Your dog just licked — or worse — swallowed a toad! Now what?
It depends. No matter what kind of toad, don’t be afraid to grab it and take it away from the dog. It can’t hurt you. You don’t even take the time to find gloves or a cloth, just grab it with your bare hands and put it somewhere no other pet can reach it. The faster you get it away from your dog the better.
Two toad species are very dangerous. If you live or travel in the areas in which these species live, learn to identify them:
The cane toad (bufo, marine, or giant toad) is found in southern to central Florida, the southern tip of Texas, and Hawaii. This is a large toad, usually 4 to 6 inches long, growing up to 9 inches. In color, it’s tan to reddish-brown, dark brown or gray. Unlike native toads, it doesn’t have ridges on top of its head. It has triangular parotoid (also called parotid) glands on its shoulders (native toads have oval glands). There are several websites and videos that can help you identify how a cane toad looks and sounds.
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The Colorado River toad (or Sonoran Desert toad) is found in southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, as well as in the lower Colorado River and Gila River catchment areas. Next to the cane toad, it’s the largest toad in the United States, growing to 7.5 inches. In color, it’s olive green or mottled brown, and its skin is smooth and leathery. It has a golden eye with a horizontal pupil. Just behind the eye is a large bulging kidney-shaped parotoid gland. There is also a white wart by the corner of the mouth and white glands on the legs. All of these glands produce toxins.
The number one sign of toad poisoning is seeing your dog with a toad in their mouth or if they’re vomiting toad parts. Other toads are far less of a problem unless the dog is small or has actually eaten the toad.
For most non-cane and non-Colorado River toad encounters, signs are usually mild: the oral mucous membranes become inflamed, and the dog will salivate, often shaking their head. Dogs with these signs can usually be treated at home and monitored, especially if you don’t live in a region with cane or Colorado River toads.
In moderate cases, the dog may vomit, become depressed, lose their balance, have a fast heartbeat, have fecal or urinary incontinence, and show other signs of neurological impairment, such as walking in circles. Dogs with these signs should receive emergency mouth flushing at home and call the veterinarian or poison hotline for advice. They’ll generally be advised to come for observation or treatment.
In severe cases, the dog may additionally have diarrhea, abdominal pain, unresponsive pupils, seizures, lung edema with difficulty breathing, and death. Less commonly, signs may also include vocalization, paralysis, and blindness. Dogs with these signs should receive emergency mouth flushing at home and leave for the veterinary clinic while calling the veterinarian.
First, determine if your dog has encountered one of the deadly toads: the Cane (or Bufo) toad or the Colorado River or Sonoran toad. If they have, especially if they’re already salivating, vomiting, or showing other signs of toxicity, start first aid. Treat this as an extreme emergency. Flushing a dog’s mouth with copious amounts of water is the recommended first-aid treatment for toad toxicity:
Dogs can die from cane toad poisoning in as little as 15 minutes (although that is the exception). Time is crucial. Depending on your dog’s symptoms, the veterinarian can give medications to combat the effects of the toxins.
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Please note: The following home remedies are worthless: Giving the dog milk, lemon juice, or egg yolks are commonly shared treatments but are totally ineffective. Do not waste time with them and get professional veterinary help.
Toad poisoning can be an emergency. But the danger really depends on what kind of toad, how much toxin the dog ingested, and how big the dog is. Even if it’s not a cane or Colorado River toad, these same measures may be needed for small dogs and puppies no matter what the toad species.
North America is home to many different toad species. While none of these pose the threat that the cane or Colorado River toads pose, all toads possess parotoid glands that secret a poisonous, milky substance to deter their predators. This same substance, called bufotoxin, is found in many amphibians and even in poisonous mushrooms.
Most dogs are curious when they first spot a toad and may sniff, lick, or mouth it. With most toad species this results in a foul taste and irritating sensation and the dog will shake their head, froth, drool, and leave. Most dogs will learn quickly that toads are unpleasant, and they leave them alone. Toads don’t taste good and most dogs avoid eating them, but, some dogs will eat anything. In these cases, the dog could have more severe symptoms, but unless the dog is very small or has other health problems, it’s probably not life-threatening.
