PSA for pet owners

[wdfifteen]

First, our puppy Lacey is fine.

But earlier today she tangled with a toad. I'm not sure whether she bit it or licked it or just got too close, but she came out from under the shrubbery rubbing her nose frantically. Soon she was foaming at the mouth and then began vomiting, and then shivering.
I went into the house to call the 24 emergency vet - the only veterinarian office open on Sunday morning and which is an hour away. The phone number and the address is on a magnet on our refrigerator - or was on a magnet on our refrigerator. It was gone, no one knows where it went or how long it's been gone, we just never paid attention. I spent a frantic few minutes looking up the number and driving directions. With the vet an hour away, I didn't have any minutes to waste. With Vicki crying and holding a slobbering, puking, shivering puppy, those minutes seemed like an eternity.

It all turned out OK in the end, she was poisoned, but not seriously. You can be sure I have now the emergency vet info in my phone, Vicki's phone, and written on a note taped to the inside of the door to the dog supplies cabinet.

So if you don't have immediate access to your pet's vet and the local emergency vet, I recommend you get it. It may save your pet's life, or at least a lot of anxiety on your part.

[Bill Douglas]

I'm please Lacey is OK. And thanks, good advice.

Actually, I've got the vet and after hours vet on my speed dial. Big stood on a Portuguese ma o' war jelly fish an it stung his foot. Then he licked his foot. Umm, you can imagine the rest.

I wish the vets would give out those 10 trip cards like a coffee shop where you get the tenth visit for free. I seem to be there every second week

[Skytrooper]

Thanks for the PSA ! Lilly was messing around with a big toad a couple of days ago. She was hunting chipmunks at the time. Luckily I was out with her and made her leave it alone. She had only sniffed it, so she lost interest right then and there.
I am glad Lacey is ok. I am putting the emergency veterinary number in my phone now.

[GH85Carrera]

Our male dachshund, Reuben, owns the back yard in his mind. No critters allowed. He is 12 now and finally understanding toads make him foam at the mouth, and he can't wrangle a toad. He will paw at them a little but he know he had to pretty much leave them alone.

He has killed a bunny, squirrel, numerous mice, and about anything else in his back yard. He has tangled with a skunk twice.

His days of frothing at the mouth are over after several tries over the years with toads.

[oldE]

Thanks. I just checked my phone.
Snall animal vet:yep
Large animal vet: OK
Farrier: ditto.
Also, when we leave someone to critter sit, they have ( detailed) care instructions plus all the necessary phone numbers.
Never thought of toads being a problem.

Best
Les

[Tidybuoy]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

It all turned out OK in the end, she was poisoned, but not seriously.

Curious, what was the vet's remedy?

[gacook]

Glad it turned out well for your pup, Wd.

Colorado River Toads are known to be poisonous to pets and small children. We used to get them a lot where I grew up (Arizona) during the monsoons. I haven't seen any in years, though. IF they've moved up into your neck of the woods, kill 'em on sight.

[Synchro Joe]

We get lots of toads flopping about during our monsoon seasons up here and one of them is nasty (Sonoran Toad). Found a couple this year after the first rains and relocated them before my Springer got too interested. Found a gap in a the wall around the back yard and patched that up.
Here's handy links: https://hemopet.org/toxic-toads-in-the-united-states/ and https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/snakeblog/science-and-education/dangerously-toxic-toads-how-to-identify-them-and-what-to-do/

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Tidybuoy

Curious, what was the vet's remedy?

Wash her mouth out with water and observe her.
He didn't pump her stomach because I had the toad so he knew she didn't eat it.

[Seahawk]

^^^ Byron take the photo?

I keed!!!

The vets in Leonardtown know us well...especially with Jacks, Heelers and the 57's we have had; ok, the Heelers