Cane Toad Poisoning And Your Dog

The giant cane toad is a non-native pest species that's found in many areas of Australia. Cane toads produce a highly toxic secretion from glands in their skin, which can be extremely dangerous to dogs that might come into contact with toads in your garden. But how do you know if your dog has been poisoned, and what action should you take?

Symptoms of cane toad poisoning

Curious dogs often mouth slow-moving cane toads to see what they are. As a defensive response, the toad will release a toxic secretion through skin glands situated behind its neck. The toxin is absorbed through the skin membranes in the dog's mouth and is then transported around the dog's body in its bloodstream.

If you suspect that your dog has come into contact with a cane toad, look out for the following symptoms:

drooling and salivation
red, slimy-looking gums
signs of distress, for example whining and pawing at the mouth
vomiting
disorientation and shivering
convulsions

If the dog does not receive urgent veterinary treatment, it may ultimately suffer cardiac failure and death.

First aid

It's vital that you contact your vet immediately if you suspect cane toad poisoning. In the meantime, here's what to do. Wear rubber gloves to protect yourself from the toxin.

Wipe the inside of the dog's mouth using paper towelling to remove any residual poison, keeping your dog's mouth positioned downward to prevent him from swallowing.
Try to wash the dog's mouth out using a slow-trickling hose, allowing the water to drain out of the front. This helps to get rid of any poisonous slime that might still be present.
Use a wet cloth to wipe around the gums and tongue, rinsing the cloth out thoroughly between wipes.

This action may be enough to alleviate symptoms in mild cases of cane toad poisoning. In more severe cases, the more poison you can remove quickly, the more likely it is that your dog will make a full recovery.

Prevention

Cane toads are nocturnal, so always keep your dog indoors at night if you have toads in your area. Dead toads can also be poisonous to pets, so remove any that you find. Always wear gloves and, if possible, pick up the carcass with a spade, rather than by hand. Burn the carcass in a spot that's out of reach of your pets.

In conclusion

Cane toads poisoning is potentially fatal to dogs. If you think your dog has been in contact with a toad, always consult your vet for advice immediately, and contact your local pest control company to deal with the toads on your land.

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