My Dog Licked a Frog What Should I Do? | Our Fit Pets (2024)

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Dogs are known for being extremely curious about many things. Many dogs are very curious about small animals, especially those that run, hop, and jump! It may be the dog considers it fun or even a challenge to catch some critter, like a frog! But what happens if a dog licks a frog?

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Has your dog licked a frog? Are you worried the frog may make your dog sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog does something like this.

In this article, we’ll take a look at frogs and whether or not they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!

What are Frogs?

Frogs are amphibians that usually live in or near water. They’re carnivorous and eat anything that will fit into their mouths! This may include insects, reptiles, small birds, rodents, and more. Did you know that frogs go back millions of years? The very first frog-like fossils have been dated back to about 265 million years ago!

What’s more, frogs are found in all types of environments; most are found in the tropical rainforest. There are about 7,300 species of frogs. They’re food for many types of animals. However, what happens if a dog licks a frog?

Frogs & Dogs

Most frogs found in the US are not poisonous, though some are mildly toxic. There is one frog, called the Pickerel frog, which is poisonous, however. These frogs are typically found in Wisconsin, southeast Minnesota, eastern Iowa, Missouri, and eastern Texas. They’re also found in some parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and northern Alabama.

And Pickerel usually live near cold, clear water in rocky ravines, bogs, and meadow streams. They can also sometimes be found in forests that have lakes and rivers. But remember, these are not as commonplace as regular frogs.

Many frogs, even though they are mildly toxic, secrete a chemical through their skin that is very bad tasting and toxic. The chemicals in this secretion can irritate a dog’s nose, mouth, and eyes.

What’s more, frogs can also carry a parasite called lungworm that a dog may contract if he licks a frog. And frogs can also carry salmonella, which is an infection that can affect dogs.

So, it is possible for a dog to become sick from licking a frog.

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Symptoms of Frog Toxicity in Dogs

You may notice these symptoms if your dog licks a frog:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Raised body temperature
  • Accelerated heart rate
  • Diarrhea
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting
  • Excessive drooling/foaming of the mouth
  • Red gums
  • Unsteady balance
  • Dilated pupils

So, if your dog has licked a frog and shows any of these or other concerning symptoms, call the vet right away. This may be an emergency.

Just to recap, it is possible for a dog to get sick from licking a frog. However, this is rare unless you live in an area where poisonous frogs live. If your dog has licked a frog and you’re worried, we recommend calling your vet for advice and guidance on how to help your dog.

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My Dog Licked a Frog What Should I Do? | Our Fit Pets (4)

Julie

Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.

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My Dog Licked a Frog What Should I Do? | Our Fit Pets (2024)

FAQs

What do you do if your dog licks a frog? ›

Rinse out the dog's mouth with large amounts of water – be careful not to force water down his throat as you may drown him. Hold his head down for the water to run out. Gently wipe the dog's gums to get rid of some of the poison. If the dog is having a seizure, or is in pain, he may bite, so be cautious.

How long does frog poisoning last in dogs? ›

Symptoms. Thankfully, most cases of toad poisoning in dogs aren't too severe, and your dog will only experience mild symptoms, although those symptoms can last for several hours.

Will my dog be okay after eating a frog? ›

While most frogs are not highly toxic to dogs, some species can produce skin secretions that may be irritating or distasteful. Here are some steps you can take: Monitor your dog: Keep a close eye on your dog for any signs of distress, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing, or other abnormal behaviors.

What will a vet do for dog that licked toad? ›

Intravenous fluids, anti-nausea medications, medications to control the heart rate, muscle relaxants, medications to control seizures and medications to treat abnormal heart rhythms may be necessary. A medication, Digibind, that specifically reverses the effects on the heart may be considered in severe cases.

Will my dog be ok if she licked a toad? ›

Toads are poisonous because they can leak toxins from their skin. Therefore, toad poisoning may occur if your dog ingests, licks, or chews on a toad. Toads reproduce from March to September, and your dog is at a much greater risk of toad poisoning during that time.

How long after a dog licks a toad? ›

How long does cane toad poisoning take to kill a dog? There is no firm answer to this question, as it depends on how much toxin has been absorbed and the size of the dog. Generally speaking, the adult cane toad has enough toxin to kill an average-sized dog in 15 minutes.

What happens if a dog licks a poisonous frog? ›

If left untreated, the toxins can damage the nervous and cardiovascular systems, leading to heart arrhythmias or possible fatality. If you suspect that your dog has licked a toad you must act at once by calling Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 for first aid advice.

How do you neutralize dog poisoning? ›

In cases like this, your veterinarian may tell you to give your pet activated charcoal to adsorb the poison. Endosorb can also be used to adsorb toxins in the stomach and intestines. It is available as tablets or liquid and is less messy than charcoal. Your pet may also need IV fluids.

Can licking a frog make my dog sick? ›

Most toads and frogs secrete a substance through their skin that is either incredibly foul tasting (which could cause your dog to foam or leave a bad taste in their mouths), or highly toxic. These chemicals that are highly toxic will be quickly absorbed through your dog's mouth, nose, and eyes.

How long does it take for a dog to show signs of frog poisoning? ›

How long does cane toad poisoning take in dogs? In general toxic effect signs can be seen within 30-60 minutes of contact, however, the amount of time it takes for dogs to start showing symptoms can vary depending on the amount of toxin they have ingested.

Are garden frogs poisonous to dogs? ›

Many common backyard frog species, such as tree frogs, are unlikely to cause serious harm. However, they can still irritate your dog's mouth and eyes if licked or ingested. Signs of this irritation may include: Excessive drooling.

What happens when a dog licks a green frog? ›

What does the toxin do to dogs? The toxin (Caerulein), produces vomiting, diarrhoea and sometimes some depression, but signs are usually resolved within 30-60 minutes without any treatment. Thankfully, the Green Tree Frog's toxin is not fatal to dogs.

Can milk help with toad poisoning in dogs? ›

Milk or other medicines commonly found in the home are not effective in first aid treatment of this condition. It is important to obtain the services of your Veterinarian to give specific antidotes by injection as soon as possible, especially when there is doubt about the severity of the poisoning.

Does milk help a poisoned dog? ›

Don't give your dog any milk, food, salt, oil, or any other home remedies. Doing so will likely complicate the poisoning. , to induce vomiting in dogs, it may be recommended to give hydrogen peroxide.

Can a dog get sick from biting a frog? ›

Certain species of toads can secrete a toxin that can poison animals who attempt to ingest them. Whether a dog licks or completely ingests a toad, he can suffer from excessive drooling, vomiting and/or irritation in the mouth or worse.

How to tell if a toad is poisonous? ›

The poisonous ones are an invasive species called Bufo toads, also known as cane toads. Florida Fish and Wildlife says, "They have enlarged glands behind the eyes, which angle downward onto the shoulders.

Are Southern toads poisonous to dogs? ›

The parotoid glands on the shoulders of Cane Toads produce toxins that can cause pets to become very ill or die. Cane Toads should be captured and humanely euthanized. Native Southern Toads and Oak Toads also have these glands, but their toxins are much less potent - they are harmless to pets.

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