Toad Poisoning: Symptoms & Treatment for Toad Poison in Pets

Depending on the region you live in, toad poisoning in dogs may be a threat to consider. Yes, toads! All toads produce irritating toxins in their skin to deter predators, but some are more potent and therefore more dangerous than others. In cases of excessive exposure or those not caught in time, toad poisoning can even be fatal. Knowing the types of toads that are most dangerous, what regions they are found in, what signs to watch for, and what to do in the event of exposure is essential to keeping your pet safe and preventing toad poisoning.  

Are Toads Poisonous? 

All toads produce toxins. Upon ingestion of most toads, dogs won’t experience much more than oral irritation, drooling or gastrointestinal upset. But there are two toads in particular, previously known as Bufo toads, that produce a more potent toxin that can be fatal for dogs. These species produce bufotoxins that cause extreme symptoms quickly after exposure. The Cane toad (Rhinella marina) is found commonly in Florida, Texas, and Hawaii. The Colorado River toad (Incilius alvarius) is primarily found in the southwestern states: New Mexico, Arizona, southern California, and western Texas.  

Symptoms of Toad Poisoning in Dogs 

Dogs can be exposed to toad toxins through licking, biting, or ingesting a toad, or even by drinking water that a toad has been sitting in. All stages of the Bufo toad lifecycle are toxic, including eggs and tadpoles. The bufotoxins are absorbed quickly through the gums and lips into the blood stream. Initially, dogs will experience foaming at the mouth, drooling, gagging, and pawing at the face as the toxin is highly irritating and can make dogs itchy around the mouth. These initial signs can then progress to severe cardiovascular and nervous system symptoms associated with bufotoxins. This can include seizures, disorientation, muscle tremors, weakness, irregular heartbeat, collapse and eventually death. 

In the event of suspected exposure to a toad, it is essential to act quickly. Getting your pet to the vet ASAP after exposure leads to the best chance of survival. If possible, snap a picture of the toad for identification purposes and also call Pet Poison Control for guidance while in transit. Vomit induction is not recommended in these cases as the toxin is already absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth, but decontamination of the mouth can help reduce exposure. While on your way to the vet, flush your pet’s lips and mouth out with water to remove any additional toad toxin. If your pet is unconscious or seizing, it may not be safe to flush their mouth as this could lead to water getting into the lungs.  

Diagnosis and Treatment of Toad Poisoning in Dogs 

Diagnosis of toad poisoning in dogs is not clear cut. It is typically diagnosed based on a combination of symptoms and suspected exposure based on geographic location and possibly on the owners seeing a toad. Additionally, bufotoxins can cause an elevation of potassium in the blood that can be detected and is supportive of toad poisoning. This high potassium can lead to abnormal heart rhythms which can be detected via EKG.  

Treatment of toad poisoning is mostly supportive as there is not an antidote. Upon presentation, the vet will continue to try to flush out the mouth, if it is safe to do so. IV fluids may be recommended to help flush out your dog’s system. Oxygen therapy can be useful in patients experiencing respiratory distress. Additional medications depend on what symptoms the pet is experiencing. Medications can be used to correct high potassium and arrythmias, and to manage seizures and nausea, if needed. 

Dogs can get into toxic substances occasionally, even under the most watchful pet parent’s eye. Knowing what is toxic to your dog is essential to preventing accidental exposure and to knowing when to act quickly after exposure to certain substances. Xylitol is poisonous to dogs. Chocolate can kill a dog. Grapes cause kidney failure in dogs. Awareness and education are key to keeping your furry friend safe and healthy.  

Recovery and Prevention After Toad Poisoning 

The severity of toad poisoning depends heavily on the amount of toxin a dog is exposed to and how quickly action is taken when exposed. The best outcomes happen when pets make it to the emergency vet ASAP for decontamination and supportive care. Most pets will make a full recovery within 12 hours.  

Emergency vet visits can be expensive so securing medical insurance for your pets can help ease the financial burden of the unexpected. When a pet is exposed to toad toxins, every minute counts. Having pet insurance can empower pet owners to make the best decisions for their pet's health without being solely limited by budget. It provides a financial safety net that allows for optimal care in emergency situations like toad poisoning. 

Prevention is the optimal way to keep your pet safe from toads. While toad poisoning is more commonly diagnosed and treated in dogs, cats are susceptible too! For those living in the same regions at the Cane toad and Colorado River toad, supervising your pet when outdoors is essential. Don’t leave your pet’s water bowl outside, and always put out fresh water to avoid contamination from a toad sitting in their water. Toads are most active during the rainy season and especially after rainfall, so consider keeping your pet on a leash and under a watchful eye during these times to keep them safe. Enjoy outdoor adventures with your furry friend, but be vigilant and protect them from the effects of toad ingestion.