British dog owners are being issued a stark warning as spider season reaches its peak, bringing with it 'life-threatening' symptoms for their furry friends.

The alert highlights the heightened risks during September, when arachnids are actively seeking mates and invading homes to escape the autumn chill.

Hordes of spiders scuttling indoors in search of warmth this month have sparked a surge in people trying to fend off these eight-legged intruders, particularly those with arachnophobia.

Popular deterrent methods against these creatures include various insect repellents and essential oils, but pet lovers must exercise caution with such substances as they can be toxic for pets.

Cat Minder's veterinarian Dr Anne Baccay has warned of the potential danger posed by spider-deterrent products to dogs and other pets.

"While most insect repellents are safe when used correctly, a few can pose serious risks - especially when they're used in areas where pets are present," Dr Baccay cautions.

Essential oils like tea tree, peppermint and eucalyptus are used most often for their efficiency in keeping spiders at bay, yet unbeknownst to many, these oils can be harmful to dogs.

Signs of toxicity:

• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• lethargy
• redness around the face
• skin irritation
• muscle weakness
• difficulty breathing
• drooling

Dr Baccay advises: "To prevent this, be sure to dilute essential oils before using them. Avoid spraying them in spaces that your dog visits or in areas that they may come into contact with."

Dog owners must remain vigilant of the signs of toxicity, as the quick protection of their pets is crucial, reports Hull Live.

"Shop bought sprays likely contain chemicals such as pyrethrin. Again, while effective at repelling spiders, these insecticides can be harmful to pets if ingested or inhaled in large amounts," the vet added.

"Even those that are labelled as pet-safe should be used with caution. If you are using these sprays, keep your dog out of the area until the spray has dried and make sure the space is well-ventilated.

"Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is another popular spider deterrent, but again, it can be dangerous for dogs if inhaled. For this reason, only apply it to well-ventilated areas and try to opt for food-grade versions which are much safer. Any dogs with known breathing problems should be kept away from areas treated with DE."

How to keep pets safe this season

While spiders might be unwelcome guests in our homes, there are numerous products available to keep them at bay. It's crucial to read the labels on any repellents before use, prevent your pets from coming into contact with products containing chemicals and essential oils, and ventilate areas after applying either natural or chemical repellents.

For a pet-friendly spider repellent, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist common spider hotspots like doorways and windowsills. Cedarwood chips, shavings, or essential oil can also act as a natural barrier against spiders.

Nic Shacklock from Online-Bedrooms commented: "The mere thought of spiders entering millions of homes sends shivers down our spines. Spider mating season comes into full swing at the end of August through to September which means many of us could be facing an infestation.

"No one wants spiders crawling around their homes so there are a few things you can do to keep them at bay. For example, seal up any holes in the home they could potentially crawl through."