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Cats may be likelier to let their curiosity get them in precarious situations, but dogs are just as prone to getting into trouble. If your curious pup comes across a toad on their outdoor explorations, they may be tempted to lick or chew on the unfamiliar animal. Depending on where you live, you should be worried if your dog licks a toad.
In this article, we’ll talk about the two toad species that may be life-threatening to your dog if licked and where in the country they’re found. We’ll also list the signs your dog may display if they lick a toad and what to do if you notice them. Finally, we’ll cover how to keep your dog safe from close encounters of the toad kind!
What Happens When Your Dog Licks a Toad?
If your dog has licked a toad they can absorb these toxins through their mouth. They can also be impacted by drinking water in which a toad has lain or contains toad eggs.
Signs That Could Indicate Your Dog Licked a Toad
- Drooling
- Irritated gums and mouth
- Foaming at the mouth
- Vomiting
Most species of toads your dog will encounter only cause these mild signs and are not life-threatening to your dog. However, two species may cause poisoning that progresses quickly from these first mild signs into life-threatening complications: Cane Toads and Colorado River Toads.
What You Need to Know About the 2 Deadly Toads
Here are some specifics about the two potentially deadly species of toads your dog may come across.
1. Cane Toads (Rhinella marina)
2. Colorado River Toads
Colorado River toads are also giant and can grow up to 7.5 inches. They have shiny, wart-covered skin with oval glands behind their eyes and on the hind limbs. These toads are olive green to dark brown with light, cream-colored bellies.
The Colorado River toad also secretes toxins in high enough quantities to elicit a wide range of detrimental signs. Their range encompasses southwestern US states and northern Mexico.
Signs of Serious Toad Poisoning
The first signs that your dog has licked a deadly toad are similar to those of less toxic species: mouth irritation, drooling, foaming, and vomiting. You may also notice bright red gums.
- Convulsions
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble walking
- Increased body temperature
- Irregular heartbeat
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Collapsing
What to Do if Your Dog Licks a Toad
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Keeping Your Dog Safe From Toads
The best way to prevent your dog from licking a toad is to avoid any encounters in the first place. If you leave a water bowl outside for your dog, keep it elevated to prevent toads from accessing it.
Toads are typically more active after it rains and during the breeding season (spring/summer). You’re also more likely to spot them at night, dawn, or dusk. Keep an extra close watch on your dog when they’re outside during these times.
Consider checking your yard before you let your dog out. Keep them on a leash when walking or hiking, especially near toad habitats like ponds and wetlands. Don’t let your dog drink out of ponds or puddles.
Conclusion
In most cases, a dog licking a toad will be irritating but not life-threatening, however, you should still have your dog checked by a vet if they lick a toad. If you live in the home range of Cane toads or Colorado River toads, it’s essential that you treat any toad lick or ingestion as a medical emergency.
Take every precaution to prevent your dog from finding a toad, and be prepared to act quickly if you suspect poisoning has occurred. Keep the phone numbers for the Pet Poison Helpline and your nearest emergency vet clinic handy.
Featured Image Credit: Iness_la_luz, Shutterstock
