Many inquisitive amphibian enthusiasts have handled various frog species at some point, and these interactions can result in frogs peeing out of fear. While frog urine is not considered a major threat to human health and wellbeing, there are still a few risks to consider, irrespective of the frog species.
Frog pee may contain harmful bacteria that can cause reactions, including skin irritation or infections if it enters the mouth, eyes, nose, or open wounds. Frog urine is not toxic, but it is crucial to wash the area of contact with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to remove harmful bacteria.
While frog urine is not considered dangerous to humans, there are still potential risks of such interactions. Join us as we discuss the risks of touching frog pee in various circumstances and how to avoid the negative outcomes of interacting with frog urine.
Enjoyed this video? 🙂 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more!
Frog urine is not a pure substance, as it may contain numerous forms of potentially harmful bacteria. Such bacteria forms may be safe and healthy for frogs, but they can cause health problems and illnesses for humans and animals.
Risks Associated With Frog Urine
Most cases of frogs peeing on humans have very little impact on the handler’s overall health, and odds of complications are fairly uncommon. However, it is still important to be mindful of the risks when handling frogs, as negative consequences are relatively straightforward to avoid.
| Health Risk | Area of Contact | Description |
| Temporary Loss of Vision | Direct contact with the eyes | Frog urine may cause temporary blinding or impaired vision, allowing the frog to escape danger. |
| Epidermal Skin Irritation | Commonly hands and forearms | The bacteria in frog urine can cause skin reactions when it touches the epidermis. It can occur anywhere the urine has touched. |
| New or Worsened Infections | Open wounds and sinuses | The bacteria in frog urine can cause new infections or complicate existing infections. These cases occur when the urine enters open wounds or sinuses. |
Temporary Loss of Vision
A common myth about frog urine is that it will make handlers blind if it enters the eyes. However, these instances only occur in some species and are generally temporary. Frog urine can cause temporary loss of vision when it enters the eyes. This tactic is used as a defensive mechanism by some frog species in the wild, as it gives them a brief window of opportunity to escape predators.
Epidermal Skin Irritation
Skin irritation is a common side effect of frog urine. It is more likely to occur when the frog’s urine has only touched the epidermis and is typically experienced on the hands and forearms. But, these cases generally depend on the frog species, the urine’s contents, and the handler’s skin sensitivities. The bacteria in frog urine can cause varying degrees of skin irritation, typically more severe on sensitive or damaged skin.
New or Worsened Infections
Infections caused by frog pee can be complicated to treat. When a frog pees on a human or animal, new infections may arise, or existing infections may be worsened. The bacteria contained within frog urine may have serious health consequences once they get inside the body. Such cases typically result from the frog’s urine entering open wounds or sinuses.
- Open Wounds: Although the risks of infections are higher if the urine enters larger gashes or cuts, infections can also occur if the urine enters small skin vulnerabilities such as minor scratches, scrapes, and abrasions.
- Sinuses: These infections are more likely if the frog pees into the handler’s face. However, infections may also occur if a frog pees on an individual, and that person touches their mouth, eyes, or nose with unwashed hands.
Is Frog Urine Poisonous?
Although contact with frog urine is not without risks, frog pee is not considered toxic or poisonous.
Both non-toxic and toxic frog species may urinate as a method of self-defense in certain situations.
However, toxic frog species secrete poisonous substances from their skin or glands.
If a toxic frog has peed on you, the primary risks will concern contact and interaction with the frog’s poisonous secretions, not its urine.
What To Do If A Frog Pees On You
It is fairly easy to notice when a frog pees, although frog urine typically looks like water with a relatively clear appearance (CTNF). Frogs may be covered in mucous-like secretions, but they are relatively more dry than wet. Any rush of unexplainable liquid will likely indicate that the frog has urinated.
A frog may pee on the handler or within the general vicinity. Do not panic, as this reaction will likely worsen the situation. Place the frog down gently, ensuring that it is not harmed in the process. Follow appropriate hygiene practices to avoid related health risks.
How To Avoid The Risks of Frog Pee
Although frog urine poses minimal risks compared to toxic skin secretions, handlers can still suffer from the related health risks and side effects. Inquisitive amphibian lovers can easily avoid associated irritations and infections with the following protective measures:
Enjoyed this video? 🙂 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more!
Use Gloves During Handling
Using gloves while handling frogs is the best way to protect your body from foreign bacteria, and it is necessary if you have sensitive skin or wounds. Wearing gloves is the best solution, as it also protects the frog from any harmful bacteria carried by the handler. Only catch frogs if you need to and hold it close to the ground to avoid stressing it out.
Avoid Touching Your Face
Your sinuses are vulnerable entry points for bacteria including the eyes, mouth, and nose. Touching your face during handling can allow bacteria to enter vulnerable areas. Handlers should always keep the frog and their hands away from their face until they have been properly washed.
Wash The Area of Contact
Always wash your hands and any other areas of contact with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to ensure the bacteria is washed away before it finds a way inside the body. Using warm water generally does a better job at removing bacteria. Using sanitizer or disinfectants may not kill all bacteria forms, but it may be used if water is unavailable.
More About Frog Urine
While it may be startling to notice that a frog has peed on you, it is important to place the frog down carefully and wash all areas of contact. Panicked responses can pose serious risks for these innocent and fragile creatures, as they may be injured if they are not properly prepared for landing.
Learn more on our blog:
