Veterinarians and wildlife officials in the Sunshine State are asking pet owners to watch out for toads after a dog in Valrico, Florida, experienced seizures and paralysis on Sunday night, following an encounter with a bufo toad.
The amphibians, also commonly called Cane or Marine toads, emit a toxic milky substance when
they are handled and/or feel threatened. This poison can kill cats and dogs if ingested, according to the University of Florida Wildlife Extension.
The toads can grow up to nine-inches long, making them largest of Florida's frogs and toads. They're identifiable by the large parotid glands (which produce the toxin) at the back of their head, behind their ears.
"If the dog comes in contact with the toad, licks it, sniffs it,
anything that can come in contact with those mucus membranes or gums,
then they can have seizures pretty quickly from these toads," Dr. Lisa Ciucci with the Gardens Animal Hospital in Palm Beach Gardens told ABC affiliate WPBF.
Toad venom toxicity is more common in dogs than cats, although felines do occasionally put themselves at risk by pouncing on toads. Dogs can die within minutes of exposure to toad venom. Protect your pooch by keeping him or her on a leash, and using a flashlight during nighttime walks. If your canine does come into contact with a bufo, wash the dog's mouth out with water immediately (make sure they don't swallow any!) and bring them to a vet immediately.
(h/t Orlando Sentinel)