Cane Toads

Cane toads: ugly and dangerous for Cairns pets!

Cane Toads have venom secreting glands on their back: Cairns Pets are often poisoned when picking up or biting toads.  Image source: Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cane_toad

Cane Toad:Bufo marinus are a threat to Cairns Pets

 

 

 

 

Cane toads are a frequent cause of illness in pets in Cairns, especially dogs.  Toads have venom glands behind their head.  Dogs are often poisoned when they bite or pick up toads, or even drink from a water bowl which cane toads have been sitting in.

Cairns Vets take many calls from worried pet owners who's dogs have been poisoned by Cane Toads, which have venom glands on their back. 
Cairns Dogs are at heightened risk of poisoning because there are so many toads in this city.   Cane toad poisoning in Cairns Pets is most common during the wet season.
This year 2010-2011), we are likely to see record numbers as the very wet "dry season" has meant year round breeding conditions.

Signs of Cane Toad Envenomation in Pets

Cane toad poisoning can cause salivation, vomiting, shaking, hyperactivity, seizures and death.

Treatment for can toad poisoning relies on first aid: wash the dogs mouth out with gently flowing water to remove as much poison as possible.


If my pet is poisoned by a cane toad, when should I take it to the vet?

If your dog is having seizures or you suspect your dog has eaten the toad you should take them to your vet.  Because toads come out at night this is often an after-hours vet emergency. 
 
Cairns Vet Clinic offers 24 hour service for Cairns Pet emergencies.  Pets poisoned by Cane toads are a common reason for calls. 
 
We are happy to give advice on the phone for this sort of emergency but if the symptoms are severe your dog may need to be hospitalised on intravenous fluids.

 

Cane toad poisoning is most common small pets.  Small terrier breeds of dog are commonly affected because these breeds were bred to chase rats and other small prey and thus the hopping toads irresistible.  Some dogs even seem to become seemingly addicted to the "high" from the toads.  If your dog repeatedly gets poisoned by cane toads, you should consider keeping them inside, especially at night and when it is raining.

This short film: Cane Toads, An Unnatural History documents some of the facts and stories around Cane Toads in Australia, with a strongly satirical approach.
 

If you suspect Cane Toad Poisoning in your pet please contact Cairns Vet on 07 4032 9999