Poisonous Frogs?

[shcisamax]

Anyone know if there are poisonous frogs here? If so, what is the story with them?

[jimbo2012]

No native frogs/toads of Florida are deathly poisonous to humans or dogs. However, all frogs/toads have skin secretions/mild toxins that taste nasty and may make an animal salivate excessively after biting or licking the frog/toad. The strategy is to educate (not kill) a predator so it will not mess with the frog/toad again. These secretions can also irritate human skin and eyes, so wash hands after touching frogs/toads.

see FL wildlife extension for more (http://www.wec.ufl.edu/extension/wildlife_info/faq/frogstoads.php)

[shcisamax]

Hmmn. Yesterday our 80 lb dog went out to urinate and after about 5 steps off the patio he whipped around and his hind leg was jerking. He started incessantly licking it. We finally got him inside and he continued to lick. We gave him 50 mg of benedryl and he eventually calmed down. At 1 p.m. he had a seizure. When we went to take him out to pee later, he didn't look very excited about going out off the patio again. We are en route to the vet at 8:30.

[jimbo2012]

Did you see a frog? if not could it have been something else, perhaps an insect?

Hope he's ok

[shcisamax]

I saw a tiny frog this morning which is what made me think of it.
We have lived in other countries that have very poisonous frogs but they were huge.
Thanks.

[ceejay]

Fire ants?

Poor baby....I hope he's ok...good luck at the Vet's...

[hansel]

In south Florida they have BUFO toads that can poison dogs. I do not believe they are in this area. Play safe and see the vet.

[The Shadow]

The Florida “Singing Nettle” (bull-nettle) is an immediate sting just by torching it. Been there, done that and got a tee shirt for it.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/LyraEDISServlet?command=getScreenImage&oid=32444

[graciegirl]

Please let us know about your dog. I am sorry to hear this.

[thekeithfan]

Florida Wildlife Extension at UF/IFAS (http://www.wec.ufl.edu/extension/wildlife_info/faq/frogstoads.php)

You need to go here and get the facts! There are many species of animals and plants and reptiles that are NOT native to Florida (frogs included) that can kill our pets.

[shcisamax]

It is clear to the vet that he was bit by aomething and had an allergic reaction. That said,and this not common knowledge, benedryl lowers a dogs seizure threshhold so she thinks the benedryl helped stave off the allergic reaction but mat have caused the seizure, may do short term steroids. Blood work fine. Thanks for answers and concern. Interesting about benedryl. That goes for all antihistamines.

[hotrodgirl]

Thanks for the update and I am SO glad to hear your dog will be OK! That's the important thing. I suppose everyone will keep a watchful eye now to see what may be lurking in their yards! Good of you to post your experience.

[shcisamax]

I hate to add one more thing for people to obsess about but this is such a good forum for information, I knew someone would have some ideas for us to consider. I am also glad to be able to share the information that antihistamines can lower seizure thresholds.
Thank you again everyone.

[blueash]

Just a quick add on to this thread. What you have learned about antihistamines and dogs is also true for people but it is a rare event. This is not to suggest that you should not ever take an antihistamine, but rather if you have a known seizure disorder you need to be careful. The newer "non-sedating" antihistamines (claritin, zyrtec, allegra, and their generic equivalents) which do not significantly cross into the brain are generally believed to be safer for use in persons with seizures, but each individual is different. Obvioiusly if this were a frequent problem you would not see antihistamines being sold over the counter

[shcisamax]

THAT was the question I forgot to ask but was thinking about. Thanks for the info.