All toads are poisonous, but some are more poisonous than others. South American toads tend to be moderately toxic. Harlequin toad toxicity varies, and Common toads, American toads, and Midwife toads are mildly toxic. Almost all toads secret bufotoxin, with or without other toxins.
Toads secrete venom of variable toxicity through their parotoid glands on the skin surface. The parotoid glands are wart-like flattened patches that secrete a fatty, white poisonous substance, which acts as a deterrent to predators. These toxins can also be present in a lesser concentration on the toad’s skin. The toxic chemicals are absorbed through mucous membranes, including the gums, inner surface of the mouth, and even the eyes. Because they bypass the digestive system, they begin to exert effects very quickly.
Toad toxins contain a variety of chemicals (depending on species) that act upon the body in different ways. The toxins are called bufotoxin and are made up of various mixes of toxins depending on species. They often contain bufotenine, 5-MeO-DMT, bufotalin, and bufalitoxin. Note that these same toxins are found in the eggs and tadpoles of these species.
The Colorado River toad has an unusual mix of toxins, dominated by 5-MeO-DMT and bufotenin. Bufotenin is a hallucinogenic with chemical properties similar to LSD.
Toad secretions contain chemicals that affect the heart in a manner similar to digoxin. Ingesting high levels of this toxin can be fatal. Other chemicals affect the sympathetic nervous system, releasing adrenaline and increasing the heart rate.
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After as much toxin as possible is flushed from the month, your veterinarian may start other therapies. These could include inducing vomiting (but may be contraindicated if neurological signs are starting), activated charcoal (but may be contraindicated if the dog is vomiting or having seizures), stomach lavage (especially if the dog has to be sedated anyway), and intravenous fluids. Specific medications depend on the dog’s specific symptoms. Various drugs to slow the heart and steady its rhythm may be used. With treatment, even tiny dogs that are already seizing may be saved.
Veterinarians unfamiliar with protocol and treatment options should confer with the ASPCA Poison Control Center.
Toads eat insects, and larger toads will even eat pet food. They’re more active at dusk and nighttime. Because insects are attracted to light, so are the toads. Using motion detector lights will cut down on how long lights are on, and how many insects—and toads—they attract. Never leave pet food out at night, and consider removing water bowls, as toads can get in them and potentially leave toxins in the water. Fishponds also attract toads, because they lay their eggs in them. The eggs are also toxic. If you live in an area where toxic toads are a problem, accompany your dog outside during nighttime potty breaks.
Because the cane toad is an invasive and dangerous species, humane euthanasia is advocated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. They recommend rubbing 20% benzocaine or lidocaine spray on the toad’s belly while wearing gloves, so you don’t get it on you. After waiting 15 minutes, by which time they should be unconscious, put the toad in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer for 48 hours. You can then dispose the bag. You can also chill the toad in the refrigerator first. After two to three hours in the refrigerator, the toad will be anesthetized, and you can transfer it to the freezer. Note: it’s against the law to relocate cane toads.
The Colorado River toad is a native species, so its euthanasia isn’t sanctioned. There is no need to euthanize any other native toad species, as none poses a sufficient threat.
The post Are Toads Poisonous to Dogs? appeared first on American Kennel Club.
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It depends. No matter what kind of toad, don’t be afraid to grab it and take it away from the dog. It can’t hurt you. You don’t even take the time to find gloves or a cloth, just grab it with your bare hands and put it somewhere no other pet can reach it. The faster you get it away from your dog the better.
What Kind of Toad Is That?
