Poisoning, Toad and Salamander View In Dogs

Condition Overview

There are 2 species of poisonous toads in the United States: the Colorado River toad, found in the southwest and Hawaii - and the marine toad, found in Florida. There is one species of poisonous salamander: the California newt, found in California.

Symptoms

All toads, even the ones that aren't poisonous, have a bad taste. Dogs who mouth, them will slobber, spit, drool, and possibly foam. This does not necessarily mean the dog has been poisoned.

Symptoms may vary from slobbering to convulsions, blindness, and death. Puppies and small dogs are more likely to develop toxicity.

All symptoms +

Causes

The marine toad is highly poisonous, causing death in as few as 15 minutes and the tadpoles of this species are also extremely poisonous.

The neurotoxin in the skin of the California newt is so strong that it is enough to kill most vertebrates, including humans. However, they are dangerous only if ingested, and can be safely kept as pets.

For more information about the marine toad.

For information about the Colorado River Toad.

For information about the California Newt.

Diagnosis

Toxicity depends upon the virulence of the toad or salamander venom, the size of the dog, and the amount of the poison absorbed.

Treatment

Repeatedly flush the dog's mouth using a garden hose, if the toad or salamander was indeed a poisonous breed, induce vomiting.

To induce vomiting to prevent poison absorption - Induce vomiting by giving the dog hydrogen peroxide. A 3% solution is most effective. Give 1 teaspoon (5ml) per 10 pounds (4.5kg) of body weight. Repeat every 15 - 20 minutes, up to 3 times, until the dog vomits. Walking the dog after each dose may help stimulate vomiting.

Be prepared to administer CPR. Dogs with salamander poisoning generally recover quickly.

Prevention

Do not allow your pet to play with frogs or salamanders. Although it may look fun or cute to watch your dog chase a frog around the yard, it is not advisable to allow them to chase these potentially deadly creatures.

Support

Contact your veterinarian for detailed instructions or call on of the poison hotlines listed below:

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 (fee)
• Angell Animal Poison Control Hotline 1-877-226-4355
• Animal Poison Hotline operated by the North Shore Animal League and PROSAR International Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-232-8870