Dogs and Cane Toads

The threat of cane toads

The toxin that cane toads produce is poisonous to both humans and animals. Glands that appear on the toad’s shoulder secrete venom which can be squirted more than a metre if the animal feels at danger. As soon as your pet dog’s mouth has any contact with a cane toad its toxin gets into your pet’s blood stream. Humans can get severely affected by cane toads while dogs might even die soon after having swallowed one. Thus, it is extremely important to be aware of the symptoms.


Symptoms

The major symptoms of cane toad toxin are shivering and shaking, loss of coordination, excessive salivation, vomiting, seizures, convulsions, and inhibited breathing. If your dog shows any – or a combination – of these, do not hesitate and take your pet to a veterinarian. It is vital you do that since your dog might quickly fall into coma and die soon after that.


Keep cane toads out of your property

Just by following a couple of easy steps you can keep your home toad-free. First, cover swimming pools if possible and do not leave free-standing water in your yard. Second, minimise or eliminate outside lighting. Third, make sure your fence does not have gaps in it. In case of any holes, cover them up immediately. Finally, put some cane toad traps around.


Protect your dog from cane toads

The first thing to remember is that cane toads are nocturnal animals. It is recommended you or your pet sitter or house sitter regularly check your backyard, especially in the evening and at night, to make sure there are no toads around. While dog sitting, keep your dog in a place you can keep an eye on. This simple measure could avert an unnecessary trouble.

Another way for working with dogs so that they don't eat a cane toad is to attach a couple of bells onto your dog’s collar. Not only would you be alerted when your pet gets extremely active – like when catching a cane toad – but also in a case of convulsions. Do not forget that immediate pet care therapy could save your pet’s life.


In case of contact

If your dog happened to swallow a cane toad, it is critical you or the dog sitter eliminate the poison from its mouth right away. Use a lot of running water directing it to your pet’s mouth. Avoid choking your dog by accident: tilt its head down and do not pour the water down its throat. An efficient way to wash the poison is to use a jet of water from a hose. Remember to wash your pet’s eyes, too. Recent studies show a 96 per cent survival rate of dogs that were instantly taken to a veterinarian for animal care and survival treatment, therefore seek medical assistance immediately to make sure no significant damage has been done.