Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Four Paws Animal Clinic

521A Searls Ave.

Nevada City, CA 95959 US

(530) 265-3722

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • Services
  • Local Rescue Groups
  • Exclusive Offers
  • Clinic Hours
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Virtual Office Tour
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • Blog
  • Veterinary Topics
    • Pet Health
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Finding Your Pet
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Exotics
        • Amphibians
        • Birds
        • Reptiles
          • Lizards
          • Turtles
      • Small Mammals
        • Ferrets
        • Rabbits
        • Domesticated Animals
          • Prairie Dogs
        • Pocket Pets
          • Chinchillas
          • Guinea Pigs
          • Hamsters
          • Hedgehogs
          • Rats
      • Livestock
        • Cows
        • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
        • Goats
        • Pigs
        • Poultry
        • Sheep
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Children and Pets
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Behavior & Training
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Cats
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Pet Dangers
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Equine
      • Newsletter Archive
        • Fun with Pets
        • Unbelievable Pets
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
  • Gifts for You - supports Maizey's Fund
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Choosing Your Pet >
  • Exotics >
  • Amphibians >
  • Frogs & Toads

Frogs & Toads

  • Created in Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Amphibians, Choosing Your Pet, Exotics

frog

If you want an interesting change of pace or simply don't have the right environment for a dog or cat, a frog or toad might make the perfect companion for you. First, however, you need to acquaint yourself with these fascinating creatures and their requirements.

Frogs Versus Toads: What's the Difference?

Toads technically count as a type of frog. However, these creatures still have some noteworthy differences. The most important difference is the fact that toads always have some degree of toxin in their skin, which means that owners need to wash their hands thoroughly after handling them. Toads' skin also feels and looks rough, dry, and bumpy, while frogs have smooth, moist skin.

Frogs also display more mobility than toads, if only because their longer, more powerful legs allow them to jump away from perceived threats or toward prey. By contrast, toads are more likely to sit still for extended periods.

What You Should Know Before Taking the Leap

You have to think about the specific conditions your frog or toad may require as you make your selection. Most toads require a terrarium that includes a certain amount of damp soil and a humidity level of 60 percent (which can be achieved through regular misting). Terrestrial frogs need a terrarium, while aquatic frogs require an aquarium. Some species may need a combination of both.

If possible, schedule a veterinary wellness exam before adopting your frog or toad. For example, sick frogs may show signs of a problem known as short tongue syndrome, while sick toads may display breathing problems, lethargy, cloud eyes, and other symptoms.

The Best Species for Beginners

Terrestrial frogs and toads are the easiest ones to accommodate in terms of environment. The Pacman frog makes few demands for beginners, although their cannibalistic nature means that you can't keep two of them together. Among toads, the three species of American toad (Hudson Bay toad, Dwarf American toad, and Eastern American toad) make ideal first-time pets.

General Care Tips

Most frogs and toads thrive in a narrow temperature range, usually between the mid-70s and low 80s Fahrenheit. As meat-eaters, these animals can get their nutrition by dining on insects and worms; the largest ones may eat small mice. Depending on your vet's recommendations, you may need to feed your pet only two or three times a week.

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Behavior & Training
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Cats
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Pet Dangers
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

Your First Visit is FREE

Sign up now

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Contact Us

    Call or send us an email today! Our staff will respond as soon as possible.
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

Office Hours

Monday:

9:00 am

5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am

5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am

5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am

5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am

5:00 pm

Saturday:

Sunday:

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Wow! Thanks to all the staff at Anderson Vet Clinic. I feel like you all truly love what you do! My kitty, Lola and I always have such a pleasant experience when we come in. Fortunately, it’s usually just for a check-up, but I would not leave Lola in anyone else’s hands but yours. Thank you for your caring commitment!"
    Maya Smith / Los Angeles, CA
  • "I have benefited tremendously from the care my pet received from Dr. Anderson."
    John Doe / San Diego, CA
  • "Fabio wasn’t eating the food I was giving him and I didn’t feel he was getting the nutrition he needed. Thanks to Dr. Anderson, he evaluated Fabio and his current diet to make some recommendations and now Fabio has gone from barely eating to finishing his meals and he looks healthier than ever. You clearly are an expert in your field...thanks so much!"
    Tara Brown / Kansas City, MO

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • June Newsletter: How X-Rays Can Help Detect Early Stages of Dental Diseases

    Could X-rays protect your pet oral health? ...

    Read More
  • June Newsletter: How Often Should Cats Be Vaccinated?

    Do you know how often your cat needs to visit the veterinarian for vaccinations? ...

    Read More
  • May Newsletter: How to Keep Your Cat at a Healthy Weight

    Do you know how to help you cat maintain the ideal weight? ...

    Read More
  • May Newsletter: Pets Have Allergies too!

    Wondering why your pet is constantly scratching, biting or licking its skin? ...

    Read More
  • April Newsletter: Tips on Keeping Your Cat Calm through the Night

    Is your cat disturbing your sleep? Check out help your kitty stay calm. ...

    Read More
  • April Newsletter: Signs Your Dog May Have Bloat

    Do you know the signs that may mean your dog has bloat? ...

    Read More
  • March Newsletter: Care Tips for Your Pocket Pets

    Do you follow these pocket pet care guidelines? ...

    Read More
  • March Newsletter: First Time Pet Owner? Here's What You Need to Know

    Bring a pet home soon? Take a look a few things you should know. ...

    Read More
  • Caring for Your Older Pet

    Many of the same problems that affect people as they age, such as arthritis and diabetes, can also affect your pet. Making a few changes to the way you care for your furry friend will help you ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy as the years go by. Look for Common Signs of Illness Changes ...

    Read More
  • February Newsletter: Weird Things Your Cat Does and What They Mean

    Looking for an explanation for your cat's strange behaviors? ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map