Are Frogs Poisonous to Dogs?
Order Anura (includes toads of family Bufidae, e.g. Rhinella marina, Incilius alvarius) · Anura (frogs and toads); most dangerous species are in family Bufonidae
Highly ToxicAlso toxic to cats
Frogs are highly toxic to dogs.
Why it's toxic
The toxic compounds in frogs:
- Bufotoxins (skin-gland secretions)
- Bufagenins / bufadienolides (digitalis-like cardiac glycosides causing arrhythmias)
- Biogenic amines including catecholamines and serotonin
Symptoms to watch for
If your dog ate frogs, watch for:
- Profuse drooling / hypersalivation and frothing at the mouth (within minutes)
- Pawing at the mouth, head shaking, vocalizing from pain
- Bright red (hyperemic) gums
- Vomiting and diarrhea, gagging or retching
- Ataxia / stumbling, weakness, recumbency
- Tremors and seizures
- Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)
- Cyanosis and difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
- Cardiac arrhythmias / abnormal heart rate and rhythm, hyperkalemia
- Stupor, coma, and death in severe cases without rapid treatment
What to do if your dog ate it
- 1Remove your dog's access to the frogs and check how much may have been eaten.
- 2Do NOT induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison-control expert specifically tells you to.
- 3Call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435, or the Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 right away.
- 4Note the amount eaten, the time, and your dog's weight and any symptoms — have this ready for the expert.
- 5Follow professional guidance and go to the nearest emergency vet if you are advised to.
A consultation fee may apply to the Pet Poison Helpline. When in doubt, contact your own veterinarian or nearest emergency clinic.
Frequently asked questions
- Are all frogs equally dangerous to my dog?
- No. Most common frogs and small toads in the US cause only mild signs such as drooling and mild mouth irritation if a dog licks or mouths them. The serious danger comes from large toads, especially the cane toad (Rhinella marina, found in Florida, Hawaii, Texas) and the Colorado River / Sonoran Desert toad (Incilius alvarius, found in the southwestern US). These carry enough bufotoxin to be life-threatening. Because pet owners often cannot reliably tell a harmless frog from a toxic toad, any frog-licking or frog-eating incident should be treated cautiously.
- What happens if my dog licks or bites a frog or toad?
- Toxins are absorbed through the mouth and mucous membranes within minutes. Expect immediate heavy drooling, foaming, bright red gums, and pawing at the mouth. With more potent toads this can progress rapidly to vomiting, stumbling, tremors, seizures, difficulty breathing, and dangerous heart rhythm changes. According to VCA and the MSD Veterinary Manual, severe cases can be fatal without prompt veterinary care.
- Can my dog be poisoned without eating a toad?
- Yes. A dog can be exposed simply by mouthing or licking a toad, and even by drinking water from a bowl or pond where a toad has been sitting, since the toxin sheds into the water. Tadpoles and toad eggs are also toxic. This is why supervision in toad-prone areas matters even if your dog never bites the animal.
Sources
Related plants & foods
This page is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Toxicity can vary with the amount eaten, your dog's size, and individual sensitivity. If you suspect poisoning, contact a veterinarian or poison-control hotline immediately.