Dog that has mouthed a toad: what to do
2-year-old West Highland White Terrier that mouthed a toad in the garden on a summer night. It arrives 20 minutes later with foamy hypersalivation and reddened oral mucosa, pawing at its mouth. Heart rate 140 bpm, regular rhythm.
What is the most appropriate initial management?
chevron_right Show answer and explanation
A. Induce emesis with apomorphine
The toxin is absorbed mainly through the oral mucosa; emesis provides no benefit and increases the risk of aspiration in a dog that is salivating heavily.
B. Rinse the mouth with running water for several minutes, with the head held down so it does not swallow it, and monitor the ECG and heart rate
Correct. Rinsing removes the parotoid gland secretion. The toxins (bufadienolides) act like cardiac glycosides, so arrhythmias must be monitored.
C. Atropine to control the hypersalivation
The salivation is a local irritant response that settles with rinsing. Routine atropine can promote tachyarrhythmias; it is reserved for bradycardia or heart block.
D. Anti-digoxin antibodies (Fab) in all cases
Most exposures to Spanish toads are mild. Anti-digoxin Fab, which is expensive and scarcely available, is reserved for severe unresponsive arrhythmias.
lightbulb Key takeaway
In Spain the toads involved are Bufo spinosus (common toad) and Epidalea calamita (natterjack toad), less toxic than the American cane toad. Most dogs show only oral signs and vomiting, but arrhythmias, neurological signs or hyperthermia require hospitalisation. When rinsing, direct the water out of the mouth, never towards the throat.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.