-3177
VCA Northwest Hospital
10825 N. Oracle, Suite 101
520-742-4148
8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Call with Emergency
Pusch Ridge Pet Clinic
12142 N. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.
520-818-3313
8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Call with Emergency
Protecting Our Pets in the Desert
Donovan – Loved by Spiders and Scorpions
Living in Oro Valley means enjoying the outdoors — and sharing space with desert wildlife. While the idea of a bite or sting can be alarming, most desert spiders and scorpions are not aggressive and bite only if provoked. Still, being informed and knowing what to do can give you peace of mind — and possibly save your pet’s life.
