Invasive Toads, Deadly to Dogs

With rain comes lush greenery, fresh air and unfortunately the deadly Cane Toads. Cane Toads are back and as dangerous as ever for your dog and other pets. The Cane Toad, also known as a Bufo Toad, is generally harmless to people, but they can kill dogs.

They average between 4 and 6 inches but can grow to 9 inches, they have large triangular glands behind their eyes that contain a high load of a milky-white toxin that can kill dogs. If a dog bites or licks the slow-moving frog and gets some of the poison in its mouth, it can suffer convulsions, loss of coordination and cardiac arrest.

The toads are generally more active during rainy season as it is breeding season, so all dog owners should watch out for signs of poisoning: excessive drooling, red gums, vomiting, disorientation, circling, stumbling and falling, and seizures.

If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, we recommend you take your pet to a vet immediately. To apply emergency first aid at home:

➡️ Use a damp clothe to wipe.

➡️ Use a damp cloth to wipe the tongue and gums thoroughly and remove any residual venom.

➡️ Rinse the cloth in-between wipes.

➡️ DON'T hose inside a pet’s mouth as it may cause accidental inhalation of water and can cause aspirational pneumonia or even water toxicity.

➡️ Seek emergency veterinary attention in an animal showing symptoms, as problems with the heart and neurological systems can progress rapidly.

Prevention is KEY - always supervise your pet if you suspect you have toads in your yard, and teach your dog to leave these animals alone!

Homeowners can do a few things to make their backyards less appealing to these creatures:

➡️ Keep grass short and clear away brush piles and clutter, clean up food scraps from pet bowls or outdoor gills.

➡️ Keep pet food indoors and install bug lights that keep flying insects away, reducing the toads’ main food source.