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PetTalk: Are toads harmful to my dog?
This column is written by Dr. Paula Tyler, DVM, of Benson Animal Hospital. If you have a question about a pet, send it to PetTalk, San Pedro Valley News- Sun, 200 S. Ocotillo Ave., Benson, 85602.
Q: I have heard toads are bad for dogs. What should I do if my dog licks or eats a toad?
A: Colorado River toads secrete a neurotoxin that is very dangerous to dogs. Symptoms include excessive foaming from the mouth, panting, pawing at the face, elevated temperature, and abnormally red gums. Severe cases can include seizures, weakness, and collapse.
If your dog is exhibiting these signs, you need to rinse his/her mouth immediately to curb the effects of the toxin. Do this by using a garden hose but be very careful to angle the spray so water does not go down their throat. If you have a small dog, you can easily rinse their mouth in a kitchen sink. Continue rinsing for about 20 minutes or until the symptoms subside. Get your dog to a vet for further examination and treatment. We have many toads in this area and not all are toxic. We worry mostly about the Colorado River toad, which is dark green in color and can range from the size of a tennis ball to the size of a dinner plate, visit www.nhptv.org/natureworks/coloradorivertoad.htm. If your dog expresses a lot of interest in toads, it is worthwhile to put them through toad avoidance training. This training is very effective and will save you time and money in the long run.
Q: I have heard toads are bad for dogs. What should I do if my dog licks or eats a toad?
A: Colorado River toads secrete a neurotoxin that is very dangerous to dogs. Symptoms include excessive foaming from the mouth, panting, pawing at the face, elevated temperature, and abnormally red gums. Severe cases can include seizures, weakness, and collapse.
If your dog is exhibiting these signs, you need to rinse his/her mouth immediately to curb the effects of the toxin. Do this by using a garden hose but be very careful to angle the spray so water does not go down their throat. If you have a small dog, you can easily rinse their mouth in a kitchen sink. Continue rinsing for about 20 minutes or until the symptoms subside. Get your dog to a vet for further examination and treatment. We have many toads in this area and not all are toxic. We worry mostly about the Colorado River toad, which is dark green in color and can range from the size of a tennis ball to the size of a dinner plate, visit www.nhptv.org/natureworks/coloradorivertoad.htm. If your dog expresses a lot of interest in toads, it is worthwhile to put them through toad avoidance training. This training is very effective and will save you time and money in the long run.
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bensonnews-sun.com.
Kisco wrote on Aug 25, 2010 9:11 PM:
" Good advice. Bufo toxin amounts vary from species to species. Some toads have more than others. The effects of the toxin also vary on the size of the animal that ingests it. Most toads hide and stay to themselves, but a dog who thinks they are something to play with might in fact scare the toad enough to produce bufo toxin. Toads don't normally walk around with toxin oozing out. Its their last resort defense. The will do other things first like duck, then puff up with air to look big. When they do secrete, it will be white and milky to foamy and visible on the toads skin, which is normal quite dry.
Considering the benefit of toads in your garden, its worth it for pets to learn to live in harmony with these wonderful, natural pest control creatures.
Here is an article on attracting toads to your garden and why you should.
toadilytoads com/gardentoads "
Considering the benefit of toads in your garden, its worth it for pets to learn to live in harmony with these wonderful, natural pest control creatures.
Here is an article on attracting toads to your garden and why you should.
toadilytoads com/gardentoads "
JT wrote on Aug 25, 2010 3:35 PM: