THE DANGERS OF TOADS AND DOGS   

There are over 6,000 species of toads, do you know the dangers of toads and dogs? You and your dog may think that toads seem small and harmless, but they can be dangerous. You do not want your pup to play, bite, or lick a toad. Toads and their toxins can be poisonous to your dog.  

  

Why Are Toads Dangerous? 

Toads are poisonous because they can leak toxins from their skin. Therefore, toad poisoning may occur if your dog ingests, licks, or chews on a toad. Toads reproduce from March to September, and your dog is at a much greater risk of toad poisoning during that time. After rain, at night, morning, or twilight, amphibians are most active. You’ll find some of the world’s deadliest and most toxic toads in the United States. The cane toad presents a special danger to our pets and humans. Cane toads can poison dogs just by touching them.  

  

What Are The Symptoms Of Toad Poisoning? 

The indications of toad poisoning depend on how many toxins your dog ingested and how long it was exposed to the poison before noticeable signs occurred. Drooling or vomiting are common symptoms. Toad poisoning may cause convulsions, trouble breathing and irregular heart rhythms, and even death if treatment is not given promptly. 

  

A dog’s symptoms can also be comparable to those of a psychedelic substance and is not expected to be lethal if just a tiny amount is swallowed. However, symptoms in both dogs and cats may become more severe at higher dosages, and if not treated immediately can be fatal. 

To make matters worse, many of these symptoms are also seen in other forms of poisoning. You and your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline® need to work together to figure out what’s wrong with your dog if you did not see it lick or bite a toad. The following are examples of possible signs of toad poisoning: 

  

·       Vomiting or excessive drooling 

·       Inflamed mouth 

·       Disorientation 

·       Dilated pupils 

·       Elevated blood pressure 

·       Shortness of breath or trouble breathing 

·       Stumbling 

·       Tremors  

·       Hyperthermia  

·       Muscle spasms  

  

Treatment 

Your dog should be sent to the vet clinic immediately if they’ve bitten, licked, or eaten a toad. After arriving at the vet’s office, your veterinarian will thoroughly assess the severity of the poisoning to identify the best course of action. Common treatment options include: 

  

·       Rinsing the mouth to prevent additional toxin absorption 

·       Vomiting and heart rate stabilization medications 

·       Maintaining blood pressure and diuresis with IV fluids 

  

What Do I Do If My Dog is Experiencing Poisoning? 

If your dog has been poisoned by a toad, immediately contact Pet Poison Helpline® at (855) 764-7661 and your veterinarian. The toxins take effect very quickly, so it is critical to act right away. Your dog’s size can determine the severity of the poisoning. Seek out treatment at once to help save your dog’s life.