Two toad species are very dangerous. If you live or travel in the areas in which these species live, learn to identify them:
Cane Toads
The cane toad (bufo, marine, or giant toad) is found in southern to central Florida, the southern tip of Texas, and Hawaii. This is a large toad, usually 4 to 6 inches long, growing up to 9 inches. In color, it’s tan to reddish-brown, dark brown or gray. Unlike native toads, it doesn’t have ridges on top of its head. It has triangular parotoid (also called parotid) glands on its shoulders (native toads have oval glands). There are several websites and videos that can help you identify how a cane toad looks and sounds.
Colorado River Toads
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The Colorado River toad (or Sonoran Desert toad) is found in southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, as well as in the lower Colorado River and Gila River catchment areas. Next to the cane toad, it’s the largest toad in the United States, growing to 7.5 inches. In color, it’s olive green or mottled brown, and its skin is smooth and leathery. It has a golden eye with a horizontal pupil. Just behind the eye is a large bulging kidney-shaped parotoid gland. There is also a white wart by the corner of the mouth and white glands on the legs. All of these glands produce toxins.
Signs of Toad Poisoning
The number one sign of toad poisoning is seeing your dog with a toad in their mouth or if they’re vomiting toad parts. Other toads are far less of a problem unless the dog is small or has actually eaten the toad.
For most non-cane and non-Colorado River toad encounters, signs are usually mild: the oral mucous membranes become inflamed, and the dog will salivate, often shaking their head. Dogs with these signs can usually be treated at home and monitored, especially if you don’t live in a region with cane or Colorado River toads.
In moderate cases, the dog may vomit, become depressed, lose their balance, have a fast heartbeat, have fecal or urinary incontinence, and show other signs of neurological impairment, such as walking in circles. Dogs with these signs should receive emergency mouth flushing at home and call the veterinarian or poison hotline for advice. They’ll generally be advised to come for observation or treatment.
In severe cases, the dog may additionally have diarrhea, abdominal pain, unresponsive pupils, seizures, lung edema with difficulty breathing, and death. Less commonly, signs may also include vocalization, paralysis, and blindness. Dogs with these signs should receive emergency mouth flushing at home and leave for the veterinary clinic while calling the veterinarian.
Toad-Toxin First Aid
First, determine if your dog has encountered one of the deadly toads: the Cane (or Bufo) toad or the Colorado River or Sonoran toad. If they have, especially if they’re already salivating, vomiting, or showing other signs of toxicity, start first aid. Treat this as an extreme emergency. Flushing a dog’s mouth with copious amounts of water is the recommended first-aid treatment for toad toxicity:
- Immediately grab a garden hose or a sink or shower sprayer and let any hot water it may have in it spray out.
- Point the dog’s nose down (or lay them on their side) and start spraying the insides of their mouth out from back to front. Make sure the water drains out and doesn’t go down the dog’s throat or into the lungs.
- Use a wet cloth to repeatedly wipe down their gums, rinsing or replacing the cloth often. The toxin is sticky, so get a clean cloth and the hose between the lips and gums, where toxins can accumulate.
- You may need to flush the dog’s mouth for up to 10 minutes. As you’re doing this, call your veterinarian or the closest emergency vet. The closer the vet clinic, the better. If somebody can continue flushing the dog’s mouth as you drive, perhaps using a jug of water and cloths, do that.
Dogs can die from cane toad poisoning in as little as 15 minutes (although that is the exception). Time is crucial. Depending on your dog’s symptoms, the veterinarian can give medications to combat the effects of the toxins.
olyasolodenko - stock.adobe.com
Please note: The following home remedies are worthless: Giving the dog milk, lemon juice, or egg yolks are commonly shared treatments but are totally ineffective. Do not waste time with them and get professional veterinary help.
Toad poisoning can be an emergency. But the danger really depends on what kind of toad, how much toxin the dog ingested, and how big the dog is. Even if it’s not a cane or Colorado River toad, these same measures may be needed for small dogs and puppies no matter what the toad species.
Are Other Toads Toxic?
