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BUFO TOAD TOXICITY
TOAD POISONING
Legend has it that when the Princess kissed the ugly frog it turned into a handsome prince and they lived happily ever after. In truth, there is a toad (which looks like a frog, but is usually larger and typically flat and round) that is POISONOUS and potentially deadly to your pet. These toads are very common in Florida.
 Bufo toads, officially known as Bufo Marinus, are native to South America and were brought in by the pet trade. In the wild, they grow to be about the size of a softball, but with good sources of protein – like dog food – they can grow to dinner-plate size.
Their slow hopping movements attract curious dogs. When a dog mouths or bites the toad, the toad will secrete a whitish-yellow toxin from its salivary glands located behind its ears. The dog will salivate profusely and the gums will appear very red as the toxin is a mucosal irritant. The poison is similar in effect to a massive overdose of Digitalis, a heart drug. This results in signs ranging from salivation alone to a very slow heart rate and/or seizures, either of which may result in fatality. In order to save your pet’s life, it is essential that you act immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF EXPOSURE
- Rinse out your pet’s mouth with running water, holding the head down and flushing from side to front, avoiding spraying water directly into the dog’s mouth. Try not to let the pet swallow the water. Wipe the gums gently with a damp washcloth. This should help to reduce the amount of the toxin absorbed.
DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS IF YOUR PET IS EXPERIENCING A SEIZURE!!!
- Call your veterinarian during regular business hours, or the Emergency Clinic (434-5700 or 691-9999) if it is after hours. Follow whatever instructions you are given. Playing the wait-and-see game may cost you the precious minutes that could be the difference between life and death. It takes less than 20 minutes from the time the toxin is ingested to full-blown, life-threatening symptoms.
- Try to remain calm and be prepared to transport your pet as quickly as possible to the facility for emergency treatment.
AVOID TOADS ALTOGETHER
- Keep your pet leashed when outside. This is especially important during the rainy season, at dusk, or in the early morning.
- Toads often hide in bushes and other vegetation. Pull you dog away from these areas.
- By Florida law it is illegal to harm the toads. For further information call the County Extension Agent
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