Are you aware of the silent threat lurking in your yard?
Cane toads, common yet dangerous, could pose a fatal risk to your dog.
Understanding the threats posed by cane toads is non-negotiable for dog owners.
These amphibians secrete a potent toxin that, upon mere contact, can swiftly lead to fatal outcomes for dogs.
Educating yourself about their appearance, habitats, and the signs of poisoning equips you with the critical tools to act fast and decisively.
Prompt intervention can save your dog from severe distress or death, transforming your knowledge into a vital shield against this pervasive threat.
As a dedicated dog mom and Certified Pet First Aid, CPR, & Safety Instructor, educating pet owners about the significant dangers of cane toads is crucial.
Read on to discover how you can identify cane toads, recognize the signs of poisoning, safeguarding your dog from cane toads, and more.
This blog is about cane toad poisoning in dogs.
Cane Toad Dangers to Dogs.
How to Identify a Cane Toad Overall.
Cane toads (Rhinella Marina), also known as Bufo toads, have distinctive features.
According to the Northern Territory Government website, Cane Toads features include:
- Bony Ridges Behind Head
- Circular Eardrums
- Parotoid Glands
- Dry and Warty Skin
- Sit Upright
- Unwebbed Hands (front limbs)
- Webbed Toes on Feet
- Short Legs
- Color Variations (grey and olive to yellow-brown and red-brown)
In addition, there over 200 species of Bufo Toads, and cane toads are the largest.
For example , cane toads can grow larger than a melon.
Fully matured cane toads can grow up to between 8 to 9 inches and weigh an average of up to 4 pounds.
However, in January of 2023, Australian wildlife officers caught a surprise.
While patrolling a rain forest in Queensland, Australia, a park ranger found a cane toad weighing almost 6 pounds.
This cane toad was the largest they had ever seen and was affectionately named Toadzilla.
Where Are Cane Toads Found in the U.S.?
In the United States, cane toads are found in Hawaii, Florida, and the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas.
They are often seen near homemade ponds, gardens, drainpipes, debris, under cement piles, and underneath houses.
Cane toads are all about the nightlife.
These amphibians are most active in the evening after the sun sets until the early morning hours.
You will often see them emerge after rainfall, in warmer conditions, and during periods of high humidity.
Cane Toad Toxin.
Behind their ears are the parotid glands, where their toxins or poison (known as Bufo toxin) is stored.
These glands secrete a white milky toxic substance or fluid used for defense against predators.
This toxic fluid is dangerous to all species, of all ages.
Bufo toxins are absorbed in a dog’s mouth by licking or eating a cane toad.
Once the toxins are in the bloodstream, they quickly target a dog’s vital organs.
They interference with the nervous system and heart function is the primary effect of Bufo toxins primarily with dogs.
Nervous System Disruption.
The toxins can overstimulate the nerves, causing an imbalance in how nerves send signals throughout the body.
Heart Complications.
The toxins can cause irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) by interfering with the regular electrical activity that controls the heart’s rhythm.
This effect is dangerous and may lead to heart failure.
Muscle Effects.
The toxins can also affect muscle function, leading to weakness, difficulty walking, and, in severe cases, paralysis.
There is no specific antidote for Bufo toxins.
Time is a crucial factor in getting your dog help; the mortality rate from untreated Cane Toad Toxicity runs from 20% to 100%.
Dogs can die within 10 to 15 minutes without veterinary medical treatment.
Signs of Cane Toad Toxicity in Dogs.
Signs of cane toad toxicity depend on the amount of toxin absorbed and the length of time the pet was exposed.
The first sign commonly seen in dogs within seconds after Bufo toxin exposure is excessive salivation.
Other signs of Cane Toad Poisoning include, but are not limited to:
- Excessively Salivating
- Leg Spasms
- Poor Muscle Control
- Stiff Gait (unable to bend limbs easily)
- Disorientation
- Brick Red Gum Color
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Elevated Body Temperature
- Crying Out
- Oral Irritation
- Unresponsive Pupils
- Pawing at the Mouth
- Anxiety
- Breathing Difficulties
If you see any of these signs, you need to act immediately to help your dog.
Bufo toxins move fast in the bloodstream, meaning the clock starts the moment the cane toad in your dog’s mouth.
DO NOT delay rendering pet first aid and getting veterinary care for your dog.
How Do Cane Toads Poison Dogs.
It’s important to note that cane toads are toxic during all stages of their life (eggs, tadpoles, entire life, and even dead).
