My Dog Licked a Toad: Emergency First-Aid Steps

It happens fast. One second your dog is sniffing the grass at dusk, the next they are foaming at the mouth. If your dog has licked or bitten a cane toad, every second counts. Here is exactly what to do.

First aid, step by step

1. Stay calm and get your dog away from the toad. 2. Using a damp cloth or paper towel, wipe the gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth to remove the toxin. 3. Rinse the mouth from the side with a gentle stream of water, pointing the head down so water does not go down the throat. Keep rinsing for several minutes. 4. Call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital right away and head there.

Signs to watch for

Drooling, very red gums, pawing at the mouth, whining, stumbling, vomiting, and in severe cases tremors or seizures. Larger doses act quickly, so do not wait for symptoms to worsen before getting help.

Make sure it never happens again

The best first aid is prevention. PupDefense is an organic deterrent that trains cane toads to leave your yard, so your dog never finds one in the first place. It is safe to use around pets and kids when applied as directed, and it works on a simple monthly schedule.

Ready to toad-proof your yard? Find your size or shop the 1-gallon.