How To Introduce Your Dog To A Tarantula?

Do you want to introduce your dog to a tarantula? Find out how to bring these two animals together safely, without hurting your dog or your spider in the process.

How To Introduce Your Dog To A Tarantula?

Ease into introducing your dog to a tarantula. Don’t force the two to get along right away.

Let them get used to each other’s scents. Then, slowly bring them closer together until neither animal shows signs of being nervous or aggressive.

How Well Do Dogs And Tarantulas Get Along?

Both dogs and tarantulas have predatory instincts. Although most dogs are more a part of their human family than their ancestral wolf pack, they still have an internal drive to find prey.

And to some dogs, a tarantula might seem like a good snack.

Similarly, tarantulas are also driven to find prey. A large dog would be more of a threat than a treat, but miniature breeds may tempt a tarantula to take a bite.

Can A Dog And A Tarantula Be Friends (BFF)?

It is unlikely that a dog and tarantula would become friends. However, stranger things have happened and it could be possible that your dog and tarantula could develop a friendship!

Just keep in mind some of the advice shared below before trying to match your spider and pup as BFFs.

How To Introduce Your Dog To Your Tarantula [Step By Step]

As with any new pet introductions, take it slow. Try introducing them over several days or a week using these steps:

With the tarantula in its cage and out of the dog’s reach, bring the dog into the same room as the tarantula.
If the dog doesn’t show any signs of nervousness or agitation (i.e. stalking the tarantula, barking, crying, drooling), bring the caged tarantula closer to the dog.
Keeping the tarantula in its cage, let the dog sniff the tarantula.
If both animals seem calm, keep the caged tarantula near the dog for several days or weeks to increase familiarity.
If you decide to handle your tarantula, allow your dog to sniff your hands after touching the spider. Watch for frantic reactions.
If the dog is generally calm around the caged tarantula and doesn’t overreact to its scent, you might be able to allow the dog to be near you when you are handling the tarantula.

A tarantula is very fragile and could be killed if a dog accidentally stepped on it or bit down on it. It is not recommended to let them interact unattended.

Do Dogs Get Jealous Of Tarantulas?

Some dogs might be jealous of tarantulas, especially if you are not giving the dog as much attention as they are used to receiving.

When you bring home the tarantula, be sure to give your dog lots of extra love and attention.

Why Do Some Dogs And Tarantula Don’t Get Along At All?

Some dogs and tarantulas won’t get along. It might be because of those predatory instincts or it might be because the dog does not want to share their space or their family.

If a dog shows signs of stalking the tarantula, pacing near its cage, or drooling while watching it, that might mean the dog thinks of the tarantula as food.

If the dog tries to knock over the tarantula’s cage, barks at the tarantula, or whines when you get near it, that might mean jealousy. It could even mean the dog thinks the tarantula is a threat to you.

How Can I Safely Determine How My Dog Will React To My New Tarantula?

The only way to really know how your dog will react to a new tarantula is to introduce them. But you can also think about your dog’s temperament.

Does your dog like other animals? How does your dog react to strangers or to guests in your home?

If your dog is not big on other people or animals, you might think twice about bringing home a tarantula.

Do Dogs Eat Tarantulas?

Unless your dog is prone to eating small animals, it probably won’t eat a tarantula.

But if it does, the spider’s hairs will likely irritate your dog’s throat. It will probably come back up before it can be digested.

How To Keep My Dog From Eating My Tarantula?

The best way to keep your dog from eating your tarantula is to keep the spider in its cage. If you take the tarantula out, just be sure to stay with both animals.

If your dog is not one to eat small animals, you probably don’t have much to worry about anyway.

Why Did My Dog Attack My Tarantula?

Your dog might have attacked your tarantula because it:

felt threatened by the tarantula
thought the tarantula was threatening you or a family member
was feeling a little jealous of the tarantula
wanted to eat the tarantula

How Can I Train My Dog To Not Attack Tarantulas?

As with teaching your dog to sit or stay, teaching it not to attack your tarantula requires consistency and patience.

Try these methods:

Get the dog familiar with the tarantula’s scent.
Give the dog treats when it stays calm near the tarantula
Pet and speak kindly to the dog when the tarantula is near
If the dog shows aggression or agitation toward the tarantula, firmly say “no” and try again later. Reward the dog when they show positive behavior.

My Dog Ate My Tarantula What Should I Do?

If your dog does eat your tarantula, call your veterinarian. Although the venom probably won’t hurt the dog, the tarantula’s hairs can cause irritation to the dog’s throat and stomach.

Can You Raise A Tarantula With A Dog?

Raising a tarantula with a dog might yield the best results. They will know each other from the start and won’t have to spend time getting used to each other.

Are Tarantulas Harmful To Dogs?

Tarantula venom is not strong enough to harm most dogs. At worst, it might be like a bee sting.

But a small dog or a dog with severe allergies might react more strongly to a tarantula bite.

Tarantula hair could also bother dogs with extreme sensitivity.

What Dog Breeds Are Good With Tarantulas?

Calmer dog breeds, like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and other spaniels, might be a good match for tarantulas.

Tarantulas are very delicate and shouldn’t be allowed to “play” with a dog.

What Dog Breeds Are Not Good With Tarantulas?

Dogs that exhibit aggressive or territorial behavior might be a bad choice for pairing with a tarantula.

Are Tarantulas Scared Of Dogs?

Some tarantulas may be scared of dogs. Signs that a tarantula is scared include:

Overactivity
Bald spot on abdomen
Hiding behind its own legs
Extending its first two legs in the air

Why Is My Dog Is Obsessed With My Tarantula?

Dogs are curious creatures. Your dog might just want to know what this tarantula is all about.

Help your dog get to know the tarantula by allowing it to sniff an object that has been in contact with the spider.

If your dog is a little too obsessed – following the spider or drooling near its cage – it’s probably best to separate them. This might mean your dog thinks the tarantula is food.

Why Is My Dog Whining At My Tarantula?

If your dog is whining at your tarantula, it might mean they are curious, jealous, or even a little bothered by the spider.

Try to get your dog used to the tarantula’s scent first. Then you can judge whether the dog’s whining is out of curiosity or something else.

How To Introduce A Tarantula To A Dog?

Introduce the tarantula to your dog slowly. Start by letting the dog sniff an object the spider has been with. Then let the dog sniff around the tarantula’s cage.

Never leave the dog unattended with the tarantula and be prepared to hold your dog back if they try to lunge at the cage.

Do Tarantulas Live Well Together With Dogs?

Dogs and tarantulas aren’t made to live near one another. Both are both driven to eat prey.

Dogs are also much larger than spiders and could significantly hurt or kill a soft-bodied tarantula with one wrong move.

Can A Puppy Be Around Tarantulas?

Puppies might be the worst kind of dog to have around tarantulas. They tend to be energetic and lack the discipline needed to be careful around delicate pet spiders.

How Do Dogs React To Tarantulas?

Dogs react differently to tarantulas depending on their temperament, breed, and upbringing.

Calmer dogs might pay no attention to a tarantula, or the tarantula may scare them.

The best way to tell how a dog might react to a tarantula is to introduce them.

Are Tarantulas Scared Of Dogs Barking?

Some tarantulas will be scared of loud sounds like a dog barking.

If your tarantula shows signs of being afraid – like hiding behind its legs or scurrying voraciously around its cage – your dog’s barking could be the cause of the behavior.

Will The Tarantula Attack The Dog?

Some tarantula species are more aggressive than others, but it is unlikely that a tarantula will attack your dog.

Because of the size difference, tarantulas would probably not want to challenge your dog unprovoked. However, if a tarantula is threatened, it could bite.

It is best to keep the dog and tarantula separate until you know how they will get along.

How To Get My Tarantula To Love My Dog?

Just as you would get your dog used to your tarantula’s scent, you can introduce the dog’s smell to your tarantula, as well.

Let your dog lay on a small piece of cloth or cotton ball for a night or two. Then lay the object in your tarantula’s cage.

This will help the tarantula become familiar with your dog, and maybe one day grow a bond.

[What Should I Do] My Dog Is Eating Tarantula Poop?

The best way to keep your dog from eating your tarantula’s poop is to keep the tarantula’s cage clean and out of the dog’s reach.

If your tarantula is crawling on the floor, pick up any droppings it leaves behind.

[What Should I Do] My Tarantula Is Eating Dog Poop?

Similarly, if your tarantula is drawn to your dog’s poop, keep it picked up where the tarantula cannot get into it.

If either animal gets into the other’s poop, it’s no cause for alarm. They will digest what they can of it and likely be just fine.

Will The Tarantula Charge At My Dog?

If your tarantula feels threatened, they could charge at your dog. But they will show signs of aggression first.

Look for the tarantula:

lifting its two front legs and thorax into the air
rubbing its legs against its abdomen to release hairs

If you notice these initial signs of aggression, gently place a cup over the tarantula and place it back in its cage.

Are Dogs Afraid Of Tarantulas?

Some dogs will be afraid of tarantulas, especially dogs that are nervous natured or have a history of negative interactions with other animals.

Many dogs, however, will have no trouble getting used to a tarantula in the house.

Do Tarantulas Make Good Pets?

Tarantulas can make great pets. They can live up to 30 years and are relatively easy to care for.

If you are fascinated by spiders, you might enjoy having a tarantula as a companion.

How Much Room Does A Tarantula Need?

Tarantulas don’t like a lot of room. It can make them feel vulnerable.

Providing a cozy cage with access to water, food, and shelter is a good start. Tarantulas also like natural additions, like branches, leaves, and rocks.

Is It Expensive To Raise Tarantulas?

Tarantulas are a cost-effective option for pet ownership.

Aside from the initial cost of the tarantula and cage setup, the average cost of owning a tarantula is around $10-20 dollars a month. This includes the cost of food and possible veterinary care or maintenance.

Do Tarantulas Learn Their Names?

Tarantulas likely will not know or respond to their given names. Their brains are not as complex as a dog’s, although they can exhibit unique behaviors that seem to be personalities.

Can A Tarantula Get A Dog Pregnant?

Never fear: a tarantula cannot get a dog pregnant.

The two animals have very different mechanisms for mating and giving birth.

Female tarantulas lay egg sacs, while female dogs give birth to live puppies. It would be impossible for the two animals to have babies.

Can A Dog Get A Tarantula Pregnant?

A dog cannot get a tarantula pregnant.

Can A Tarantula Kill A Dog?

A tarantula’s venom is not strong enough to kill most dogs.

However, if you have a miniature breed, a very young puppy, or an immune-compromised dog, take your dog to the nearest animal hospital if bitten by a tarantula just to be safe.

Can Tarantulas Become Emotionally Bonded With Humans Like Dogs?

Some tarantula owners say they do become bonded to their pet spider. But it’s unlikely that a tarantula will emotionally bond to its human owner in the same way dogs do.

Why Is My Dog Petrified Of The Tarantula’s Tentacles?

Your dog might be scared of the tarantula’s tentacles for a few reasons:

They are unfamiliar with the tarantula
The tentacle movement scares the dog
The dog has been bitten by a spider before

Dogs and tarantulas aren’t necessarily best friend material, but with some planning and the right introduction, they can coexist in the same household. Start slow by getting them used to each other in a safe environment. Overtime, the two animals will likely become familiar and might even enjoy sharing your company together.

References

Tarantulas: Terrible or Terrific!

https://wagwalking.com/sense/can-dogs-live-with-tarantula

https://www.khanacademy.org/science/ap-biology/natural-selection/speciation/a/species-speciation