Dogs are especially susceptible to Bufo toads because the
toad’s mating call attracts curious dogs.
Bufo toads secrete a milky white toxic substance from their
shoulders as a defense mechanism, and a single lick can be very dangerous. If
untreated, pets will always die.
Some of the symptoms of Bufo toad poisoning includes
seizures, profuse salivation, and lack of coordination. If you suspect your pet
mouthed, licked or ingested a toad, rinse the mouth out immediately and get
your pet to its veterinarian right away.
To help protect your pet, it’s recommended you collect
water and food dishes that remain outside. These toads are so fatal that dogs
can be poisoned by drinking or eating out of containers the toads have sat in.
The toads, which have grayish brown, warty skin, are not
native to Florida, but were introduced to eat cane beetles. They became
established in Florida in an accidental release of about 100 specimens in Miami
in 1955 and further release by pet dealers in the 1960s, according to the
University of Florida Wildlife Extension.
If pet owners suspect an animal has bitten a Bufo toad,
rinse its mouth and paws with water and seek veterinary help immediately. Use
caution, however, so the pet does not aspirate the water with toxins, Gicking
said.
Pet owners should also be careful about being bitten by
animals who become unruly while intoxicated by the toxin, he said. Pet owners
should wash their own hands after rendering aid and be careful not to get the
toxin in their own eyes or mouth.
Gicking suggests vigilance is the best course of action to
prevent toad poisoning.
“Don't just leave dogs out in the yard unsupervised,
especially people who live near water sources,” he said. “Leash walks during a
high incident times are best.
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