Many people now keep tarantulas as pets. These eight-legged friends need good care to stay healthy.
This guide will help you spot health problems and keep your spider friend happy. We will cover common tarantula illnesses, how to prevent them, and what to do in emergencies.
Think of tarantulas as the marathon runners of the pet world – they might not be cuddly, but they sure can go the distance if you take care of them right!
Common Tarantula Health Issues
Molting Problems
Molting is when a tarantula sheds its old skin to grow. About 25-30% of young tarantulas have problems with this.
My tarantula Legs (yes, I named him Legs – not very original, I know!) once got stuck during molting. Talk about a nail-biter! It’s like watching your friend try to wiggle out of a too-tight sweater, except it’s life or death for them.
Signs your tarantula is about to molt:
- Not eating for weeks
- Dark patch on the abdomen
- Laying on its back or side
- Making a web mat to lie on
If your spider gets stuck during molting:
- Raise the humidity in the tank
- Never pull on the old skin
- Set up an ICU (see emergency section)
Dr. Sam Johnson, spider expert, says: “Most molting problems happen because the air is too dry. A small water dish and misting the tank can save your pet’s life.”
Chilean Rose and Red-knee tarantulas often have the most molting troubles. Data shows 80% of deaths from bad molts happen in spiders over 10 years old.
Just like how I struggle to get out of my skinny jeans after Thanksgiving dinner, tarantulas sometimes need a little help with their outfit changes!
Dehydration
Dehydration is the most common health problem. It causes 40% of early deaths in pet tarantulas. Understanding tarantula hydration guide is crucial for preventing this issue.
Last summer during that brutal heat wave, I came home to find my tarantula’s abdomen looking like a raisin! A quick emergency soak had him plumping back up faster than my houseplants after neglecting them on vacation.
Signs of dehydration:
- Shriveled abdomen
- Sluggish movement
- Poor appetite
- Trouble molting
All spiders need water, but desert species like the Arizona Blonde tarantula need special care. They can go longer without water but still need it.
“The biggest mistake new owners make is thinking desert tarantulas don’t need water. All tarantulas need access to fresh water,” explains Maria Torres, owner of Exotic Arachnids Sanctuary.
Think of it this way: even camels need an oasis eventually! Your desert tarantula is no different.
Dyskinetic Syndrome (DKS)
DKS makes tarantulas shake and lose control of their legs. About 15-20% of pet tarantulas get this problem. It’s often caused by:
- Pesticide poisoning (70% of cases)
- Bad nutrition
- Problems with the tank setup
After my neighbor sprayed bug killer near my open window last spring, my poor tarantula looked like he was trying to dance to dubstep. Thankfully, we caught the DKS early!
Early signs of DKS:
- Twitching legs
- Trouble walking
- Falling over
Treatment success is only 40-60% even with quick help. Always wash your hands before handling your tarantula to avoid passing chemicals to them.
It’s like spider Parkinson’s – heartbreaking to watch and tough to treat. With the new eco-friendly pest control options hitting the market in 2025, hopefully we’ll see fewer cases of DKS in our eight-legged buddies.
Infections and Parasites
Tarantulas can get sick from germs and tiny pests. Tarantula infections and treatments should be understood by all keepers.
When my colleague brought her tarantula to the recent exotic pet meetup without quarantining it first, three other spiders ended up with mites! Talk about a party foul.
| Problem | How Common | Main Signs | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bacterial infections | 5-10% of pets | Oozing fluid, black spots | Keep cage clean |
| Fungal diseases (mycosis) | 10-15% in humid tanks | White fuzzy growth | Good air flow |
| Nematode parasites | 5-8% of wild-caught | Weakness, not eating | Buy from good breeders |
| Mite infestations | 20-25% from shared collections | Tiny moving dots on spider | Tarantula mites prevention |
Remember, your tarantula’s tank should be cleaner than your teenager’s room – and that’s saying something!
Preventative Tarantula Healthcare
Optimal Housing Conditions
Good housing prevents most health problems. Each species needs different care.
My first tarantula setup looked like a five-star hotel compared to my own apartment! Spider real estate is serious business.
For all tarantulas:
- Clean substrate (bedding)
- Right humidity for their type
- Proper temperature (70-85°F for most)
- Good air flow for book lung health
A study by the American Tarantula Society found that preventing tarantula health issues can significantly increase lifespan.
Just like how we humans don’t want to live in a sauna or an igloo, your tarantula has temperature preferences too!
Proper Nutrition
What you feed your tarantula matters. A good diet includes:
- Live prey items (crickets, roaches, mealworms)
- Prey sized right for your tarantula
- Food dusted with calcium (sometimes)
- Regular feeding schedule
I once tried feeding my tarantula a cricket almost as big as he was – rookie mistake! The poor spider looked at me like, “You expect me to eat THAT?” Size matters when it comes to spider snacks!
Quarantine Protocols
Always quarantine new tarantulas for 30 days before putting them with others. This stops the spread of mites and disease.
After that mishap at the exotic pet club (which we now jokingly call “The Great Mite Migration of 2024”), I’ve become religious about quarantine. Better safe than sorry!
Emergency Care for Tarantulas
DIY Tarantula ICU Setup
An ICU (Intensive Care Unit) can save your tarantula’s life. Make one using:
- Clean plastic container
- Damp paper towels
- Small water dish
- Air holes
- Warm spot (75-80°F)
My DIY tarantula ICU looks suspiciously like a salad container from my favorite takeout place. Reduce, reuse, recycle – even for spider healthcare!
When to Seek Veterinary Help
Few vets know about tarantula health. Call ahead to find one who treats exotic pets. Knowing when to seek exotic vet care is vital for emergencies.
Trying to find a vet for your tarantula is like trying to find someone who actually reads the terms and conditions – they exist, but they’re rare! I keep Dr. Martinez’s number on speed dial after that scary molting incident last year.
Species-Specific Health Considerations
Understanding aging signs in tarantulas helps keepers distinguish between old age and illness.
My Mexican Red Knee is pushing 15 years now – practically a senior citizen in spider years! He moves a bit slower these days, like my grandpa after Thanksgiving dinner, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s sick.
Good Monitoring Practices
Check your tarantula daily for:
- Eating habits
- Movement patterns
- Web making
- Feces appearance (should be small, solid, white/brown)
- Urticating hair loss (some hair loss is normal)
If your pet shows reduced movement, learning about lethargic tarantula causes can help address the issue.
I’ve become so obsessed with my tarantula’s poop that my roommates now joke I should write a field guide called “The Poop Whisperer: Understanding Your Tarantula Through Its Droppings.” They might be onto something there!
Conclusion
Keeping a tarantula healthy isn’t hard if you learn the basics. Watch for signs of trouble, keep the tank clean, and give your spider the right food and water. Even with good care, knowing how to spot a sick tarantula can be lifesaving.
With good care, many tarantulas can live 15-30 years depending on their species!
Remember, friends don’t let friends mistreat tarantulas. Happy spider keeping!
