I was out walking my dog and he started licking a frog in the backyard. Now I’m freaking out a little. Are all frogs poisonous to dogs? Do I need to rush to the vet??
Depends on the type of frog! Some toads, like the cane toad and Colorado River toad, are super toxic to dogs. If your dog licked one, watch for foaming at the mouth, drooling, or stumbling.
Ollie said:
Depends on the type of frog! Some toads, like the cane toad and Colorado River toad, are super toxic to dogs. If your dog licked one, watch for foaming at the mouth, drooling, or stumbling.
Oh wow, I had no idea. What should I do if I see those symptoms?
@Jin
Rinse your dog’s mouth with clean water for a few minutes and call the vet ASAP. The toxins can be really dangerous if not treated quickly.
Not all frogs are dangerous! A lot of backyard frogs, like tree frogs, aren’t poisonous but can still irritate your dog’s mouth.
Ira said:
Not all frogs are dangerous! A lot of backyard frogs, like tree frogs, aren’t poisonous but can still irritate your dog’s mouth.
That’s a relief. So if my dog is just drooling a bit but not acting weird, I shouldn’t worry?
@Jin
Yeah, just rinse their mouth with water. If they start vomiting or acting off, then definitely call the vet!
If you’re in Florida, watch out for cane toads. They’re super common there and really toxic to dogs!
Bela said:
If you’re in Florida, watch out for cane toads. They’re super common there and really toxic to dogs!
Good to know! I’m not in Florida, but should I still be worried?
Bela said:
If you’re in Florida, watch out for cane toads. They’re super common there and really toxic to dogs!
Good to know! I’m not in Florida, but should I still be worried?
Depends where you are. If you’re in the southwestern US, the Colorado River toad is another one to watch out for!
Anyone know how to tell if a frog is poisonous just by looking at it?
Hadi said:
Anyone know how to tell if a frog is poisonous just by looking at it?
Bright colors and weird patterns are usually a red flag. Also, if a frog is just chilling out in the open during the day, it might be relying on its toxins for protection.
@Uma
That’s actually super interesting. I always thought frogs were harmless!
If your dog is foaming at the mouth after licking a toad, it’s probably a reaction to the toxins. Get them to the vet fast!
Reed said:
If your dog is foaming at the mouth after licking a toad, it’s probably a reaction to the toxins. Get them to the vet fast!
How long does it take for symptoms to show up?
@Jin
Usually within 15 to 30 minutes. If you see anything weird, don’t wait—get help!