Frogs & Toads

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.

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Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Saturday:

Open 1st & 3rd Saturdays of each month. Closed 2nd & 4th Saturdays of each month.

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

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Read What Our Clients Say

  • "We have a new 8 week Boston Terrier that we took to Springfield Vet yesterday for the first time. Absolutely pleased with the service, attitudes and genuine care shown to our little boy. The whole team was so professional, but took time to talk to you and explain everything. Dr Cynthia Wiseman is so wonderful, she sat in the floor did Logan's exam and played with him. What bedside manners. I will continue to use them, I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a caring and professional vet."
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  • "We absolutely love this vet clinic and the staff! The facilities are modern and always clean. Everyone is always so friendly and genuinely care for you and your animal- they make you feel as if you are apart of their family.

    Our boy, Samson, is a Rottie (and quite the problem child). We are usually in the clinic almost every other month for something and they are always so helpful and show great care and love for our pup! We are very picky/protective puppy parents, so we were very grateful to have found both Dr. Cynthia and Dr. Heath shortly after getting Samson.

    We have definitely found our "home" in the vet world, and would highly recommend to anyone who is currently looking!"
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  • "We decided to start taking our new kitty here this past fall and we love it! He was not on his best behavior (to say the least) for his first appointment, and the staff was so patient and was still able to safely run his bloodwork and give him his vaccinations. Every service has been reasonably priced, and they did everything they possibly could to make sure that our little guy was off to a healthy start after we adopted him. What I love is that they really seem to focus on the small details, too, like trimming our cat's nails after remembering that I had expressed interest in doing so at a previous appointment, or supplementing his flea treatment with something to safely speed up the process. We will definitely keep coming here as long as we live in Springfield!"
    Megan J.
  • "I have been taking my dog to SVC since 2012 and when I adopted my cat in 2015. I have never had a bad experience. We have seen Drs. Heath & Cynthia Wiseman and I love them both. Always professional, always take their time when looking my pets over, asking questions, and answering mine."
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  • "We’ve been taking our Moose there for a few years now. After swallowing a toy when he was a puppy, getting fixed, having surgery on his eyelids a couple times, and most recently having a breed specific illness; I can I say I would recommend everyone to go here. They’ve taken the best care of our boy time and time again and went above and beyond."
    Ashley J.
  • "We’ve been taking our Moose there for a few years now. After swallowing a toy when he was a puppy, getting fixed, having surgery on his eyelids a couple times, and most recently having a breed specific illness; I can I say I would recommend everyone to go here. They’ve taken the best care of our boy time and time again and went above and beyond."
    Ashley J.
  • "Pleasant staff.,very informative. Great environment for your pets, including own room for cats to play so as they aren't stressed out."
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  • "Dr. Cynthia Wiseman has helped my little Shiba dog with chronic hip problems tremendously with consistent acupuncture therapy! So thankful for this practice and the high quality of care they offer my pets!"
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