Toads (especially the cane toad) in Pets

Toad venom contains heart toxins, and cane toads can kill dogs. Learn the first-aid mouth rinse recommended by Merck, the signs to watch for and when to go straight to a vet.

What It Is

Toads defend themselves with a thick white secretion from glands behind the eyes. It contains bufadienolides, heart toxins similar to digoxin, plus other compounds that affect blood pressure and the nervous system. The cane or marine toad (Rhinella marina) produces the most potent secretion.

Where Pets Come Across It

Dogs that mouth, lick or catch toads in gardens at dusk, especially after rain. Cane toads are established in Florida, Texas, Hawaii and northern Australia; other toads elsewhere are generally less toxic. Water bowls left outside can also become contaminated.

Which Animals Are Affected

Dogs, especially terriers and young dogs that chase wildlife. Cats are affected less often.

Published Toxic Dose

No mg/kg threshold exists that an owner could use: you cannot know how much secretion was absorbed. The Merck Veterinary Manual describes signs ranging from local mouth irritation to seizures and death, with smaller toads generally causing milder signs and the cane toad causing the most severe poisoning. The calculator therefore shows no risk level for toad exposure.

Signs and How Soon They Appear

Immediate profuse, often frothy drooling, head shaking, pawing at the mouth and bright red gums. Vomiting, wobbliness and weakness can follow within 15 to 30 minutes, and severe cases develop abnormal heart rhythm, collapse and seizures.

What to Do Right Now

Merck advises flushing the mouth immediately with plenty of water. Wipe the gums and tongue with a damp cloth and let water run out of the front of the mouth with the head pointing down; do not hose water down the throat. Then call a vet or poison line; with cane toads, or if your dog seems weak, go straight to the clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and References

• Merck Veterinary Manual: Toad Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

Related Poisons