If a dog bites, licks, picks it up with their mouth (to include eating), the cane toad will release the toxic fluid from the parotid glands behind their neck and secreted it onto their skin.
This toxic fluid will stick to your dog’s gums and tongue and rapidly absorb across the mouth’s membranes.
What To Do If Your Dog Bites a Cane Toad.
Both of these remedies are not recommended by veterinary toxicology experts due to rapid onset of neurological signs.
Towel Method
The most recommended method to remove the toxic cane toad fluid is with a damp towel.
First, put on some disposable gloves.
This will protect you from the harmful effects of the Bufo toxins.
Next, grab a towel, wet it with water, and ring it out.
You do not want the towel soaking or dripping with water.
Then, thoroughly wipe your dog’s mouth out with the towel.
Wipe out your dog’s entire mouth: gums, teeth, tongue, inner cheeks, roof of mouth, and outside of their mouth.
Since the fluid is thick and sticky, you might have to scrub to remove it.
If you need to repeat the process, use a separate, fresh towel to avoid reintroducing any harmful fluid to your dog.
Next, immediately call your vet or the nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital and let the vet team know you’re bringing your dog in.
No matter what, never go to a veterinary hospital unannounced; always call ahead (even if you’re on the way).
Continue to wipe out your dog’s mouth while en route to the vet if someone else is driving.
Quickly get your dog to an emergency vet for immediate treatment if your dog shows multiple signs (more than excessive salivation).
If your dog is unconscious or seizing, then do not attempt to wipe the mouth; immediately get them to the vet team as fast as you can.
Water Hose Method
If you don’t have a towel, another option is the “water hose method.”
First, put on disposable gloves if you have any.
Next, quickly rinse your dog’s mouth out with a water hose for 5 to 10 minutes.
Point the end of the water hose, where the water is coming out, towards the front of the mouth.
You want the water to immediately exit the mouth and not go down your dog’s throat.
Gently tilt your dog’s head to the side or tip their head down if needed to help.
DO NOT rinse towards the back of your dog’s throat.
You could send toxic fluid into their system due to swallowing water, send water into their lungs, and/or accidentally drown your dog in the process.
Avoid spraying water from a bottle or pouring water to rinse your dog’s mouth.
You need water with pressure, like a water hose with a spray nozzle or a squeeze faucet nozzle in the kitchen sink, to remove this thick, sticky toxic fluid.
Protecting Dogs From Cane Toads.
Taking proactive measures to keep your dog safe is critical.
Don’t leave any dog food or water bowls outside.
If you do, place them on a high shelf or cabinet and cover or flip them upside down.
Cane Toads are attracted to the food, especially the water, so don’t give them a reason to reach your dog’s bowls.
If you find a cane toad sitting in your dog’s water or food bowl, thoroughly clean the bowls before use.
A cane toad can leave behind enough Bufo toxins to poison your dog.
Get rid of any standing still water you have in your yard.
If there are puddles, try to sweep them out.
Cane toads will lay their eggs in low-water areas.
Empty out any buckets or anything that is collecting water.
Cane Toads need access to water about every two days to rehydrate, and they will search for water wherever they can.
If you collect rainwater for plants or personal use, seal any outdoor containers as tightly as possible to prevent cane toads getting inside.
Clean up and get rid of any rubbish or any yard debris, to include any dog poop laying around.
Since Cane Toads are nocturnal, they want to find shade and places to hide out.
Trash, piles of leaves, or branches are excellent hiding spots for cane toads.
Dog poop attracts lots of bugs for cane toads to eat.
Keep any outdoor lighting off if you are not using them.
Like dog poop, outdoor lighting attracts bugs for cane toads to feast on.
Carefully inspect your yard and look for any holes in fences, gates, or any areas cane toads can slip through and block them off.
Cane Toads are not excellent jumpers or climbers.
They will look for the easiest way to get into your yard.
Use sturdy plastic or slick materials to block holes to keep cane toads out.
Cane toads will slide off easily, making entrance to your yard difficult.
At night or during the early morning hours, check your yard before letting your dog outside.
Don’t leave your dog unattended in the yard when cane toads are most active.
When walking your dog at night, carry a flashlight to scan your path for any cane toads lurking about.
Keep your dog on a short leash to prevent them from wandering into any cane toad hideouts.
Avoid letting your dog off leash in any areas cane toads are frequently found.
You don’t want your dog to get too far away from you if he or she encounters a cane toad.
How To Repel Cane Toads.
According to my local pest control services technician, no known effective commercial deterrents are available for purchase, at least not in Hawaii.
