Hi everyone, so here's the situation: we found a fire salamander in our garden this evening. I know they’re a protected species, so we didn't touch it. However, I’m really worried – I’ve read online that they can be toxic to dogs (I live with my parents; I have an Irish Terrier cross, and my mum has a Labrador cross and a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog. We also have two cats, but they're indoor cats now). I just can’t seem to find out if there's an antidote for animals. I assume one exists, and I know that if they ingest the toxin you have to rush them to the vet, but I'm the type who gets very stressed about these things. Does anyone have any information that could help?
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Evening! Oh, you lucky thing, a salamander! 😁 If a dog were to have a nibble on one, they’d likely start drooling heavily. I’ve never had it happen myself as my dogs just ignore them. I must admit I wasn't sure what would happen if one was actually swallowed, so it's better to be safe than sorry and check beforehand. (Actually, I've just had a look, and it can even lead to heart problems... not such a friendly little critter after all!) When I was a kid, I used to handle these lovely little things with my bare hands. You might get a skin reaction like redness or irritation, but a quick rinse and a good scrub with soap is usually enough to sort it out. Toads never gave me that kind of trouble, other than the odd time they'd empty their bladder on me... You really shouldn't try to catch or relocate it; this species has a very small home range, and moving it too far away is basically a death sentence. Your best bet is to keep an eye on where it goes; they don't wander far from their home, so a quick look around before letting the dogs out should be more than enough to prevent any accidents. Salamanders love to hide under leaves, log piles and such, usually in damp spots.
Right, thanks for the reply. We haven't seen any sign of the salamander since. Maybe it just got lost in our garden and has headed back to where it came from!
If a dog ever happened to chew on one, they’d likely start drooling quite a bit. I’ve never actually dealt with it myself as my dogs just ignore them. I must admit, I wasn't sure what the outcome would be if one was swallowed, so do be careful—it’s probably best to check with a vet just in case. (I’ve just had a look, and apparently, it can even lead to heart problems... not such a friendly little critter after all!)
When I was a girl, I used to handle these lovely little things with my bare hands. You might get a skin reaction like redness or irritation, but usually, just rinsing your hands and giving them a good scrub with soap will clear it up. Toads never gave me that kind of trouble, other than the odd time they'd empty their bladder on me...
You really shouldn't try to catch or relocate the salamander. This species stays within a very small area around its "home", and if you move it too far away, you're essentially signing its death warrant.
The best thing to do is just keep an eye on where it goes. It won't wander far from its spot, so a quick look around before letting the dogs out should be plenty to avoid any mishaps. Salamanders love to hide under leaves, woodpiles, and the like—ideally somewhere damp.
Toad or salamander venom doesn't penetrate the skin, so there’s no danger in picking one up. However, if it comes into contact with the lining of the mouth, the venom enters the bloodstream and mainly affects the heart and the nervous system. Your best bet is to catch it and move it further away!
They’re very slow; I know I’ve held one in my hand a few years back with no ill effects, but it’s not recommended (it can cause mild irritation, but nothing serious). Again, they are VERY slow and easy to pop into a box to release further away in a field. I have them in my garden, though I rarely see them—maybe once or twice a year at night, especially during storms or heavy rain. Neither my dog nor my cats touch them (any more than they do the toads). I reckon Wieghets would be interested in this topic! 😁 In short, don't panic. ^^
The problem is that my dog (an Irish Terrier cross) loves hunting and goes after things like lizards a lot. I tell her off every time because I’m worried she’ll end up catching a poisonous little creature, and I hate seeing her kill things. So, I don’t know if she’d actually have a go at this salamander or just watch it. 😧 Plus, she’s only 2 years old, she doesn’t know everything yet, and she can be quite stubborn (I’ll definitely be keeping an extra close eye on her just to be safe). That’s why I panicked a bit, especially since I think the salamander came from the woods, the little stream nearby, or even the man-made pond in the village (it might have slipped under the gate to get into our garden). But thanks for putting my mind at ease!
Thanks for your replies! If we see it again tomorrow, I’ve told my mum to try and put it in a box to take it near a small stone wall by a stream (I read online that it could be a good spot), as the woods are quite a bit of a distance away. I live in Côte-d'Or and I saw there are some in the Jura, which isn't actually that far (though for a salamander, that's probably quite a trek!). The poison control centre? Why not, I’ll have to look into it or at least remember to ask the vet at our next visit!
They move very slowly. I know I’ve actually picked one up a few years ago without any issues, but it’s not really recommended as they can cause minor irritation. Again, they are VERY slow and easy enough to pop into a box and move further away into a field. I have them in my garden but I rarely see them—maybe once or twice a year at night, especially during storms or heavy rain. Neither my dog nor my cats touch them (any more than they do toads). I bet this topic would interest @Wieghets! 😁
Bottom line: no need to panic. ^^
Hi there, have a look online to see if there's an animal poison control centre or a wildlife helpline in your area?
You can ask them for advice. But where on earth did this salamander come from? Maybe from a neighbour who breeds exotic pets? If one escaped, how did it end up in your garden? Are there many of them where you live?
Putting it in a box or a carrier is fine, but doing it without getting bitten will be tricky. The poor thing is bound to be stressed and disorientated. You’d probably need some kind of net to catch it safely. It’s a shame you didn’t mention which county you’re in, as that would help pinpoint the right local rescue or poison centres.
If you're stuck, a local wildlife rescue or the RSPCA might know where to take it; they’ll have the right nets or heavy-duty gloves to avoid being bitten. The little creature must be starving and thirsty—who knows how long it’s been out there! If you can’t find any info, give your vet a ring first thing tomorrow morning and ask them what to do with it first. The main priority is getting it away from your house. Once that’s done, you’ll have time to look into treatments for your dogs just in case it ever happens again.
Hang in there! gigi397
