Posted on by Barky Boy

My Dog Licked a Toad! – Here’s What You Should Know

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 its outdoor explorations, it 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.

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What Happens When Your Dog Licks a Toad

Most toads in America are covered in a toxic substance released by glands on their skin. When threatened, they secrete even more of this poison as a defense mechanism. All life stages of toads contain these toxins, including eggs and tadpoles.

Dogs can absorb the toad toxins through their mouth if they lick or chew a toad. They can also be impacted by drinking water in which a toad has lain or contains toad eggs.

dog playing with the frog outdoors
Image Credit: Trotskaya Nastassia, Shutterstock

Signs That Could Indicate Your Dog Licked a Toad

If your dog licks or eats a toad, the first signs you’ll probably notice are the following:

  • Drooling

  • Irritated gums and mouth

  • Foaming at the mouth

  • Vomiting

Most species of toads your dog will encounter in the United States 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.

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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

Cane toads are sometimes called Bufo toads. They are the most dangerous toads your dog can encounter in the United States. Cane toads are large, 6-9 inches long, with large triangle-shaped glands behind their eyes. They can be tan, reddish-brown, brown, or gray with dark spots on their backs. Cane toads secrete a poison known as bufotoxin, which impacts the heart and nervous system.

These deadly toads are found only in warm, tropical regions of the United States, like Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, and southern Texas.

closeup of a cane toad sitting in the grass
Image Credit: Johan Larson, Shutterstock

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 a bufotoxin. They are found only in the southern areas of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and sometimes Texas.

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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.

However, if your dog has encountered a Cane or Colorado River toad, it will quickly experience more severe signs, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes.

These signs include:

  • Confusion

  • Tremors

  • Seizures

  • Trouble breathing

  • Trouble walking

  • Increased body temperature

  • Irregular heartbeat

What to Do if Your Dog Licks a Toad

If you suspect your dog has licked a toad or noticed any of the initial signs of poisoning, contact your veterinarian immediately. They may instruct you to rinse your dog’s mouth with a hose. If you live within the Cane or Colorado River toad habitat, licking a toad is a potential medical emergency.

If you can find the toad, try to take a picture of it to aid in identification and get your dog to the vet quickly. Depending on the size of your dog, cane toad encounters can be deadly in as little as 15 minutes.

toad sitting silently with old english sheepdog watching in the background
Image Credit: Tracey Patterson, Shutterstock

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.

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Conclusion

For dogs in most parts of the country, licking a toad will be irritating but not life-threatening, and you don’t need to worry. If you live in the home range of Cane toads or Colorado River toads, it’s fair and even essential that you do worry if your dog licks a toad. 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 Pet Poison Helpline and your nearest emergency vet clinic handy.

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Featured Image Credit: Iness_la_luz, Shutterstock

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