Toads are common amphibians found in gardens, yards, and natural habitats. While generally perceived as harmless, concerns exist regarding their potential danger to people and pets. Understanding a toad’s natural defenses and identifying certain species clarifies the actual risks. This information is especially relevant for pet owners.
Understanding Toad Defenses
Toads defend themselves by secreting toxic substances from glands in their skin. These secretions come from specialized parotoid glands, typically located behind the eyes, on the back, and sometimes on the shoulders. These toxins deter predators, making the toad an unappetizing or harmful meal.
The milky secretions contain compounds like bufotoxins and bufadienolides, which can affect the heart and central nervous system. Exposure typically occurs when an animal, such as a dog or cat, licks, mouths, or ingests a toad. Toxins are readily absorbed through mucous membranes in the mouth, eyes, or open wounds. Toads do not bite or actively attack, relying on these chemical defenses. While all toads produce some toxin, potency varies significantly among species.
Identifying Potentially Harmful Toads
Identifying potentially harmful toads involves observing their physical characteristics and geographic location. Many toxic species possess prominent parotoid glands behind their eyes. While some toxic toads have warty skin, others, like the Sonoran Desert Toad, may have smoother skin.
Two U.S. species are known for potent toxins: the Cane Toad (Rhinella marina) and the Colorado River Toad (Incilius alvarius), also known as the Sonoran Desert Toad. Cane Toads are large, typically 6 to 9 inches long, with reddish-brown to grayish-brown coloration and a large, triangular poison gland along their shoulder. They are commonly found in Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and Louisiana.
The Colorado River Toad, growing up to 7.5 inches, is olive green to brown with prominent parotoid glands behind its eyes and white tubercles near the corners of its mouth. This species inhabits parts of California, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and northwestern Mexico. Many native toad species across various regions pose minimal threat to humans, causing only mild irritation, though they can still affect pets.
What to Do After Contact
Immediate action is important if a person or pet contacts a toad, especially if a toxic species is suspected. For pets, promptly flush their mouth with copious water, avoiding aspiration. Gently wiping gums and tongue with a damp cloth helps remove residual toxins. Do not use a forceful hose stream directly into the pet’s mouth, as this can lead to accidental inhalation.
Common symptoms of toad poisoning in pets include excessive drooling, foaming at the mouth, pawing at the face, reddened gums, vomiting, and disorientation. More severe signs include tremors, seizures, irregular heart rhythms, difficulty breathing, or collapse. If any symptoms appear, or if contact was with a highly toxic species, seek immediate veterinary attention. Contacting a pet poison control center can also provide guidance.
For humans, if skin contact occurs, thoroughly wash the affected area with soap and cool running water for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid touching eyes, mouth, or open wounds before washing. If toxin enters the eyes, flush them with water for 15 minutes.
General safety measures include supervising pets, especially during dawn, dusk, or after rain when toads are more active. Removing standing water and avoiding leaving pet food or water bowls outside can help deter toads. Wearing gloves is advisable if handling any toad.