Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Are you thinking about adopting a frog? Then you may have some questions, such as whether or not a frog may bite. If you’re wondering about frogs and would like to get one as a pet, then you’ve to the right place!
In this article, we’ll answer the question of whether or not frogs bite and more. Let’s get started!
Frogs as Pets
Frogs are considered an exotic pet, and they’re a popular pet all around the world! They’re easy to care for, pretty, and are fun to watch. These are only some of the reasons they make great pets.
Did you know that frogs are found in most places around the world? It’s true! They’re found just about everywhere, except Antarctica!
Is It True Frogs May Bite?
Yes, it’s true! While most frogs are pretty laid back and easy-going, they usually don’t like to be handled. They really don’t like interacting with other animals or us. And like other animals, frogs will bite their pet parents occasionally.
Frogs don’t bite to be mean or hateful. Please keep this in mind. Instead, they bite out of fear, trying to get at food, etc. For some frogs, like the Pacman frog that loves to eat, it’s possible they may mistake their pet parent’s fingers for food. Another thing frogs may do is bite if you try to pet them. They don’t want to be petted!
Another reason that frogs bite is to defend themselves. In the wild, frogs may bite to try and get away from a predator. This is one of their only means of defense.
One more reason for biting—it seems that male frogs may become “bitey” during mating season! This is because they’re more territorial at this time than others. Plus, they’ll want to be protective so they can mate. So, if your frog is more “bitey” than usual, and it’s a male, this may be the reason he’s trying to get you!
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowAre Frog Bites Painful?
Well, the answer really depends on how you tolerate pain. For some people, a frog bite may feel more like a hard pinch, while others may find it more painful.
And there’s a general rule when it comes to frog bite pain—the larger the frog, the more painful the bite. This only makes sense, as a larger frog will have larger, stronger jaws, etc. They’ll be able to put more pressure into their bite than a small frog.
Pacman Frogs
It is true that Pacman frogs will bite; however, we must stress they will bite to defend themselves and/or when grabbing for food. That’s about it. The bite of this frog can be painful and even draw blood. But you won’t need to worry about the frog taking a finger or anything like that!
If you’re bitten by a Pacman frog, then it will be necessary to wash the wound with warm, soapy water. Then dry the area and put antibiotic ointment over the bite. Then cover the bite with a clean, dry band-aid. Be sure to watch the wound. If it develops into a worse infection or increase in pain, or you’re worried about it, then be sure to call the doctor or head to the emergency room.
One thing about the Pacman frog—they do sometimes latch on to your finger. This usually happens when they mistake your finger for food. These frogs have strong jaws, which means a strong grip on your finger. If the frog latches on, the most natural reaction is to try and shake it off. However, don’t do this. You could send the frog flying, and he could end up with broken bones or even die.
To safely remove a Pacman frog from your finger, just pour dechlorinated water over him. As you do this, be sure to hold him over his habitat. Then, when he lets go, he can go directly into his tank, rather than jumping off your hand to the floor!
Are Frog Bites Poisonous?
That’s a very good question. While there are some poisonous frogs in the world, most of these are not kept as pets. One of the most toxic frogs is the Poison Dart Frog. One of these frogs carries enough poison to take down ten adult men. They’re called “dart” frogs because the indigenous people, where the frogs live, use the frog’s poison to create poisoned darts.
It’s important to understand that frogs are not venomous. There’s a difference. A venomous animal, such as a snake, injects the poison into the body of their victim. It’s like getting a shot. However, a poisonous animal only secretes poison through their skin. In other words, you can only be poisoned by handling these animals. So, while frogs may be poisonous, they are not venomous.
What Kinds of Frogs Tend to Bite?
That’s another great question! There are some species that are more prone to bite than others. These include:
Pacman frogs: these frogs do have sharp teeth and may bite if scared or mistaking your hand/finger for food.
Budgett’s frogs: will bite anything that looks to be a threat or a predator (which could include you). They may also fight. Before that happens, they may make themselves look bigger and start making noises. That’s the sign to take your hand away from the frog—now!
African bullfrogs: they can make good pets, but they are known to bite. They have strong jaws and teeth, and they will use them if they feel threatened.
If you have one of these frogs as a pet, it’s usually best not to handle them too much. And when feeding them, be sure to use a pair of tongs. Put the food in between the tongs, and then feed your frog. This is much safer, and you won’t have to worry about the frog mistaking your finger or hand for the food!
Is It OK to Kiss a Frog?
The answer to that is no. You should never hold any frog up close to your face, whether that’s your pet frog or a wild one. The problem is the frog will be scared and could bite. While your pet frog may not see you as a predator, a wild frog definitely will.
Another problem is that frogs (both pets and wild) can carry diseases that you can catch. So, it’s just best to keep frogs away from your face. Then you won’t end up with a bite, being poisoned, or catching some nasty bacteria, etc.!
So, there you have it. Frogs definitely can and do bite; however, they usually only do so when afraid or if they mistake your hand/fingers for food. Otherwise, your frog should be pretty passive and easy to get along with.
And remember, never pick up your frog and kiss it. You’ll be sorry—he won’t turn into a prince. We guarantee it!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now
