While it may come as a surprise to you, there are many toads here in the United States that are poisonous to dogs. One of the most toxic is the Western toad. As their name implies, Western toads are found in the western region of the United States and are a very populous species. This species of bumpy brown toads is dispersed over a wide variety of different terrains and can be found everywhere from the mountain forests to the lowland deserts.

Western Toads and Their Canine Toxicity

When toads feel stressed out or threatened, their skin secretes a liquid substance that is toxic for dogs if they get it in their mouth. The toad's toxin isn't harmful to people, but it can kill puppies or smaller dogs. 

Care and Treatment for a Dog vs. Toad Encounter

If your dog couldn't resist the odd-looking, hopping, bumpy thing in its yard and just had to take a quick bite, then it's important you seek immediate medical attention from a veterinarian. Toad toxicity is potentially fatal for your dog, so it is completely appropriate to take your dog to an emergency animal hospital if it is after hours or if your dog's regular vet is not available.

While there is no anti-venom available to give your dog that will counteract the toad's poison, a veterinarian can give your pet fluids and medications to keep them more comfortable. This gives your dog the best chances to recover from the poisoning and they will have the medical support they need.  

Proactive Prevention of Dog vs. Toad Encounters

Dogs are naturally attracted to objects in their yard that move and are different. This means if they see a toad hopping around, then they are naturally going to be curious and check it out. Once they see it looks like something edible, they may try to eat it. This one simple mistake can be fatal.

The absolute best way to prevent dog versus toad encounters on your property is to encourage toads to set up their house elsewhere. 

Toads need a moist place to live with plenty of drinking water. They also need lots of insects to feed on each night. By taking proactive steps to eliminate these things from your yard, you encourage the local toad population to live somewhere else. If you have a water fountain or a slow plumbing leak that provide water, then remove it or fix the leak. Finally, if you have lights on at night and find toads below them, then turn off the lights or switch to a spectrum that won't attract as many insects.

For more information, reach out to animal hospitals like Animal Emergency Clinic.

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