Several species of giant toads are a serious threat to pets. The Colorado River Toad, found in Southwestern states from Arizona to Southern California, and the Giant Brown Toad (also known as Marine Toads, Cane Toads or Bufo Toads) found in South Texas and Florida, are the two most common poisonous toads in the U.S. There are also a large number of Bufo Toads in Hawaii. These giant toads can grow to be 4" to about 9" long and to weigh more than 2 pounds.
Unlike other toads who only eat live, moving insects, giant toads will climb into outdoor food bowls and eat dog food. This leads to toad catching and canine poisoning. There have even been rare cases where giant toads have just sat on the rim of a dog’s water dish and left enough toxin to make the dog sick.
Drooling, head shaking, pawing at the mouth, crying, and attempting to vomit are some symptoms that a pet has had contact with these toads. Symptoms of toad poisoning in dogs can include heavy drooling, head-shaking, vomiting, diarrhea, bright red gums, weakness, loss of coordination, fever, irregular heartbeat, difficult breathing, tightly clamped jaws, convulsions, and even death.
Veterinary treatment, among other measures, might include an EKG to detect an abnormal heart rhythm and, if present, cardiac medication to combat it.; medication to reduce fever, medication to control seizures and IV fluids.
If you live in an area where giant toads can be found, there are some things you can do to protect your dog from a tragic encounter with them.
To read more about these poisonous amphibians, see...
Encounter With Giant Toad Costs Family Dog Its Life Responsible Pet Ownership: Dogs and Toads Cane Toads, Giant Toads or Marine Toads Protect your dog from poisonous cane toads The Danger of Red Back Spiders and Toads More Summer Hazards - See.... Mushrooms - Deadly Poisons in Your Own Backyard Foxtails - A Deadly Summertime Danger and Other warm weather issues,
Solutions to other Summertime problems....
Corticalm Lotion (3 oz)
CortiCalm contains 1% hydrocortisone for the temporary relief of itching due to hot spots, allergic dermatitis and insect bites. Clear, non-greasy formula.Doggles Pet Sunscreen
Does your dog have light colored hair and skin and a pink nose? Is your dog hairless or nearly hairless in some areas? This sunscreen is designed specifically for a dog's sensitive skin. It will also help with coat condition and help prevent sun bleaching in dark haired animals.
including parked cars and heatstroke, water hazards, and riding safely in pick-up trucks.
