What Happens If You Touch a Toad?

Rest assured, touching a toad won't cause warts, but some risks do exist.

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How Dangerous Are Toads?

Unlike many frogs found in temperate regions, toads possess toxic skin. Their skin and parotoid glands contain compounds similar to cardiac glycosides—medications used to treat heart failure—that are highly toxic and can easily cause overdose. This means there is a potential threat to life.

However, serious poisoning usually only occurs if a toad is licked or ingested. Human poisoning cases are extremely rare, mostly limited to consumption of unverified herbal supplements or during certain traditional rituals.

What Happens When You Touch a Toad?

Touching some toads may cause mild skin irritation, but nothing more serious. Human skin provides a strong barrier against their toxins, so warts will definitely not develop.

If the toxin contacts mucous membranes, irritation can be more intense. For example, if the toxin gets into the eyes, it might temporarily impair vision, cause pain, and increase light sensitivity.

What If the Toad’s Toxin Enters the Stomach?

Initial symptoms of poisoning include:

• Abdominal pain;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Excessive sweating.

Since the toxin affects the heart, it can disrupt normal heart rhythm and potentially be fatal. Fortunately, such cases are very uncommon.

Domestic cats and dogs are at higher risk because they often try to eat toads upon first encounter. Symptoms in pets vary by toad species and exposure level but may include:

• Excessive drooling;
• Vomiting and retching;
• Weakness;
• Paleness or bluish tint to visible skin;
• Difficulty breathing;
• Irregular heartbeat.

How to Tell a Toad Apart from a Frog

These identification tips generally apply across Europe and the Americas, but note that in Australia, frogs and toads can look quite similar.

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Skin Texture

If the amphibian’s skin is smooth and moist, you’re likely looking at a frog.

Toads, on the other hand, have dry, rough, and bumpy skin. This texture inspired the myth about warts since their toxic glands resemble small bumps.

Habitat

Frogs need to stay near water because their moist skin causes significant fluid loss.

Toads retain moisture better, so if you find an amphibian away from ponds or streams, it’s probably a toad.

Leg Structure

Frogs have long, powerful legs designed for jumping and swimming swiftly. Toads have shorter, stouter legs.

Movement Style

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Thanks to their leg structure, frogs can jump high. Toads either hop very short distances or simply walk.

What to Do After Contact with a Toad

It’s best to avoid touching toads altogether. If you do touch one, immediately wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Until then, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. While eye irritation often resolves on its own, seeing a doctor is recommended to prevent complications.

If the toxin enters your mouth, call emergency services immediately. Toad toxins interfere with heart function and can cause cardiac arrest.

How to Help Your Pet

If your pet licks or eats a toad, rinse its mouth immediately with plenty of running water to reduce toxin absorption. Continue rinsing for at least 10 minutes.

You can use a garden hose or spray bottle, but ensure the water is cool. Tilt your pet’s head downward to minimize water swallowing. Don’t forget to rinse the eyes and nose as well.

If you observe poisoning symptoms, seek veterinary care right away. There’s no specific antidote for toad toxin. Treatment depends on symptom severity and may involve intravenous fluids for detoxification, anti-nausea medications, and drugs to stabilize heart rhythm.

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