Tree frogs are creatures to be appreciated visually; not handled. Their delicate skin requires a degree of moisture and may easily be injured. Conversely; the toxins contained in the skin of some species can cause you harm.

Touching – the message is that whenever possible, just look and do not touch. If you must move a specimen, do so with extreme care. Small specimens can be shepherded into a fine- meshed net or a disposable plastic cup. Larger specimens can be grasped firmly, but gently, in the hand. They should be held at the waist.

Proper hygiene - Scrupulous cleanliness will do more to protect your frogs, toads, and tree frogs from illness than any other effort. If kept clean and at temperatures suitable for the species involved, anurans are remarkably resistant to diseases and illness. The single most prevalent cause of illness and disease in amphibians is poor husbandry. Lack of cleanliness or adverse cage temperature figure somewhere in about 95% of amphibian problems. All amphibians have permeable skin that allows impurities from the container in which they are kept to enter the body rapidly and readily. It is impossible to overemphasize the importance of cleanliness in grog terrariums.

Ailments and Treatments – Do you have a dog or a cat? If so, you probably should take that pet to the veterinarian periodically. If your frog becomes ill, do you plan to take it to the same veterinarian? That may not be an option. Not all veterinarians treat reptiles and amphibians. Therefore, we suggest that you find a qualified reptile/amphibian veterinarian before you actually need one. It may be to late to do so when your frog is ailing.

“Redleg”- This bacterial disease can prove rapidly fatal. Because its communicable, isolation of infected frogs is essential. The pathogen Aeromonas is often, but not always, implicated. Cleanliness and a suitable temperature regimen will nearly always prevent this disease. Conversely, fouled water or land areas and inordinate chill will encourage its onset. Tetracycline hydrochloride is an often-used home remedy. However, treatments performed by a quality reptile veterinarian would be better.

Injuries – cuts, scrapes, and lesions set up an entryway for a bacterial or fungal infection. An antibiotic salve or powder may hasten healing. Look for and remove an injurious object.

Intestinal Impaction - If an overzealous frog ingests gravel or sand while feeding, intestinal impaction may occur. Small amounts of sand or an isolated small piece of gravel will usually be passed without any need for intervention. Larger impactions may require surgical removable.

Blindness – Quite recently, a form of blindness caused by lipid buildup on the corneas has bee n seen in insectivorous frog species fed an excess of pink mice. No remedy has been found. However, a varied diet would seem to be the solution.

Fungus Infection – Fungi (usually a Saprolegina sp.) may infect the wounds or scrapes of aquatic or principally aquatic species. The infection can be treated topically by removing the specimen from the water and daubing mercurochrome (2%) hydrogen peroxide( full strength) or malachite green ( 2%) on the area with a cotton pad.

Metabolic Bone disease: (MBD) MBD may occur in amphibians that are provided insufficient calcium and vitamin D3 additives in their diet. This is especially true in rapidly growing young animals. Prevention is simple – feed diets rich in calcium and vitamin D3. The cure is less simple. Once sufficiently advanced to be observable, the insidious progression of this deficiency may not be reversible. Consult a veterinarian about injectable calcium treatments. They may help.

Endoparasites: Frogs, toads, and tree frogs may host, among others, roundworms, tapeworms, pinworms, and flukes. They are not always harmful. Because of the virulence of the treatment and the small size of most amphibians, we strongly recommend consulting a veterinarian for both diagnosis and treatment.