Are Toads Poisonous to Dogs?
Rhinella marina (cane/marine toad), Incilius alvarius (Colorado River/Sonoran Desert toad), and other Bufonidae · Bufonidae
Highly ToxicAlso toxic to cats
Toads are highly toxic to dogs.
Why it's toxic
The toxic compounds in toads:
- Bufotoxins (block sodium channels in nerves, similar to local anesthetics)
- Bufagenins / bufadienolides (digitalis-like cardiac glycoside effects)
- Catecholamines
- Serotonin (and other biogenic amines)
Symptoms to watch for
If your dog ate toads, watch for:
- Profuse drooling and frothing at the mouth
- Bright red, irritated gums and oral pain
- Pawing at the mouth, vigorous head shaking, vocalizing
- Gagging, retching, vomiting and diarrhea
- Stumbling, weakness, ataxia
- Tremors and seizures
- Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea), cyanosis
- Abnormal heart rate and rhythm (cardiac arrhythmias), hyperkalemia
- Collapse and death without rapid treatment
What to do if your dog ate it
- 1Remove your dog's access to the toads 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
- What should I worry about if my dog licks or bites a toad?
- Toad skin glands secrete bufotoxins that are absorbed through the mouth almost immediately. With large species like the cane toad (Rhinella marina) or Colorado River toad (Incilius alvarius), signs appear within minutes and can progress to seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, and death. Treat any mouth contact as a potential emergency, not just swallowing the toad.
- Are all toads equally dangerous to dogs?
- No. The cane/marine toad and the Colorado River/Sonoran Desert toad are the most dangerous and can be life-threatening or fatal. Smaller native toad species usually cause milder local effects such as drooling and mouth irritation, but severity can be worse in dogs with preexisting heart conditions, so any toad exposure warrants caution.
- How fast can toad poisoning kill a dog?
- With highly toxic species, an average-size dog can deteriorate rapidly, and death may occur very quickly without immediate care. Merck and VCA note death is common in regions like Florida (where cane toads are established) if treatment is not provided promptly. There is no specific antidote; care is symptomatic and supportive.
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.