A 'Toad-ally' Risky Situation- Cane Toads in Naples and Marco Island: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

In Collier County, we are lucky to live where the sun shines, the beaches sparkle,

and, unfortunately, where cane toads thrive.

These invasive, non-native amphibians may look harmless, but they can be deadly to

pets. At Petology Animal Hospital, we want you to know the risks, the symptoms, and

the steps you can take to keep your furry family members safe.

🐸 What Are Cane Toads?

Cane toads (also called bufo toads or marine toads) are large, brownish-gray toads

with bumpy skin and triangular-shaped poison glands behind their eyes. They’re most

active at night, especially after rain or in warm, damp areas like lawns, gardens, and

even dog bowls left outside.

🧐 How to Tell a Cane Toad from a Native Florida Toad

Not all toads are toxic. Florida has a few native species that are totally harmless and it's actually not difficult to spot the differences:

• Cane toads are large, often the size of your hand (4–6 inches or more). Native toads are much smaller.

• Cane toads have dry, warty skin and large, triangular glands (called parotoid glands) behind their eyes that angle downward.

• Native southern toads have smaller, oval-shaped glands and often a pair of raised crests, or horns, on their heads — cane toads don’t.

• Cane toads don’t hop much. They tend to waddle or crawl, especially at night.

Cane toads can kill pets within minutes. Be on alert, especially at night or after a rainfall.

⚠️ Why Are They Dangerous?

When a dog or cat mouths or bites a cane toad, the toad releases a milky-white toxin from its glands. This poison is absorbed through the mouth or eyes and could cause severe, even fatal, reactions in pets within minutes. Even deceased toads may be toxic.

🚨 Symptoms of Cane Toad Poisoning in Pets:

• Excessive drooling or frothing at the mouth (hypersalivation) is the most common symptom

• Pawing at the mouth

• Bright red gums

• Vomiting

• Seizures

• Disorientation, wobbling or collapse

• In severe cases, death is possible

Smaller dogs are more at risk for life-threatening exposures. Time is of the essence. If you suspect a severe intoxication, don’t wait to seek veterinary attention.

🐾 What to Do If Your Pet Encounters a Cane Toad:

1. Carefully wipe the inside of the mouth:

   • Use a damp rag or washcloth to prevent further absorption of the toxin

   • Be sure to thoroughly wipe the gums, tongue, and inside of the cheeks and lips. Cane toad excretions are very sticky!

   • Carefully flush the mouth with water. Use a garden hose with a steady but not too strong flow to thoroughly rinse out the pet’s mouth for 10 minutes.

   • IMPORTANT – keep your pet’s head, as well as the water, angled downward to prevent the water from going down the throat or aspirated into the lungs. The video link below demonstrates proper technique (see 5 minutes and 30 seconds).

   • NEVER attempt to rinse out the mouth of an animal that’s seizing or unresponsive.

   • Contact your veterinarian for further instructions

     
     

     Watch this short video to learn proper technique:

     https://youtu.be/Cg1HUuxM7Zc?si=bFqf6nid3baUnxCT

     
     

2. If severe symptoms are noted, get to the vet - FAST.

   • Symptoms such as collapse or seizures constitute a life-threatening emergency.

   • Contact your family veterinarian or local emergency hospital and let them know you are on your way

   • Rapid intervention is key to a successful outcome - seconds count!

   
   
   
   

🛡️ How to Proactively Protect Your Pet from Cane Toads:

• Supervise outdoor time, especially at night

• Keep your dog on a short leash during a walk

• Don’t let dogs sniff around under bushes where toads like to hide

• Use a flashlight during night walks to spot toads in advance

• Limit your landscaping lights at night - toads hunt insects that are attracted to the light

• Keep yards tidy. No standing water, overgrown bushes, or food bowls, as they may attract toads

🐶 Final Word

Cane toads are here to stay — but awareness can save lives. Knowing what to look

for, wiping out your pet's mouth quickly, and having the phone numbers of your local

veterinary clinic / emergency hospital at your fingertips could make all the difference.

The University of Florida put together a great educational video with additional details and visual resources. We recommend you check it out:

https://youtu.be/Cg1HUuxM7Zc?si=bFqf6nid3baUnxCT