The rainy season is starting again in South Florida, and with the season also comes an increase in Toads. There is one of them that we should pay extra attention to. An invasive, nonnative specie: Buffo Cane Toad.
How to identify a Cane Toad from the native southern species of toads in South Florida
Cane Toads are larger in size than native southern toads (about 7-10 inches largest). Native southern toads provide benefits by consuming insects, vermin, and pests. Invasive toads are out-competing other wildlife for resources. They are known for secreting a deadly milky toxin that poisons dogs and most species that try to bite them.
Picture source from UF Wildlife ( https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/frogs/canetoad.shtml )
Cane Toad Identification:
Size: Usually 4 to 10 inches
Characteristics: tan to reddish-brown, dark brown or gray color body. The back is marked with dark spots and warty skin. Large, triangular parotoid glands are prominent on the shoulders (parotoid glands of native “true” toads are oval and they DO NOT have ridges or “crests” on top of the head.)
Imagine showing Cane Tad with active gland secretion
How Cane Toas can poison our pets.
Cane toad poisoning occurs when dogs pick toads up in their mouths. All dogs, but especially Golden Retrievers, love to chase animals, as they are instinctive hunting dogs. Encounters with toads are more common in summer months or during times of higher humidity. These toads are most active after rainfall or during dawn, dusk, and nighttime.
When the toad is attacked or threatened, it secretes toxic substances. The absorption of these toxic substances causes toad toxicity. Once the pet comes into contact with those toxic substances, they are rapidly absorbed through the mouth, eyes, open wounds, or gastrointestinal tract. Upon entering the bloodstream, the toxins target the heart, blood vessels, and the nervous system.
Clinical signs of toxicity.
- Drooling and frothing at the mouth (within minutes of licking or ingesting a toad)
- Head shaking
- Profuse salivation soon after linking or biting the toad.
- Vomiting may occur.
- Due to the corrosive and irritant nature of the toad toxin gums may become very red with signs of pain.
- Signs typically progress rapidly to include:
- stumbling
- tremors
- seizures
- abnormal eye movements
- difficulty breathing
- increased or decreased heart rate and abnormal heart rhythms.
Without rapid treatment, death may occur.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Toad toxicity is primarily diagnosed by a history of contact with a toad and a physical examination. The most effective treatment for acute toad toxicity is a complete flushing of the mouth and face with running water. Owners should do this immediately, and prior to seeking veterinary care.
Once at the clinic, further treatment will depend on the clinical signs that develop.
The outcome depends upon the species of toad and how rapidly care is provided. Quick decontamination and treatment are necessary for a good outcome.
What to do if Toad intoxication is suspected
- Wash your dog’s mouth out with running water to remove Bufo toad toxin. Remember that it must be done carefully(especially if the dog is seizing) due to the risk of water aspiration that can cause aspiration pneumonia. You can clean the toxin too with a wet towel, cleaning the entire mouth.
- Get your pet to the vet as soon as possible.
As this is a very common poisoning in Florida a company called Razing Cane, develops an emergency kit that allows you to treat your pup before taking it to the vet for additional treatment
The Kit comes with:
Kane Toad Poisoning Emergency Kit (see the product here)
- A guide that explains how to use the Emergency kit.
- Safety Glasses for your protection
- Gloves
- Towels and water bottles for cleaning your dog’s mouth.
- Activated charcoal (Due to its property to absorb other chemicals is commonly used as first line of treatment for ingested poisoning).
- Syringe, flashlight and travel bag
- Walking dogs on leash, especially at night or after rain.
- Do Not leave pet food or water in open dishes outside, this can attract toads as they can feed of pet food
- Keeping pets inside when you cannot supervise them, especially at night
- Eliminate hiding places for toads maintaining trimmed grass and shrubs.
- Eliminating standing water.
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) asks residents to humanely euthanize cane toads as they are a danger for humans, pets and other native animals.
