Exposure to toad toxins can be a serious matter for dogs. Toad poisoning in dogs is an emergency that requires immediate treatment. Toads produce a thick, white, creamy liquid as a defensive mechanism. When a dog comes into contact with this toxin, it may experience gastrointestinal, cardiac, and neurological signs. The goal of this article is to provide detailed information on the symptoms and treatment of toad poisoning in dogs.
What are the causes of toad poisoning in dogs?
Toad poisoning in dogs is caused by exposure to the toxins produced by two species of Bufo toads. In general, Bufo toads, otherwise known as cane toads, are most lively during the breeding season (March through September) and many cases of toad poisoning in dogs occur in the spring and summer.
The toads produce a thick, white, creamy liquid as a defensive mechanism. This toxin is produced in large parotid glands near the eyes, and smaller glands throughout the toad's body. Bufo toads produce several toxins which can cause gastrointestinal (GI), cardiac, and neurological signs in dogs if they are exposed. These toxins can recirculate through the liver multiple times, causing clinical signs to last for an extended period, otherwise known as enterohepatic recirculation.
Toads are large, slow-moving creatures, making them vulnerable to cats and dogs. Dogs may become intoxicated by licking or sniffing the toads. Toads, toad eggs, and tadpoles are all known to cause toxicity when eaten. Additionally, toads that remain in water bowls for too long leave behind enough toxins to endanger animals that drink the water.
What are the symptoms of toad poisoning in dogs?
Clinical symptoms caused by Bufo toad poisoning in dogs can vary, depending on how much the dog was exposed to and if the dog has any other existing health conditions. Some dogs are fortunate to only have mild, local symptoms whereas other dogs may develop life-threatening conditions.
Mild symptoms, such as local irritation, are present in some patients. Gastrointestinal (GI), cardiovascular, and neurological diseases are among the serious effects that might occur. Symptoms such as hypersalivation, pawing at the mouth, head shaking, and retching may be seen immediately. GI symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea are common and are often evident immediately or within 15 minutes. Acute cardiac problems, including palpitations, hypertension, and tachycardia, may develop within 15 minutes or 4 hours after toxin exposure. Neurologic symptoms, including seizures, and tremors, may appear within 15-20 minutes of toxin exposure.
A summary of the most common symptoms of toad poisoning in dogs include:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- drooling/hypersalivation
- pawing at the mouth
- redness and irritation around the mouth
- very red mucous membranes
- tremors
- seizures
- tachycardia (elevated heart rate)
- arrhythmias
How is toad poisoning in dogs diagnosed?
A detailed history is essential to the diagnosis of toad poisoning in dogs. Be sure to inform your veterinarian of when you think your dog was exposed to Bufo toads and what signs you have observed. A thorough physical examination will be performed along with diagnostic tests to help confirm toad poisoning in dogs and to rule out other potential causes of the signs.
Tests that may be performed to diagnose toad poisoning in dogs include:
Complete blood count (CBC) – to assess for anemia, infection, and dehydration.
Biochemical profile – to evaluate organ function and to look for electrolyte abnormalities.
Electrocardiography (ECG) – to assess for cardiac arrhythmias as severe ventricular arrhythmias are common due to exposure to the toxin in Bufo toads.
Because the Bufo toad toxins do not accumulate or remain in organs, testing for them is not beneficial or recommended.
What is the treatment for toad poisoning in dogs?
There is no specific antidote to toad poisoning in dogs, so treatment focuses on supportive care. If you think your dog has been exposed to Bufo toads, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately as toad poisoning in dogs is a medical emergency.
Early decontamination is essential and may be life-saving. This consists of removing the toad toxin from your dog’s mouth and skin. This can be done by irrigating your dog’s mouth and skin with cool water for 5-10 minutes. Once decontamination is complete, supportive care can be implemented.
Supportive care for toad poisoning in dogs typically includes:
Intravenous (IV) Fluid therapy – to correct dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities.
Temperature regulation – cooling measures to maintain normal body temperature if hyperthermia is present (>104°F (40°C)).
Anti-seizure medication – to control seizures if they are present.
Anti-arrhythmic therapy – to control any cardiac arrhythmias that may be present.
Anti-emetics – to control vomiting if present.
What is the prognosis for dogs with toad poisoning?
The prognosis for dogs with toad poisoning is variable and depends on the severity of the signs. Dogs that develop mild local irritation typically have a good prognosis. However, dogs that develop more severe symptoms, such as seizures or arrhythmias, have a more guarded to poor prognosis. With early and aggressive treatment, some dogs with toad poisoning can make a full recovery. Without appropriate veterinary attention and therapy, mortality rates for toad poisoning in dogs can be as high as 100%.
How can toad poisoning be prevented in dogs?
The best way to prevent toad poisoning in dogs is to avoid exposure to Bufo toads altogether. If you live in an area where toads are prevalent, be sure to keep your dog on a leash during walks and avoid letting them drink from puddles or ponds. If you think your dog has been exposed to toads, be sure to rinse their mouth and skin with cool water for 5-10 minutes and then seek veterinary attention immediately.
Furthermore, Bufo toads typically come out after it rains, at dawn or dusk, or during the night. If you live in an area where these toads exist, it's important to be extra vigilant with your dog during these times.
Where are Bufo toads located geographically?
Bufo or cane toads are found throughout the southeastern United States, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. They have also been introduced to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. One species of Bufo toad can be commonly found in California and southwestern desert regions.
What do Bufo toads look like?
Bufo toads are large toads that can grow to be 6-9 inches long. They have dry, warty skin that is typically brown or olive green in colour. They also have large, parotid glands located behind their eyes that secrete a thick, white, creamy liquid. This liquid is their main defense mechanism and is what contains the toxins that can cause toad poisoning in dogs.
Is there an antidote for toad poisoning in dogs?
There is no specific antidote to toad poisoning in dogs. Treatment focuses on supportive care to remove the toad toxin from your dog’s mouth and skin and to control any seizures or arrhythmias that may be present. With early and aggressive treatment, some dogs with toad poisoning can make a full recovery. Without appropriate veterinary attention and therapy, mortality rates for toad poisoning in dogs can be as high as 100%.
Toad poisoning in dogs is a medical emergency that can cause severe gastrointestinal, cardiac, and neurological signs. There is no specific antidote to toad poisoning in dogs, so treatment focuses on supportive care. If you think your dog has been exposed to Bufo toads, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. With early and aggressive treatment, some dogs with toad poisoning can make a full recovery. However, without appropriate veterinary attention and therapy, mortality rates for toad poisoning in dogs can be as high as 100%. The best way to prevent toad poisoning in dogs is to avoid exposure to Bufo toads altogether. If you live in an area where toads are prevalent, be sure to keep your dog on a leash during walks and avoid letting them drink from puddles or ponds. If you think your dog has been exposed to toads, be sure to rinse their mouth and skin with cool water for 5-10 minutes and then seek veterinary attention immediately.
We hope this information was helpful and if you have any questions, please contact your veterinarian.