I get too many sad calls after dachshund owners lose their
brave hunters to this poisonous toad.  Please read the article.

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Information about the Cane Toad or Giant Toad (Bufo marinus)

Photos shown below to help differentiate the Southern Toad from the poisonous Cane Toad.

 

Q: I've heard Giant/Marine Toads are poisonous. Can they kill my dog?

A: Yes, possibly. The toxin from the Giant Toad or Marine Toad (scientific name is: Bufo marinus) can be hazardous, sometimes fatal, to pets. In Florida, they are only found in the southeastern coastal region (Dade Co. and Monroe County), a small area on the southwest coast (Lee and Glades County), and a small area near Tampa (Pinellas County and nearby areas). So, Giant toads will only be a threat if you live in or near those areas of Florida. Adult Giant toads can be bigger than your fist, much larger than any toad or frog that is native to Florida.

Remember that ALL toads have glands on their skin that contain MILD toxins that just taste nasty or make a potential predator a little sick after they try to eat a toad. The strategy for the toxin is to "educate" the predator to not mess with toads again. But the Giant toad is NOT NATIVE to Florida and the animals here are not adapted to its toxin, that's why it is a more serious threat. The toxin of Giant toads can make humans sick if swallowed, so be SURE to wash your hands immediately after touching a Giant toad. Also, if you accidentally rub your eyes before washing hands, the toxin can irritate your eyes.

If you see a toad that you suspect might be a Giant toad, first, make SURE it is the Giant/Marine toad (they can look similar to our native Southern toad, which is harmless to pets, they just taste bad). Look at photos and information at Frogs and Toads of Florida and compare the Southern Toad to the Giant/Marine Toad. Also refer to the publication, "Marine Toads (Bufo marinus)."

All toads go through a growth stage, so all species at one time or another are small (so it is not safe to assume that all small toads are not Giant Toad species). For Giant Toads, they will not have as much toxin when they are small, but they can still be dangerous. Giant toads have large, parotoid glands that angle downward onto the shoulders (by comparison, the Southern toad has parotoid glands that are kidney-bean-shaped and small). Also, the Southern toad has two ridges just inside the eyes that end in bulbous knobs. The Giant toad does not have these ridges or knobs.

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Q: What do I do if my dog, or cat, bites or licks a Giant/Marine Toad?

A: Here is what a veterinarian in Miami has said about treatment for your dog or cat if it licks or bites a Giant/Marine toad.

David Stelling, a veterinarian who practiced in Miami for more than 14 years, said toad poisoning is a common problem for dogs, particularly terriers. "By nature, terriers are inclined to attack smaller animals," Stelling said. "But any dog may become territorial and bite a toad. Marine toads will climb into outdoor food bowls to eat leftovers, and this leads to biting incidents." Also refer to the publication, "Marine Toads (Bufo marinus)."

Symptoms of Giant toad poisoning include drooling, head-shaking, crying, loss of coordination, and, in more serious cases, convulsions. The dog's gums often turn red, an indicator veterinarians use to distinguish toad-poisoning from epilepsy. For this reason, dog owners should be familiar with normal gum color."Treatment is usually successful -- I've only seen two fatalities, and they were very small dogs," Stelling said.

"If you suspect toad poisoning, get a hose and run water in the side of the dog's (or cat's) mouth, pointing the animal's head downward so water isn't swallowed. Rub the gums and mouth to remove the toxin, and call your veterinarian immediately."

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