Summer 2019 Shaggy Sheet

Ask the Vet Dr. Beth Keser, Director of Medical Services
What you need to know
to keep your pets safe
from Bufo Toads
If you live in South Florida, you have likely seen the
marine toad, Bufo marinus, also known as the giant
toad or cane toad. These are very large brownishgrayish
colored toads with a yellow belly. They have
deeply-pitted parotid glands that extend all the way
down their back. These toads can get as big as 6-9
inches or even larger. When confronted by a predator,
they are able to shoot bufo toxin from the parotid
glands (located on the back) in the form of white
viscous venom. This venom is highly toxic to dogs,
cats and other animals, and it can also cause skin
irritations in humans.
Symptoms:
• Foamy salivation
(may resemble shaving cream)
• Difficulty breathing
• Brick red gums
• Convulsions
• Paralysis
• Ventricular Fibrillation
• Vomiting
• Uncoordinated staggering
Treatment:
• Immediately rinse out your pet’s mouth
with a super wet wash cloth. Repeat this
several times to remove any toxins from
the mouth. ***DO NOT USE A HOSE
TO RINSE OUT THE MOUTH (Water
can easily enter the lungs causing
more problems.)
• Proceed to the nearest veterinary
hospital or emergency clinic as time is
of the essence.
• The smaller the pet or the bigger the toad,
the greater the risk of toxicity.
Prevention:
• Keep your dog on a leash and wellsupervised.
• Avoid attracting the toads to areas where
pets congregate.
• Do not leave pet food in open dishes
outside. Toads can sit in water bowls long
enough to leave toxins to make your pet ill.
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