Invertebrate help

Tarantulas, isopods, snails and other invertebrates have very few treatment options, so preventing further harm is key.

Go to a vet now if you see

Fall from height, especially a tarantula with a ruptured abdomen (leaking fluid)
Stuck in a bad molt
Pesticide, flea treatment or aerosol exposure nearby
Lying on its back when not molting, or curled legs (tarantulas)
Overheating or a heat mat in direct contact

Safe first steps

For a leaking abdomen, keep the animal still and contact an exotic vet or experienced keeper right away.
Move to a small, humid, escape-proof container with no climbing.
Remove the source of any chemical exposure and ventilate the room.

Do not

Do not pull at a stuck molt or handle a freshly molted animal.
Do not flip a tarantula that may be molting.
Do not use household insecticides anywhere near the enclosure.

Step-by-step guides for invertebrate emergencies

Suspected poisoning

Exotic species are highly sensitive to fumes, pesticides, metals, plants, and many human and pet products.

Bleeding & trauma

Small animals have very little blood volume. Even modest bleeding can be life-threatening in birds, reptiles, and rodents.

Burns & thermal injury

Burns from heat lamps, rocks, mats, or cooking surfaces are often deeper than they look and can take days to fully appear.

Educational emergency support only — not veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. AI and community contributors can make mistakes and may not be veterinarians. In an emergency, seek professional veterinary care immediately.