Everyone gets excited when summertime comes around. From the warm weather to the bright sun and blooming nature, what’s there not to love? You have so many activities and events planned for the summer with your friends, family, and dog(s). In your mind nothing can go wrong, but dangers emerge during the summer for your dog. One common danger that is important to note are toads. So, what’s the trouble with toads? Everything you will need to know about dogs and toads can be found below: 

The Trouble with Toads 

We all know that dogs are not shy and when they come across an unknown animal their curiosity can take over. Unfortunately, dogs can be poisoned by certain types of toads that produce toxic substances. When licked, bitten, or swallowed, most toads in the United States only cause mild symptoms including drooling, vomiting, and mouth irritation. While there are only a few poisonous toad species in the United States, the toxic ones can be life threatening if your dog comes across one. One of the poisonous toad species to be aware of is known as the Cane Toad. Toads are most often seen in tropical climates such as Florida, where the weather is warm and humid. The breeding season runs from March to September. Toads come out the most immediately after a rain, at the break of dawn, or late hours at night. Toads vary in size and can be as long as 9 inches.  

What Are the Clinical Signs of Toad Poisoning? 

Clinical signs of toad poisoning in dogs can vary depending on the type of toad it interacted with and how long it has been exposed to the toxin. Toads can affect different systems in the body including the nervous, circulatory, and cardiovascular systems. Because of all the various toad species there is an extensive range of poisoning indications if your dog eats, bites, or licks a toad. Common clinical signs include:  

 ·         Vomiting or excessive drooling 

·         Inflamed mouth 

·         Disorientation 

·         Dilated pupils 

·         Elevated blood pressure 

·         Shortness of breath or trouble breathing 

·         Stumbling 

·         Tremors  

·         Hyperthermia  

·         Muscle spasms 

Toad poisoning can have fatal consequences for your dog. A cane toad’s poison can kill an average-sized dog in 15 minutes. You must immediately seek medical attention by contacting your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline®.  

Toad Poisoning Treatment  

If your dog has bitten, licked, or eaten a toad, you must contact your veterinarian, Pet Poison helpline, and take them to the vet right away. In order to determine the best course of action, your veterinarian will do a thorough examination. There is no specific antidote to toad poisoning. Instead, your vet will try and reduce the amount of poison that is absorbed. Your dog may receive IV fluids to address their hydration levels. Taking your dog to the emergency vet clinic immediately will help their chances of survival depending on the species of toad ingested. Pet Poison Helpline® is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (855) 764-7661 if you have any questions or concerns.