don't play with the toads
BY tHOMAS

Hi!  My name is Thomas.  Most of my canine buddies are just like me and enjoy chasing little creatures like lizards, toads, and frogs.  (Just to name a few)  But some of those little creatures can cause all kinds of problems for us.  One of them is the Colorado River Toad.  

The Colorado River Toad, also known as the Sonoran Desert Toad, comes out after the monsoon rains.  What makes the toads dangerous to us dogs (and cats too) is the glands behind their eyes.  The glands secrete a white poison, and if we try to pick up the toad, this white poison spreads in our mouths.   Here are some signs for your Mom and Dad to watch out for if they think that you might have come too close to one of these toads:                            

1.     Severe irritation to eyes and nose, dilated pupils

2.     Extremely dark pink or red gums 

3.     Foaming at the mouth or excessive drooling 

4.     Staggering type stance 

5.     Paralysis, seizures

And if you show any of these symptoms, even just a little, have your Mom and Dad wash out your mouth with a garden hose to get the poison out of your mouth, and call your vet right away.   

The best thing to do is STAY AWAY from the toads!