Does your dog love exploring the outdoors?
Beware of sneaky stowaways! Certain toads, like the Colorado River Toad and Marine Toad, pose a serious threat to curious canines. Their toxic secretions can be life-threatening if not addressed immediately. Learn how to identify the signs of toad poisoning, take swift action, and keep your furry friend safe.
Symptoms of Toad Venom Poisoning
Symptoms usually appear within a few seconds of the toad encounter and may include the following:
Crying or other vocalization
Pawing at the mouth and/or eyes
Profuse drooling of saliva from the mouth
Change in the color of membranes of the mouth – may be inflamed or pale
Difficulty in breathing
Unsteady movements
Seizures
High temperature
Collapse
Causes
Living in proximity and coming into contact with toxic toads
More commonly seen in animals that spend a lot of time outdoors and/or with a curious nature
Fast Diagnosis is Key: Saving Your Dog from Toad Toxin
Toad venom poisoning is a serious situation. Time is critical, so get your dog to the vet immediately. Be prepared to describe your dog's health history, the onset of symptoms, and any chance they might have encountered a toad (especially a Bufo toad).
The vet will perform a complete physical exam and likely run some tests, including blood work and a urinalysis. While these tests often come back normal, they may reveal high potassium levels (hyperkalemia). A telltale sign can be an abnormal heartbeat. If time allows, an electrocardiogram (ECG) can confirm an irregular heart rhythm, further supporting a toad venom poisoning diagnosis.
Treatment
Toad venom toxicity is an emergency with highly-likely fatal outcomes. Time remains a crucial factor in the survival of the affected animal. If you suspect that your dog has encountered a toxic toad, immediately take the dog to a nearby veterinary hospital for emergency treatment.
If in case of an emergency in our practicing area, please contact the following:
Animal ER - (941) 355-2884
Vet Care Express Animal Ambulance - (941) 592-5131
The first step is to flush the mouth with water. Body temperature will be regulated; a cool bath may be needed. Heart function and ECG will be monitored for abnormalities. Medications can control heart rhythm and saliva production. Anesthesia may be used for pain relief.
Living and Management
Continuous monitoring will be required until the dog is fully recovered. Your veterinarian will continuously record the heart's rhythms using ECG to evaluate your cat's response to the treatment patient. Patients that have been treated before enough of the toxin has had the chance to reach the system, within about 30 minutes, have a good chance of recovery. However, the overall prognosis is not good for most animals, and death is very common in dogs that have been exposed to toad venom.