Are Toads Poisonous to Dogs?
Most dogs love chasing balls, sticks, cars, and even small animals — so, it makes sense that dogs would happily run after toads as well.
It’s completely normal for dogs to want to chase a toad, says Dr. Anna Kaufman, a veterinarian at Bond Vet in New York. “Dogs are naturally curious, especially with small, jumpy critters like toads,” she says. “Their instinct to chase can be pretty strong — after all, a bouncing toad is like a real-life squeaky toy!”
While your dog’s instincts are natural, it’s best to supervise your dog’s outdoor activities closely, Dr. Kaufman says, especially if you know you’re in an area where toads are common. This is because many toads are poisonous and can cause your dog to get sick. In some cases, biting or ingesting a toad can threaten your dog’s life.
To keep your dog safe, here’s what pet parents should know about toads and what to do if your dog grabs one.
Are Toads Poisonous to Dogs?
Yes, many toads are poisonous to dogs, Dr. Kaufman says. However, some toads are more dangerous to dogs than others. If your dog does come into contact with a particularly poisonous species, their life may be at risk.
Other toads won’t threaten your dog’s life, but the toads may still have “toxins in their skin that are dangerous if ingested,” Dr. Kaufman says.
The extent to which a toad can harm your dog can also depend on the amount of exposure. “Oral exposure to toads can be very serious, even fatal in some cases, depending on the type of toad and how much contact your dog had,” Dr. Kaufman says. “For highly toxic toads, even a lick can cause severe symptoms. With less toxic toads, it might cause some irritation but usually isn’t life-threatening.”
Toads Poisonous to Dogs
So, which toads should pet parents be on the lookout for? Two of the most dangerous toads to dogs are the cane toad and the Colorado River toad. “These toads have powerful toxins that can be life-threatening to dogs if ingested, so it’s essential to keep your pup away from them,” Dr. Kaufman says.
The cane toad — also known as the marine toad, giant toad or bufo toad — is a large toad with warty and brown mottled skin. This toad is native to South America, but it is also found in south or central Florida in the U.S. The toad was also introduced to Australia in the 1930s in an attempt to control beetles on sugar cane fields, but the toads spread across Australia and it is now considered an invasive species.
The Colorado River toad — also known as the Sonoran Desert toad — is a large toad with greenish-grey coloring on its topside and white on its underside. Its native range is through a small part of northern Mexico, as well as part of New Mexico, Arizona, and California in the United States.
Other types of toads may cause a condition called toad poisoning in dogs, but they are generally not a threat to dogs’ lives.
Toad Poisoning in Dogs Symptoms
When a dog bites or ingests a toad, they can experience a condition known as toad poisoning or toxicosis. However, this condition is only serious or life-threatening if it involves a species like the cane toad or the Colorado River toad.
According to Dr. Kaufman, common signs of toad poisoning in dogs may include:
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Pawing at the mouth
- Foaming at the mouth
More serious symptoms may include:
- Weakness
- Tremors
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
Toad Poisoning in Dogs Treatment
If you see your dog with a toad or notice any signs of toad poisoning, rinse out your dog’s mouth in a careful manner, making sure they don’t inhale water containing the toad toxin, Dr. Kaufman says. You should also contact your vet or an emergency clinic immediately. “Acting fast can make a huge difference,” she says.
For potentially toxic toad exposures, a trip to the emergency vet is wise, Dr. Kaufman says, and quick treatment is key to preventing severe symptoms or complications.
At the clinic, your veterinarian will assess your dog and try to help them recover from toad poisoning.
“Your vet will likely flush out any remaining toxins and monitor your dog’s heart and neurological signs,” Dr. Kaufman says. “Depending on the severity, they may administer medications and supportive care to manage symptoms. Recovery varies but can take a few hours to a few days, and most dogs do well with prompt treatment.”
Prevention
“The best prevention is to supervise your dog outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when toads are most active,” Dr. Kaufman says. “If toads are common in your area, consider leash-walking your dog to keep them close and out of trouble.”
While your dog’s health and safety is the most important thing, it’s also helpful for dogs to leave toads alone to help maintain local ecosystems, Dr. Kaufman says.
“Toads are beneficial to the environment, helping control insect populations,” Dr. Kaufman says, “so let’s give them space and keep our pups safe at the same time!”.
