Can my dog be hurt or get sick by eating frogs?

Question

I live near a cornfield, and frogs like to hang out in the irrigation ditch and in the street. I inevitably kill a few frogs by driving over them whenever I pull in to the driveway. Then my little pooch comes up, happy to see me, almost always with a dead frog in her mouth. I usually can pull it out of her mouth before she chews too much of it. Can she get sick from the frogs? She hasn't been sick yet, and this has been going on for about six weeks. I keep her inside when no one is at home to pull frogs out of her mouth. My first thought was giardia. She's current on all her shots and heartworm prevention.

muchmorestubborn, I guess you weren't aware that frogs swim in water and untreated water carries giardia. That's why you don't drink pond water.

People who eat frogs cook them right? So they are free from bacteria. My dog doesn't cook these frogs, so I was concerned.

Answer 1

Danger - Giant Toads

Toads secrete a substance that can irritate a dog's eyes or tongue. Catching and chewing a toad can cause excessive salivation and sometimes disorientation, but usually nothing very serious. If your dog has caught a toad, flushing his mouth with water to relieve the unpleasant symptoms is usually all that's needed. But...... there are some Deadly exceptions!

Several species of giant toads are a serious threat to pets. The Colorado River Toad, found in Southwestern states from Arizona to Southern California, and the Giant Brown Toad (also known as Marine Toads, Cane Toads or Bufo Toads) found in South Texas and Florida, are the two most common poisonous toads in the U.S. There are also a large number of Bufo Toads in Hawaii. These giant toads can grow to be 4" to about 9" long and to weigh more than 2 pounds.

Unlike other toads who only eat live, moving insects, giant toads will climb into outdoor food bowls and eat dog food. This leads to toad catching and canine poisoning. There have even been rare cases where giant toads have just sat on the rim of a dog’s water dish and left enough toxin to make the dog sick.

Drooling, head shaking, pawing at the mouth, crying, and attempting to vomit are some symptoms that a pet has had contact with these toads. Symptoms of toad poisoning in dogs can include heavy drooling, head-shaking, vomiting, diarrhea, bright red gums, weakness, loss of coordination, fever, irregular heartbeat, difficult breathing, tightly clamped jaws, convulsions, and even death.

Veterinary treatment, among other measures, might include an EKG to detect an abnormal heart rhythm and, if present, cardiac medication to combat it.; medication to reduce fever, medication to control seizures and IV fluids.

If you live in an area where giant toads can be found, there are some things you can do to protect your dog from a tragic encounter with them.


Toads are nocturnal animals. Turn on outdoor lights and don't allow your dog outside alone after dark.
Toads are also seen more often in wet weather. When it is raining, any time of day, always accompany your dog outside, and be extra watchful.
Inspect areas around plants and shrubs and carefully check your yard for toads before taking your dog outside during early morning hours.
If your dog has had contact with a giant toad, place a hose along the inside of the dog's mouth, point the dog's head downward so the water won't be swallowed and flush it's mouth with water to remove all trace of the poison. While flushing, rub the gums and rub the inside of it's mouth. Continue until the gums and the inside of the mouth no longer feel slimy, then call your Vet.
If you suspect toad poisoning in your dog, get prompt veterinary treatment.

Answer 2

Frog Poisoning In Dogs

Answer 3

Unless it is a poisonous frog I do not think that your dog will get sick from eating them. My dog once ate a live frog and she didn't get sick. Dogs are all of the time eating weird/gross things. If in doubt ask you vet.

Answer 4

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://biturl.im/aU8HO

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 5

Some frogs can be poisonous to dogs. If there is nothing makeing her sick currently, I wouldn't worry about it. Just keep trying to not let her eat them.

Answer 6

At my riding stable, there are varities of frogs that like the water and the sand and there is a dog named Albert who loves to kill frogs. I don't think she'll be sick, just tell her no when you catch her with a frog if you are worried. It is just like killing anything else.

Answer 7

Mylo seems to be fascinated with the play that the jumping frog offers. He plays until they can not anymore...Yes, probably dead. I noticed he brought one or two in the house the other night and after his tortured "play" he kept trying to clear his throat. He doesn't' act funny but it bothers me.

Answer 8

well you dont say where you live but here in florida we have those frogs called buford frogs and they are deadly poisonous to dogs and cats . we kill several of them a year especially if you live near water like ponds and such . good luck and be carefull.

Answer 9

i don't know but my dog always lick frogs and she seems fine