Protecting Your Pet, and Yourself

Amphibians' skin is extremely permeable so don't even attempt to handle one until you've completely washed your hands and thoroughly rinsed off any soapy residue. The same skin that allows them to absorb oxygen from their environment will also readily absorb perfumes, lotions and cleaning products from your hands. Even minute amounts can be toxic. Also remember that amphibians' thin skin makes them highly susceptible to drying out. Don't keep an amphibian out of its habitat for long.

To minimize stress to your pet, start by catching it in a dip net, like the ones used for fish in pet stores. If you have a pet that bites, this is the only way to transport it to another place while you clean its cage without getting bitten. Be sure to cover the opening of the net as you move your pet to the holding receptacle. When you're ready to pick it up, moisten your hands and scoop him up, gently restraining him to prevent a nasty fall. Be careful not to rub off the animal's protective coating of mucus.

Before handling any amphibian, consider whether it is toxic to you. The toxin exuded by some amphibians when stressed can cause hours of burning of your eyes, nose and mouth. Toxic animals should not be handled without gloves or another protective method of transfer that doesn't require contact..