In Florida, where cane toads are a considerable problem, companies like TOADAL Repellant have engineered a deterring spray targeting cane toads.
TOADAL Repellant repels this toxic creature on sight with mild irritants, helps keep cane toads from invading your space, and more.
TOADAL Repellant is safe to use around your pets and children as this product contains plant-based ingredients, essential oils, and no harsh chemicals.
Click to Find TOADAL Repellant on Amazon
In my research, I came across a few natural methods to deter cane toads that cause little to no damage to your yard.
Vinegar Mix Spray
According to Kauai Hawaii: A World to See Blog, mix one-part white distilled vinegar and one part water and fill halfway into a spray bottle.
Spray this mixture directly onto areas where you frequently notice cane toads.
Vinegar mix spray results is a hit-or-miss.
Rock Salt or Saltwater Spray
Toads n Frogs Blog recommends sprinkling rock salt or spraying saltwater around your yard or areas where cane toads are frequently found.
The salt will irritate their skin and quickly dehydrate them.
Since the toads need water and humidity, they will avoid sources with a difficult barrier to cross.
However, the downside is that salt will burn your lawn or plants.
Salt can cause dehydration and, of course, can harm your dog’s kidneys if they lick too much of the salt.
I have used the rock salt on our property, but only in concrete areas.
Coffee Grounds
Toads and Frogs Blogs recommends using coffee grounds.
After the coffee grounds have cooled off, sprinkle around your property, plants, or yard.
The coffee grounds method is the best recommended natural method to deter cane toads.
Coffee grounds are acidic, just like salt, and will cause skin irritation.
However, unlike salt, coffee grounds are a natural fertilizer and won’t kill your yard or plants.
Ensure to keep dogs away from coffee grounds, as caffeine is toxic to dogs if ingested.
Moth Balls
Moth balls are another alternative to keep cane toads away from your yard.
The Animalife Veterinary Center at Mission Hills recommends placing moth balls in a small jar (empty baby food jar works) with a secure lid.
Punch a few holes in the lid for the moth ball aroma to escape and place the jar in areas where cane toads often appear.
The strong smell from moth balls will cane toads away.
Just don’t throw the mothballs on the ground.
However don’t place the jars under any plants and keep your dog from getting too close, accidentally breaking the jars open.
How to Get Rid of Cane Toads in Your Yard.
Sometimes, you might have to catch a cane toad in your yard.
It’s not the ideal scenario, but it can happen.
My husband had to relocate a few uninvited cane toads in our yard on three occasions.
First and foremost, whatever you do, DO NOT touch the cane toad with your bare hands.
Bufo toxin secreted from the toad’s glands is just as harmful to humans as to dogs.
WEAR GLOVES!
Collect the cane toad (even a dead cane toad) into a container with a few air holes that can be securely closed and thrown away in a sealed garbage bin.
My husband used a garbage bag to pick up the first cane toad (he didn’t have gloves) and relocated it to an area away from our property.
Since my husband wasn’t hot on the idea of using a garbage bag each time, he bought a butterfly net.
He used the butterfly net to collect the additional two uninvited cane toads and relocate them a safe distance from our yard.
To effectively permanently remove a cane toad is to humanely euthanize it.
The recommended method of humane euthanasia for cane toads by scientists is, to put it gently, freeze it to death.
Although I’m not a fan of these toxic amphibians, I couldn’t bring myself to do that.
Cane Toad Removal Services.
Sadly for those that live in Hawaii (like myself), there are no cane toad removal service based businesses that I could confirm.
The only option I repeatedly came across was to file a report with the Hawaii Invasive Species Council.
You can file a report at online at https://www.643pets.org or call 643-PEST (808-643-7378).
The State of Hawaii will direct your report to the appropriate responding agency depending on where you live in the state.
Residents of the Southeast or Southwest areas of Florida, a cane toad removal business service is available.
Toad Busters will have a technician come to your home, collect all cane toads they can find, and take them away.
Another service offered by Toad Busters also offers is installation of a mesh barrier through their Pet Protect Fencing division.
Pet Protect Fencing helps prevent cane toads from entering your yard.
The threat of cane toad poisoning is not just serious—it can be fatal.
Every moment counts when your dog encounters one of these toxic creatures.
Armed with this blog’s knowledge, you can turn awareness into action, ensuring your dog’s safety.
Don’t wait until it’s too late; take proactive steps today to educate yourself and safeguard your environment.
Your vigilance is essential in creating a safe space for your dog, preventing tragedy before it strikes.
