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The Intelligent Spider

I tend to think of insects as simple creatures. Single-minded, like an ant scurrying over a huge obstacle because that’s where the trail goes and the idea of taking an easier path around isn’t there. Instinctive, like that fight or flight response that kicks in when faced with danger. But I may need to rethink that. Maybe they’re not as simple as I think they are. There’s a spider that lives on my back patio. I haven’t gotten close enough to see what kind it is, or even what color. It’s just a spider. Not too big, but big enough … Continue reading →

The Pets Blog Week in Review for Sep 10-16

If you missed any of the Pets Blog last week you’ve clicked the right place to catch up. Here’s what Aimee and I wrote on: Monday, September 10 I related the big fun Murph has with his flying monkey. (Nope, they’re not just for Dorothy and Toto to play with anymore.) Oh what a tangled web we weave…when we walk our dogs? Well, when Aimee walks her dogs. She becomes the Amazing Spider Head! And because of her encounters, it got her to wondering about poisonous spiders. Best to know what they look like in case she comes across them. … Continue reading →

Pet First Aid: Spider Bites

A spider crawled out from underneath the stove last night and chased me around the kitchen. Like the calm, brave person I am, I screamed for the dogs to save me. They sat and watched the show. Their lack of reaction to a spider got me thinking about spider bites. Most spider bites are uncomfortable, but not dangerous — you can treat them pretty much the same way you would treat a bee sting or wasp sting. Relieve the pain and reduce the swelling. Keep an eye out for an infection developing at the bite site. If your pet is … Continue reading →

Poisonous Spiders

In light of how many spider webs I’ve walked into lately, I thought it might be a good time to familiarize myself with poisonous spiders. There are eight fairly common poisonous spiders in the United States. Most spiders bite when threatened — they don’t tend to run around chomping on people otherwise. Widow spiders are probably the most common kind of poisonous spider in the United States. They are approximately the size of a blueberry, and have the infamous red hourglass shape on their undersides. Body color and hourglass shape vary from one species to another. Widow spider venom is … Continue reading →

Pet First Aid Awareness Month

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month. It’s the perfect time of year for it, because the weather’s nicer, we’re outside more –as are our pets most likely–and there’s lots to get into. Some of it can be harmful, even fatal, to your dog or cat, but with awareness you can avoid trouble. Below is a list of some of those things. Where applicable, related Families.com articles are referenced for further information. Dangers Lurking in the Garden Lawn and garden care is on many people’s minds this time of year. If your pet’s going to help you, here’s some things … Continue reading →