Frog Poo: Everything You Needed to Know
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Frogs are the most widely distributed and most numerous of the three classes of amphibians, and they are also the only ones without tails. These creatures have hunched bodies, webbed toes, large, protruding eyes, and moist skin. For frog lovers, it can be interesting to learn about frogs, from their diet to their sounds to where they like to live. What frog poop looks like, however, is an area that may not be as well-studied as other topics.
If you haven't seen it, you might think that frog droppings are small, similar to rabbit droppings because frogs are so small. However, that's not the case: Frog poo isn't cute bunny poo. So what exactly does frog poop look like?
Frogs are important components in many ecosystems. Although many animals eat them as a staple, we know these critters also help control native insect populations. Due to their enormous effort, the frogs need to let out some "big guys" every now and then. In this article, you'll learn what frog poop looks like, how they do their "business," and other fun facts.
What does frog poop look like?
The size of frog droppings is usually about a quarter of the frog's body, which is huge for droppings. Frog poop is a cylindrical brown substance that is usually moist or wet and can be found in whole pieces or in smaller parts. Freshly passed frog droppings are usually very dark brown to black with a glossy appearance. However, it dries out quickly and loses most of its shine and silkiness.
Poop color may change, which may be caused by changes in diet. It's not always a sign of unhealthiness. It occasionally turns red, but that shouldn't be a cause for concern as it's just a result of dietary adjustments. Additionally, hydration can affect the consistency and color of poop.
Why are frog poops so big?
You may be wondering why frog poop is often so large; the simple answer is that frogs consume more food than is suitable for their size. Since frogs' stomachs are very large for them, they will usually eat enough food (such as insects) to completely fill their stomachs. Depending on how much food they eat at one time, it might even increase their size.
When they get a meal, they eat it in one sitting out of fear. They're scared because they don't know when their next meal will be, and because other predators might come and grab the food. Eating leads to grand feasts, and as the proverb goes, "what goes in, goes out". Luckily, Mr. Frog's body was built for this, so what would be a painful experience for other animals is completely natural for frogs.
It also fits well with their way of being, which is very fascinating. In addition to other cutting-edge adaptations for various species living in different environmental niches, their bodies can store large amounts of fat to help them endure prolonged periods of scarcity.
How do frogs shit?

©iStock.com/ViniSouza128
Amphibians, birds, reptiles, and sharks expel waste through the cloacal opening. The reproductive system, urinary tract, and digestive tract are connected by an inlet called the cloaca, or vent, from which both liquid and solid waste is expelled.
The mouth is where digestion begins. Several adaptations in frogs allow the complex process of digestion to proceed quickly and efficiently. The tongue, saliva, and stomach are involved in the process until the food is passed out as stool. If frogs don't poop, they gain weight rapidly and slow down. Constipation can lead to respiratory problems, rupture of the intestinal wall, and eventually death.
Does frog poop smell?
Frog poop does smell like any other animal's poop, and some people claim it smells a bit like dog poop and just as pungent as any other pet poop.
How Often Do Frogs Poop?

© Pac-Man Frog's Strawberry Pineapple Albino/Shutterstock.com
If you're wondering how often a healthy frog poops, the answer depends on the frog's age. Adult frogs usually urinate and defecate once or twice a week. However, adult frogs don't actually need to poop that often; in fact, they can go up to two weeks between their bowel movements. Young frogs, on the other hand, may defecate regularly. Really, it depends on what stage of life the frog is in. Frogs of certain ages poop more frequently than others.
How much the frogs eat may also immediately affect how often they poop. Frogs that ate more defecated more often than frogs that ate less.
Where do frogs poop?
everywhere! You're right; it's everywhere. Naturally, whenever there is a chance to find a frog, there is a chance to find frog droppings. Frogs like to live in water, so you may find its droppings on the edge of a pond or lake, in a tank, swimming pool, or in wet places. But these aren't the only places you might find frog droppings; frankly, you might find it based on whether there are frogs there, such as by doorways, window sills, etc.
Since frog food (i.e. insects) is more likely to be available at night, it is more likely to find frog droppings in areas of high light.
What would happen if a frog pooped in a swimming pool?
Unfortunately, if the frog doesn't get out of your pool soon, it's almost certain to poop there. Frogs eventually die from the chemicals, which cause them to lose their intestines. One of the recent problems has been the contamination of swimming pools with frog droppings. If you have this problem, you should consider building a fence around your pool to keep the frogs out and ensure a clean pool free of frog droppings.
If the pool has become infested with frog droppings, it is critical to clean the pool. Closing the pool first, then putting on disposable gloves, and collecting waste with nets and buckets are the steps you need to take. To keep your pool poop-free, remove as much poop as possible, and don't forget to dispose of it properly.
Is there a difference between frog poop and toad poop?
Toads and frogs are closely related, like peas in a pod. Therefore, it is difficult for an untrained person to tell them apart. Most toad species are larger than most frog species; therefore, their poop is also larger. Because toads and frogs are close relatives, toad poop resembles frog poop. So size is usually the criterion for distinguishing toads from frog droppings.
Toads swallow a lot of food at once, just like frogs. They act this way because they are not sure about their next meal. They also have to poop a lot because they eat too much. Like frogs, toads can excrete copious amounts of feces. So they don't feel pain when they pass a lot of waste almost every other day.
Is Frog Poop Dangerous?

©Dirk Ercken/Shutterstock.com
Frog droppings pose little danger to humans. It is not directly harmful, but you should still handle it with caution. Frog droppings can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that could affect you if you touch them.
Salmonella, the pathogen that causes food poisoning, is one of these pathogenic bacteria. Salmonella infection can cause severe flu-like symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
The possibility of catching pinworms is another potentially dangerous side effect of handling frog droppings. If you let a pinworm come into contact with your mouth, nose, or eyes, it may attach to you. Pinworms are a common parasite that affect amphibians and humans. Additionally, this parasite causes more infections than other worm species.
Because of the risk of infection from these sources, as well as others, you should always wash your hands properly after handling frog droppings. Use an antibacterial disinfectant and a washcloth or rag to wipe up any frog droppings that may have entered your home.
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about the author
Victor Victor
For six years, I have been a professional writer and editor of books, blogs and websites, with a particular focus on animals, technology and finance. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games with my friends.
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