Pet forum for dogs cats and humans - Pets.ca

Pet forum for dogs cats and humans - Pets.ca (http://www.pets.ca/forum/index.php)
-   Dog health - Ask members * If your pet is vomiting-bleeding-diarrhea etc. Vet time! (http://www.pets.ca/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=9)
-   -   Dog licking frogs (http://www.pets.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=65076)

JacquieB August 21st, 2009 07:54 AM

Dog licking frogs
 
My friends daughter has a dog that when going outside will hunt the corners of her property to hunt for frogs and when she catches them she lays licking them and then acts as if she is 'high' or 'out of it' and seems to continually do this. My first concern is: is it safe for the dog? and secondly: why would a dog go after frogs to begin with? Thanks for your time and answers if any....:confused:

hazelrunpack August 21st, 2009 10:49 AM

Are they frogs or toads?

We have toads here--they secrete poison from glands on the back of the head. Generally it makes the dogs drool and nauseated. Maybe different toads have secrete different compounds? Or maybe your friend's daughter's dog just reacts differently to it?

At any rate, it would probably be better for the dog if it was kept to a minimum...although I know how difficult it is to convince a dog not to go after something fun like a toad :rolleyes: One of our dogs insists on picking them up, even though he drools up a storm and gags at the taste every time... Go figure :D Luckily for the toads, he has a soft mouth. :dog:

Gail P August 21st, 2009 11:28 AM

Some tree frogs have a kind of secretion on their skin as well. I remember as a kid handling one and not washing my hands before I happened to touch my lips. Boy did they burn. Not sure what all species you have near you but if licking them brings on that kind of reaction I'd be concerned. What if it's not just short term effects but has some kind of cumulative effect? Or what if it's toxic in large enough amounts. Don't think you have Cane toads in that area but they are deadly toxic.

As for why the dog would do it, she probably chased a frog a few times because of the movement and then found out the effect of licking them. Guess she enjoys her high.

JacquieB August 23rd, 2009 11:39 PM

Thank you Hazel and Gail for the thoughts...my friend said frogs but I guess she could have meant toads...either way, it doesn't sound good eh? I was almost hoping for a positive poisonous or not answer so I could just tell her daughter 'NO' don't do that because it IS harmful not MAY BE harmful...not that I'd WANT it to be poisonous since the dog seems hooked and determined to keep her little 'fix' going! LOL
Thanks again, I'll be checking back on and off and in the mean time I will find out if it's frogs or toads and maybe what kind...will be talking to her this week. Have a wonderful week and thanks for your time! :thumbs up


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:24 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.