If you have a dog and a backyard in Southwest Florida, chances are you’ve seen a cane toad. These large, warty amphibians are common after dusk and following rain — and they’re more than just an unwelcome sight. Cane toads secrete a toxin from glands in their skin that can cause serious illness in dogs, and acting quickly can make all the difference. If cane toads are a recurring visitor in your yard, our cane toad control service can help reduce the conditions that draw them in.
Why Cane Toads Are Dangerous to Pets
Cane toads produce a toxin called bufotoxin in glands on their skin. A dog doesn’t have to swallow a toad to be affected — just mouthing, licking, or biting one is enough for the toxin to be absorbed through the gums and mouth. Even dead or dried-out toads can still carry enough toxin to cause a reaction.
Signs of Cane Toad Poisoning in Dogs
Watch for these symptoms, which usually appear within minutes of contact:
- Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Bright red gums
- Vomiting
- Disorientation or wobbliness
- Dilated pupils
- Irregular heartbeat or difficulty breathing
- Seizures (in severe cases)
What to Do If Your Dog Licks a Cane Toad
- Remove your dog from the area so they can’t make further contact with the toad.
- Rinse your dog’s mouth out thoroughly with a hose or running water for about 10 minutes, pointing the water from the side of the mouth and downward so they don’t swallow more or inhale water.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian specifically tells you to.
- Call your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately — even if your dog seems to be recovering. Some effects can take time to develop.
Preventing Cane Toad Encounters in Your Yard
Cane toads are most active at dusk, dawn, and after rain, and they’re drawn to areas with standing water, pet food left outside, and ground-level lighting that attracts insects. A few habits can reduce the chances of an encounter:
- Keep dogs indoors or supervised during dusk and dawn hours
- Pick up pet food and water bowls left outside overnight
- Check the yard for toads before letting pets out at night
- Reduce standing water and overgrown vegetation where toads like to hide
Let Us Help
Cane toads tend to come back to the same yards season after season, especially where conditions favor them. If cane toads are a recurring problem on your property, our team can help identify what’s drawing them in and recommend ways to make your yard less inviting. Read more in our pest library entry on cane toads, or contact us to talk through what you’re seeing.