Colorado River toads may endanger area pets

Pinal County’s Animal Care and Control Division reminds pet owners to be on the lookout for a menace to pets – Colorado River toads or “Sonoran Toads.”

Animal Care and Control Director Ruth Stalter said the monsoon rains usually bring out the Colorado River toads to areas throughout Pinal County, including Maricopa.

“The Colorado River toads secrete a toxin from their skin that can be fatal to pets,” Stalter said. “The toxin that is secreted is sticky and with a milky white color. It contains two substances: a neurotoxin and a cardio toxin. Both are really dangerous to animals that come in contact with the toads.”

Colorado River toads are large with a flat, broad head and leathery skin with a dark brown to grayish green color. They usually have pale orange warts sparsely located on their skin. You also will see large white warts are the corners of their mouths and large granular glands covering the neck and limbs.

Stalter said to be on the lookout for the following symptoms if you suspect your pet has come in contact with a Colorado River toad:
· Extremely dark pink or red gums
· Severe irritation to the eyes and nose, also dilated pupils
· Foaming of the mouth or excessive drooling
· Unsure walking or holding in a “sawhorse” type of stance
· Seizures, paralysis or even death

Stalter said that death for an afflicted pet can come as fast as 30 minutes after contact. She added that if you think your pet has come in contact with a Colorado River toad, you should take the following steps: carefully flush the pet’s mouth out with water in an outward direction so the animal does not swallow the toxin, then get the animal to a veterinarian immediately.

“The idea is to be vigilant when the monsoons come,” Stalter said. “Make sure you watch your pet when you go for walks. Elevate their water bowls so toads won’t take up residence there and make sure pets have a safe, enclosed area to go and seek relief from the sun.”