North America is home to many different toad species. While none of these pose the threat that the cane or Colorado River toads pose, all toads possess parotoid glands that secret a poisonous, milky substance to deter their predators. This same substance, called bufotoxin, is found in many amphibians and even in poisonous mushrooms.
Most dogs are curious when they first spot a toad and may sniff, lick, or mouth it. With most toad species this results in a foul taste and irritating sensation and the dog will shake their head, froth, drool, and leave. Most dogs will learn quickly that toads are unpleasant, and they leave them alone. Toads don’t taste good and most dogs avoid eating them, but, some dogs will eat anything. In these cases, the dog could have more severe symptoms, but unless the dog is very small or has other health problems, it’s probably not life-threatening.
All toads are poisonous, but some are more poisonous than others. South American toads tend to be moderately toxic. Harlequin toad toxicity varies, and Common toads, American toads, and Midwife toads are mildly toxic. Almost all toads secret bufotoxin, with or without other toxins.
What Makes Toads So Toxic?
Toads secrete venom of variable toxicity through their parotoid glands on the skin surface. The parotoid glands are wart-like flattened patches that secrete a fatty, white poisonous substance, which acts as a deterrent to predators. These toxins can also be present in a lesser concentration on the toad’s skin. The toxic chemicals are absorbed through mucous membranes, including the gums, inner surface of the mouth, and even the eyes. Because they bypass the digestive system, they begin to exert effects very quickly.
Toad toxins contain a variety of chemicals (depending on species) that act upon the body in different ways. The toxins are called bufotoxin and are made up of various mixes of toxins depending on species. They often contain bufotenine, 5-MeO-DMT, bufotalin, and bufalitoxin. Note that these same toxins are found in the eggs and tadpoles of these species.
The Colorado River toad has an unusual mix of toxins, dominated by 5-MeO-DMT and bufotenin. Bufotenin is a hallucinogenic with chemical properties similar to LSD.
Toad secretions contain chemicals that affect the heart in a manner similar to digoxin. Ingesting high levels of this toxin can be fatal. Other chemicals affect the sympathetic nervous system, releasing adrenaline and increasing the heart rate.
How Is Toad Poisoning Treated?
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After as much toxin as possible is flushed from the month, your veterinarian may start other therapies. These could include inducing vomiting (but may be contraindicated if neurological signs are starting), activated charcoal (but may be contraindicated if the dog is vomiting or having seizures), stomach lavage (especially if the dog has to be sedated anyway), and intravenous fluids. Specific medications depend on the dog’s specific symptoms. Various drugs to slow the heart and steady its rhythm may be used. With treatment, even tiny dogs that are already seizing may be saved.
Veterinarians unfamiliar with protocol and treatment options should confer with the ASPCA Poison Control Center.
How Can Toxic Toads Be Avoided?
Toads eat insects, and larger toads will even eat pet food. They’re more active at dusk and nighttime. Because insects are attracted to light, so are the toads. Using motion detector lights will cut down on how long lights are on, and how many insects—and toads—they attract. Never leave pet food out at night, and consider removing water bowls, as toads can get in them and potentially leave toxins in the water. Fishponds also attract toads, because they lay their eggs in them. The eggs are also toxic. If you live in an area where toxic toads are a problem, accompany your dog outside during nighttime potty breaks.
Because the cane toad is an invasive and dangerous species, humane euthanasia is advocated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. They recommend rubbing 20% benzocaine or lidocaine spray on the toad’s belly while wearing gloves, so you don’t get it on you. After waiting 15 minutes, by which time they should be unconscious, put the toad in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer for 48 hours. You can then dispose the bag. You can also chill the toad in the refrigerator first. After two to three hours in the refrigerator, the toad will be anesthetized, and you can transfer it to the freezer. Note: it’s against the law to relocate cane toads.
The Colorado River toad is a native species, so its euthanasia isn’t sanctioned. There is no need to euthanize any other native toad species, as none poses a sufficient threat.
The post Are Toads Poisonous to Dogs? appeared first on American Kennel Club.
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