Toxic Toads

Dog owners beware. Monsoon season is right around the corner, mid-June through the end of September, and that means the reappearance of toxic toads. The Sonoran Desert toad, also known as Colorado River toad, is one of the largest toads native to North America. Smooth, olive-colored skin with white underside, they can grow up to 7.5 inches long. And…they are toxic to dogs. Often curious by nature, if a dog licks the frog, they ingest neurotoxins and bufotenine coming from the toad’s pores and head causing the dog to foam at the mouth, experience high fever, have seizures, dilated pupils and rapid heartbeat. If not treated immediately, the encounter can be fatal. Symptoms usually appear within seconds and may include:

• Yelping or crying

• Pawing at the face

• Profuse drooling or foaming at the mouth

• Vomiting

• Change in color of the membranes of the mouth

• Difficulty breathing

• Seizures

• Elevated temperature

• Collapse

• Unsteady movements