Dormant throughout most of the year, they emerge from the earth during the rainy monsoon season experienced by those of us living here in the desert Southwest. Typically, the monsoon season runs from the July 4th weekend through late September.
The toads usually appear during mid-July, when the monsoon rains have begun in earnest and the earth has become saturated. However, toads can be seen above-ground as early as late June. Prior to the summer rains, water from irrigation or swimming pools might lure the toads out early. What makes the Sonoran Desert Toad so dangerous to dogs?
The toads have welts their parotoid glands directly behind their eyes on the top of their heads which serve as a passive defense system. Without immediate intervention, the dog can die within minutes depending on the severity of the reaction and the size of the dog the bigger the dog, the better the chances of survival. Often, the toad has since disappeared and the only evidence that the dog has been poisoned is by observing his symptoms and behaviors.
When a dog has put his mouth around a Sonoran Desert Toad, these things will happen: the dog will become disoriented and will walk with a staggering gait; his eyes will become completely dilated and look like black circles; and he may lose control of his bladder. Ultimately, the dog may topple over and go into convulsions, with death soon to follow. With immediate intervention on your part, however, your dog should recover quickly and completely.
Do this for a long time, up to 20 minutes, until your dog starts to come out of it. These toads can be found anywhere during the monsoon season, meaning they may be emerging into beautifully landscaped fenced yards with swimming pools.
