04/11/2024
Frogs are friends, Toads are toxic 🐸
Toad toxicity, or toad poisoning, is a hidden danger for pets, especially curious dogs and outdoor cats. While they might look harmless (or even cute!), certain toads can be toxic to animals, producing substances that cause severe reactions. Toxins are released from glands behind the toad’s eyes and can affect your pet’s heart and nervous system if ingested or even just mouthed. Symptoms can appear within minutes, so quick action is essential if you think your pet has had a run-in with a toad.
Knowing the signs of Toad Poisoning:
✅Excessive drooling or frothing at the mouth
✅Pawing at the mouth, head shaking
✅Vomiting or diarrhea
✅Muscle tremors or seizures
✅Red gums
✅Disorientation or lack of coordination
What you can do to help your pet:
🐾 Wipe their gums: Use a damp cloth to wipe the gums and mouth area to remove as much toxin as possible.
🐾 Stay Calm: Avoid panic but move quickly as toad toxin works fast.
🐾 Monitor: after wiping out your pets mouth monitor them closely for the signs above. If they start to exhibit any of these signs you NEED to call your vet.
🐾 In most cases if you have acted fast enough and wiped the toxins from your pets mouth they will be fine it is only when the toxins have had enough time to get into the animals system that they are at risk.
Preventing Toad Encounters
🐾 Supervise outdoor time: Especially in high-risk areas, keep a close eye on your pet and discourage sniffing or licking toads.
🐾 Limit nighttime play: Toads are often most active at night, so it can help to keep pets indoors after dark.
🐾 Clear yard areas: Remove places that attract toads, like standing water or excessive foliage, to minimize toad presence.
With quick action and awareness, you can reduce the risk of a serious reaction in your pet if they encounter a toxic toad. Call the clinic for further information when toads attack 🐸
