Bites from a black widow spider cause pets intense pain, either at the site of the bite itself, or as generalized pain that mimics severe abdominal disease. Cats and dogs with black widow bites will often whine and/or howl persistently in discomfort. Swelling, respiratory distress, muscle tremors and drooling often accompany bites from black widow spiders, and in severe cases, paralysis and death can occur.
