How to Know if Toads are Deadly to Dogs

Any pet owner's greatest fear is of losing their pet. Plants and toads are two things to worry about with our canine (and feline) friends. But how do you know if a toad is poisonous to your pet? Well, let's find out.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Knowledge is your best weapon. In Florida (extending to the midwest) the most common genus of toad is Bufo. ALL Bufo species are poisonous. When they are threatened, glands that are in their skin secrete poisons. Some of them act like Digitalis, a heart medication (slows the heart rate) and other poisonous toxins affect blood pressure, and can even cause hallucinations.

2. 
   Bufo Marinus (the Gigantor of toads!)

   One type of Bufo toad is the Bufo Marinus, also known as Marine or Cane Toad. These are the giant toads you see hopping around your yard. Beware! If a pet ingests this toad or some of the toxins, it's potentially fatal!

3. There's also Bufo Americanis. Found in the America's, this is also a poisonous one. Go to this website for more information (such as description, habitat, etc.)
   http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Bufo_americanus.html

4. 
   Buffo Terrestris

   Here's a picture of Bufo Terrestris, another species of Bufo

5. 
   Bufo Quercicus

   One more species of Bufo

Tips & Warnings

• Go to the listed webpages for more information, such as habitat, characteristics, etc. Knowledge is your best weapon!
• Don't let your pets play with ANY insects, amphibians, or wild plants. You don't know what it'll do to them. So if you see your pet poking his nose around, check to see what it is. It's better to be overly cautious and alive then relaxed and dead.

Resources

• Toad Toxicity
• Bufo Marinus
• Frogs & Toads of GA
• Oak Toad

[deemiami]

on 7/3/2008 Please note that the bufo marinus can come in a variety of shades from light brown to very dark brown. I have even seen them look dark green. If you live in the south, and if the toad in your yard as bumps on its back and is more than 3 inches across, it is very likely one of these toads. Bufo toads inhale air to bloat up like a balloon when caught and excrete urine. If your pet gets one of these toads in its mouth, flush its mouth with water from side to the front or other side of the mouth. If you force water, or any other liquid, down your pets throat, the poison will just go along with the liquid. These toads are dangerous to dogs and cats. Teach your pets not to bother them.

-Dee, Miami

[revisitingnixon]

on 6/12/2007 Congrats on having this article be picked as the winner for the "Top Written Requested How to Article!" Check out the forums and see which other winners we have this week. Check it out at:

http://www.ehow.com/community/forums/forum_1728_ehow-winners:-article-requests.aspx

-Rich