Huge Bump on my 6 mo GSD - Page 3

Warm compresses might help in addition to the benedryl. Looks like a bite or sting to me.

Our girl has had something very similar happen twice now.  Once in the dead of winter (this was the first and worst occurance).  Poor wee thing looked like she when a round or two with a price fighter, scare the crap out of me!.  Benadryl fixed us up (1ml/lb bid).   Incidentally the breeder, who is nearly 2 hours north of us (in Ontario) told me she had the same thing happen to our girl's half sister.  I believe we have narrowed it down to some very small, grey spiders. They almost look armoured, if that makes sense.

Two Moons: Black widow's and Brown recluce spiders?  Yikes!!  Forget about the dogs, not sure I'd be able to sleep at night!!!! 

For what it is worth, there are very, very few spiders in the United States that are capable of causing any serious bite. The exceptions include the Brown Recluse and the Black Widow. The Brown Recluse has a very limited distribution in the U.S. There are a very small handful of others. The poor spiders get a bad rap just because people do not know much about them. There are many other critters around that do sting, or bite and can cause allergic reactions, localized or systemic.

RememberJack, Although the swelling has went down and he seems to be okay.Make sure to follow up with your vet.He may or may not need antibiotics for the site bite.A snake/spider/wasp..spider bite is hard to track for vets.Watch your dog carefully.Bag Balm is not the answer.It is a useful tool in other circumstances.