Here in the south eastern United States, we have lotsa little froggies. We also have bigger froggies that are called toads. Then there’s the toad that’s poisonous to doggies and kitties — that one’s called the Bufo Toad.
Bufo Toads Can Kill Doggies & Kitties!
According to the Florida Wildlife Extension…
When this non-native species is threatened or handled, it secretes a highly toxic milky substance from its large parotoid glands at the back of its head, behind the ears. This secretion can burn your eyes, may irritate your skin, and can kill cats and dogs if they ingest the secretion.
Symptoms of Marine Toad poisoning in pets include drooling, head-shaking, crying, loss of coordination, and, in more serious cases, convulsions. The dog’s (or cat’s) gums often turn red, an indicator used by veterinarians to distinguish toad poisoning from epilepsy. For this reason, pet owners should be familiar with their pet’s normal gum color. Treatment: If you suspect toad poisoning, get a hose and run water in the side of the dog’s/cat’s mouth, pointing the animal’s head downward so water isn’t swallowed. Rub the gums and mouth to remove the toxin. This treatment is usually successful, but call your veterinarian immediately.
The map above shows the areas where Bufo Toads are found.
You should report any suspected Cane Toad sightings outside
of the range shown in green to tadpole@ufl.edu.
I’ve added a new article that tells about the poisonous Bufo Toad and how you can tell them apart from non-poisonous toads. You can read it here.
This is the toad that was right outside our front
door! It was HUGE — at least 5″ long when sitting!
He didn’t seem afraid of us, and he just stood there
as my mommy took a few photos of him. Scary to think
that this toad could kill a doggie or kitty. 🙁
Be careful when outside…
Tell your human family not to leave your doggie and/or cat food outdoors, since these dangerous toads will eat it! “They also eat native frogs, lizards, snakes, small mammals, and just about anything else that fits into their mouths,” according to UF Dept. of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation.
I hope this dangerous toad doesn’t stop you from taking nice long walks with your human, or going for zoomies in your backyard. Just be on the lookout and keep away from any toad if you see any. 🙂
Happy Sunday woofs & hugs, friends! <3 ~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl) P.S… If you’re a human who blogs about your furry, or a furry who blogs about your human… or even a furry who blogs about your life… I invite you to follow me via Google Friend Connect (see box in the right-hand column –>), and join me on Facebook. Please let me know you’ve visited — I love reading other blogs and making new friends. <3
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“Symptoms of Marine Toad poisoning,” Copyright © Florida Wildlife Extension.
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Yikes I never heard of a poisonous toad. Glad we don’t have those here.
Ew, we don’t like the looks of that big toady thing. That makes us glad we live way up north and away from those bad critters.
Goodness, I didn’t have any idea that those little things were harmful! Great info Bailey!
boy am I glad we don’t have toads in our area. For some reason they don’t thrivein or aournd our waters. I had no idea how lucky we were.
Must be the cold……
bert
Glad we don’t have those things around here!!
-Bart and Ruby
We’ve seen toads that look similar in our yard (not sure what they are and try not to get close enough to find out) I’ve noticed that the dogs see them but when they get close enough to smell them, they leave them alone (thank goodness). I’ll have to start going out with them at night to be sure they don’t touch them in the future. I’d love to just catch them and relocate them.
those things are monsters
Benny & Lily
They remind Mom of the “Cane Toad” found in Australia – also an introduced species. They have spread far and wide there and also are poisoness to dogs and cats and even humans if they handle them to much
Holy moly, that’s a scary looking critter!!!
AROOOOF!
Boondocks & The Love Shack Pack
Whoa, that is one nasty-looking toad. Hope they stay away from us and you.
Woos~ Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning