Cane Toad Danger: Protect Your Pet

Written by Australian Dog Lover 16:23:00 - 0 Comments

The Hidden Danger and Essential Guide to Keeping Your Furry Friends Safe

As summer heats up, cane toads are on the move again. Across Queensland and northern NSW, pet owners are finding these invasive pests turning up in gardens, around pools, and near water bowls. For countless families, the fear is very real: cane toads are highly toxic, and contact can be fatal for dogs and cats within minutes.

For me, Matthew Brine, Founder & Director of Toad Busters Australia, this is deeply personal. 

On Boxing Day last year, my family lost our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Billy. 

Within minutes of biting a toad in our backyard, he was in distress. Despite our desperate efforts, we couldn't save him. Losing Billy was devastating. 

That experience pushed me to start Toad Busters, a business dedicated to protecting pets from the same fate.

Billy’s Legacy: Understanding the Threat Cane Toads Pose to Pets

Cane toads have parotoid glands on their shoulders that secrete a milky white toxin when they feel threatened. 

The toxin, known as bufotoxin, is powerful enough to cause cardiac arrest in a medium-sized dog. Pets are most often poisoned when they bite or lick a toad, allowing the toxin to be absorbed through their gums and tongue.

It is important to know that even brief contact can be dangerous, and symptoms can develop almost immediately.

Recognising the Signs of Poisoning

Cane toad poisoning often shows up within minutes. The earlier you recognise the signs, the faster you can act.

Mild to Moderate Symptoms:

• Drooling or foaming at the mouth

• Red, inflamed gums

• Pawing at the mouth

• Vomiting

Severe Symptoms:

• Disorientation or staggering

• Muscle tremors and seizures

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

• Collapse or sudden death

If your pet has been outside and suddenly shows any of these symptoms, always assume it could be cane toad poisoning.

Emergency First Aid: What to Do Immediately

Every second counts if your dog or cat encounters a cane toad. Here is what you should do immediately:

Remember this face. Acting quickly is the key to life-saving emergency first aid.

1. If the toad is still in their mouth, remove it immediately.

2. Do not use a hose! This can force water and toxin into your pet's lungs, making the situation much worse.

3. Instead, gently wipe your pet’s gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth with a damp cloth. Rinse and re-wet the cloth frequently.

4. Offer small sips of water to drink if your pet will take it, but never pour water directly into their mouth.

5. Even if your pet seems okay, get to a vet immediately. The toxin can still cause severe heart complications later on. A vet check is non-negotiable.

Owners often think their dog is safe once the mouth has been wiped, but the danger is not over.

How to Protect Your Pet: Prevention is Key

While first aid is critical, the best protection is prevention. Here are steps every pet owner can take:

• Remove hiding spots: Clear away clutter, piles of leaves, and unused pots where toads love to hide.

• Keep yards clean: Get rid of food scraps and pet food bowls left outside overnight.

• Reduce water sources: Empty standing water from buckets and bowls.

• Supervise your pets: Especially at dawn and dusk when toads are most active.

• Use toad-proof fencing: Physical barriers are the most effective way to keep toads out of backyards.

• Train your dog: Commands like “leave it” can prevent dangerous encounters.

At Toad Busters, we have structured our services around prevention and rapid response:

• Pet-Protect Fencing: Secure mesh barriers that block toads from entering yards.

• Night-time Inspections and Removals: Our team conducts sweeps to reduce local populations.

• Emergency Kits: Portable first-aid packs with clear instructions for owners to use on the spot while rushing to a vet.

These solutions are now helping families across Queensland and northern NSW protect their furry friends and reclaim their backyards.

Conclusion: Stay Vigilant

Cane toads are here to stay, but with preparation and vigilance, pet owners can stay one step ahead.

Billy's story is a painful one, but it's also a life-saving one. By learning the signs of poisoning, acting quickly in an emergency, and taking preventative steps at home, we can protect our pets from this hidden danger.

Your furry friends rely on you. A little preparation could save their life, ensuring your pet's story has a happier ending.

For help with Pet-Protect Fencing, professional Cane Toad Removals, or emergency plans in Queensland and Northern NSW, connect with my team at Toad Busters Australia.

written by Matthew Brine, Founder & Director | Toad Busters Australia.

• Website: www.toadbusters.com.au
• Email: hello@toadbusters.com.au
• Social Media: @toadbustersau on Facebook | @toadbusters on Instagram

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