News and Press

2006-04-01
BUFO TOADS

The rainy season is upon us and that means: Bufo Toads. Everyone knows these toads are poisonous to our dogs and cat; unfortunately your pets don’t know. The problem is they are amusing to chase and play with. Once they put the toads in their mouths the fun becomes dangerous. Bufo toads are found in the tropics. The scientific name is Bufo marinus.The toads are large brown and secrete a milky white poison on the top of their head when they are scared or frightened. They are rather sluggish, hopping only when bothered, breeding or when seeking new feeding grounds...usually in the early evenings. This secretion will burn eyes, may inflame the skin and can kill dogs and cats if ingested. When the toad is bitten by a dog or cat, the poison enters the animal's system rapidly through the membranes of the mouth and the effects will be seen almost immediately. The poison gets absorbed into your dog or cat through their gums. This poison is very irritating to the gums and causes head shaking, excessive salivation and drooling, and extremely red gums. These red gums and the excess saliva are often the only clues we get that we are dealing with toad poisoning. The poison is then absorbed into the blood stream and the problem becomes critical.

Some common signs are rapid respiration, blindness, weakness, collapse, seizures, and possible death often as quickly as 30 to 60 minutes after exposure. The most important thing to do if you suspect toad poisoning is to rinse your pets’ mouth out with water. You are trying to stop the absorption of the poison. Do not use too much water and don’t allow the pet to swallow the water. If using a hose be sure to enter sideway in the mouth, or you can use a very wet towel and wipe gums. Then immediately call and go to your veterinarian or nearest pet emergency clinic ; time is of the essence.

ROYAL PALM VETERINARY HOSPITAL

954-344-5466