Toad invasion!

[Jeri]

Hi everyone,

Couple of weeks ago I noticed that something had dug itself a home under our grill between the cracks of our patio tiles.  I lifted the grill cover for a better look, and there was a cute little toad sitting there! 

A few days later, I noticed a similar hole under our trash container.  Since the hole and the dirt that had been dug out looked exactly the same, I figured that was a toad as well.

Yesterday I got into the car and saw some soil on the passenger side window sill of my car.  I figured it was some bird poop, until the bird poop moved!  Got out and looked--it was a 1/2" long baby toad.  I tried to catch it and set it down before I drove off, but it hopped all over like mad, but stayed on the car, so I had to leave.

Last night I noticed a couple more baby toads on the patio and in the back yard, so I'm sure there must be dozens of babies out there.

My question is--can these little toad be a danger to my dachsies?

[Julie]

Jeri, just make sure it is not a bufo toad.  There are alot of them here in Florida and one lick can kill a little dog.  Here is a link to show you what they look like:

http://www.kupaajrt.com/BUFO%20TOAD%20POISONING.htm

I hope the link works.

[Mike]

It is possible that they could be a dacshie hazard.  Many have toxins in their skin they release when attacked.  I had to keep Clifford out of a friend's backyard just after he built a new house because of a huge toad hatching in the new subdivision.  They never reappeared the next year.  Can you catch one and take it to the vet to see if it is poisonous to the dogs?

[TerriL]

Definately find out what kind of toads they are.  I worry all the time about the Bufo toads that Julie sent the link on.  They are deadly to animals and QUICK!