Educational Overview
Cane Toad
Cane toads (Rhinella marina) naturally secrete toxins through their skin, which can cause irritation or discomfort if pets come into contact with them.
Older name:
Bufo marinus. So Rhinella marina, Bufo marinus, and “cane toad” refer to the same species in this context.
Dogs are particularly at risk if they lick or play with these toads, sometimes leading to drooling, agitation, or oral irritation. Similar reactions can occur with certain frogs as well.
Cane toads are found mainly in Florida, Texas, and Hawaii, where they also pose risks to pets. Dogs that lick or bite a cane toad may develop symptoms ranging from drooling and vomiting to disorientation, seizures, or worse if veterinary care is not sought promptly.
Found in Australia ( far North Queensland), and is native to northern South America and parts of Central/South America, but humans have introduced it to many other countries and islands.
Major places where cane toads have been introduced
- United States — Florida and Hawaii, as well as some U.S. territories
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Japan — including some southern islands
- Taiwan
- Fiji
- Solomon Islands
- Palau
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Kiribati
- Marshall Islands
- Tuvalu
- Samoa / American Samoa
- Cuba
- Jamaica
- Haiti
- Dominican Republic
- Barbados
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Grenada
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Martinique
- Guadeloupe
- Montserrat
- Puerto Rico
- British Virgin Islands
- Mauritius
- Bermuda
- Egypt and some other isolated locations have also recorded introductions.
Australia is unusual because the introduced population has become enormous and spread across a huge continuous landmass. The Australian population originated from toads brought from Hawaii in 1935, and they have subsequently expanded through Queensland, the Northern Territory and into northern Western Australia and New South Wales.
Support & Safety
Is not necessary to fear or harm cane toads. They are part of nature’s balance. With awareness and care, pets and wildlife can be protected while still allowing these animals to live peacefully in their environment.
Cane toad poisoning in a dog can become life-threatening very quickly, particularly in northern Australia.
The toxin is absorbed through the mouth when a dog bites, mouths, licks or eats a cane toad.
Common early symptoms
Usually appearing within minutes:
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Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
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Pawing at the mouth
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Very red or irritated gums
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Head shaking
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Vomiting
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Restlessness or agitation
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Whining or appearing distressed
More serious poisoning
As the toxin affects the heart and nervous system, symptoms can progress to:
The severity depends partly on the size of the dog and amount of toxin absorbed. Small dogs can deteriorate particularly rapidly.
If you suspect a dog has mouthed a cane toad
Don't wait for symptoms to develop.
The immediate priority is to remove the toxin from the mouth and obtain veterinary assistance.
For a dog that has just mouthed a cane toad, rinse/wipe the mouth carefully with a wet cloth, repeatedly using a clean section of the cloth each time, while keeping the dog's head positioned downward so water and toxin are not swallowed. If the dog is already showing neurological signs, is unconscious, or is having seizures, don't put your fingers or water into its mouth—seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian.
SET OF
Educational Purposes
Natural Pet Botanicals products are not intended to replace veterinary care or prescribed treatments. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and medical advice.
Formulated with plant and mineral-based ingredients, traditionally referenced for their role in supporting overall balance and general wellbeing.
These formulations are designed to assist the body’s natural processes and support resilience during times of environmental or physiological stress.
C-Toad-Clear-310 formula
Contains:
Pet Clear 24-2 formula.
Common Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
Blue Flag Plant (Iris)
Juniper Berries (Juniperus)
Poke Root (Phytolacca)
Goldenrod (Solidago)
and others
in 20% USP alc.in purified water.
Need more advice or have more questions? Contact us for a FREE consultation with one of our fully qualified practitioners.
These statements are for general wellbeing and educational purposes only. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. Always seek veterinary or professional advice for specific health concerns.
DISCLAIMER
The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from your health care practitioners. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act require this notice.
