Toads and dogs

[foreverinmyheart]

We have noticed a toad or two in our garden and our dog keeps taking an interest. He was sick randomly today and now I'm worried the road could have toxins that may have made him sick.

Does anyone know much about toads and dogs?? Trying to work out what to do and how to limit contact as I have read that if a dog licks a toad it can be dangerous due to toxins. I have googled but be great to get a view!

Are you in the UK? If so I've never heard of it being an issue.

Okay thanks, that was my assumption but then I kept finding things on UK sites saying they emit toxins dangerous to dogs especially if under threat.

If it isn't really a thing that's good!

Yes, toads and dogs don't mix well. They're toxic if the dogs lick or bite them.

I would supervise her in the garden for a bit.

www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/summer-dangers/

The worst any of mine have had from licking a toad was frantic slavering and pawing at their mouth till the taste had cleared.

Okay cool thank you so much!

I remember my 6 month old pup foaming at the mouth when he tried to pick up a toad. He then spent a good hour trying to get the taste out. He lived until 12yrs old

Irrelevant but my senior cat used to have a toad chum. He lived under a stone by the porch. She would go out and wait until he emerged, then she would tap the ground behind him. He would jump about ten inches and then just sit there. They both had a rest, and the she would tap again. Sometimes they would keep this up for half an hour before one or the other got bored and wandered off/ took a nap.

Yes. The Kennel Club website says

The common toad and the natterjack toad are native to Britain, largely found in forest areas and wet locations. Poisoning occurs when dogs lick or eat toads. Exposure to toads is at its highest between June and August when they are spawning. Signs include vomiting, frothing and foaming at the mouth, hypersalivation, shaking, oral pain and collapse.

So I'd keep the dog out of your garden if there are toads there, or rehome the toads to a nearby pond (and keep an eye out for them returning).

Thanks again for the replies. So far no more toad appearances and keeping a close eye out.

@Allthegoodnamesarechosen that is so sweet and funny! ❤️🐾

Toads don’t live in ponds!

@FernsAndFlowers - they do at breeding time. Or op could rehome them to a habitat like the one she found them in.

You could have suggested that rather than berating me.

And @foreverinmyheart, remember that there are millions of pet dogs in the UK, but toads are declining and should all be protected.