Dogs are known for being extremely curious about many things. Many dogs are very curious about small animals, especially those that run, hop, and jump! It may be the dog considers it fun or even a challenge to catch some critter, like a frog! But what happens if a dog licks a frog?
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Has your dog licked a frog? Are you worried the frog may make your dog sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog does something like this.
In this article, we’ll take a look at frogs and whether or not they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What are Frogs?
Frogs are amphibians that usually live in or near water. They’re carnivorous and eat anything that will fit into their mouths! This may include insects, reptiles, small birds, rodents, and more. Did you know that frogs go back millions of years? The very first frog-like fossils have been dated back to about 265 million years ago!
What’s more, frogs are found in all types of environments; most are found in the tropical rainforest. There are about 7,300 species of frogs. They’re food for many types of animals. However, what happens if a dog licks a frog?
Frogs & Dogs
Most frogs found in the US are not poisonous, though some are mildly toxic. There is one frog, called the Pickerel frog, which is poisonous, however. These frogs are typically found in Wisconsin, southeast Minnesota, eastern Iowa, Missouri, and eastern Texas. They’re also found in some parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and northern Alabama.
And Pickerel usually live near cold, clear water in rocky ravines, bogs, and meadow streams. They can also sometimes be found in forests that have lakes and rivers. But remember, these are not as commonplace as regular frogs.
Many frogs, even though they are mildly toxic, secrete a chemical through their skin that is very bad tasting and toxic. The chemicals in this secretion can irritate a dog’s nose, mouth, and eyes.
What’s more, frogs can also carry a parasite called lungworm that a dog may contract if he licks a frog. And frogs can also carry salmonella, which is an infection that can affect dogs.
So, it is possible for a dog to become sick from licking a frog.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Frog Toxicity in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog licks a frog:
- Trouble breathing
- Raised body temperature
- Accelerated heart rate
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Excessive drooling/foaming of the mouth
- Red gums
- Unsteady balance
- Dilated pupils
So, if your dog has licked a frog and shows any of these or other concerning symptoms, call the vet right away. This may be an emergency.
Just to recap, it is possible for a dog to get sick from licking a frog. However, this is rare unless you live in an area where poisonous frogs live. If your dog has licked a frog and you’re worried, we recommend calling your vet for advice and guidance on how to help your dog.
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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