The Cane Toad, commonly known as the Bufo Toad is an invasive, nonnative species and extremely poisonous. 

The Cane Toad, are more prevalent in the summer in Florida and can be deadly to your dog. Toads are most active after rainfall, dawn, dusk or nighttime so dog owners beware. These toads secrete a toxic substance through their glands and can shoot it up to 6 feet.

They CAN by removed from private property and humanely killed year-round with landowner permission, and you DO want to remove them if you have pets. Captured cane toads may not be relocated and released.

Cane toads are commonly found in yards, around buildings or near canals and ponds. Cane toads breed year-round in standing water, streams, canals and ditches.

Dogs love things that move and jump so they are attracted to the toad like a toy - and attempt to grab it in their mouths.  Poisoning occurs when a dog comes in contact with a cane toad through 'mouthing' the toad; through biting or licking. But the toad can also squirt the poison up to 6 feet.  

They secrete a milky-white toxin, known as bufotoxin, made up of adrenaline, serotonin and tryptophan- like compounds, which is also present in their body tissues. If ingested, it can kill your pet in as little as 15 minutes. Many dog deaths are attributed to the cane toad annually.  

The toxin brings out its effects when it is absorbed via the mucous membranes, most commonly the gums but also via the eyes, nose and tongue. It is rarely actually ingested.

How to spot them

• Reddish-light brown to brown in color
• Light-yellow or beige belly
• Enlarged glands behind the eyes that angle down to the shoulders
• 6 to 9 inches in length
• Do not have ridges across the head, that is a southern toad
  
  

What to do if your pet bites or swallows a cane/bufo toad

If your dog comes in contact with a toad, it's best to carefully rinse your dog's mouth out. You can also use activated charcoal, which will bind with the toxin. Some of the warning signs are dilated eyes, heavy panting and red gums.

Symptoms may include:

• Frantic or disoriented behavior
• Brick red gums
• Seizures
• Foaming at the mouth

What to do:

• Wash toxins forward out of mouth using a hose for 10 minutes, being careful not to direct water down the throat
• Wipe gums/tongue with towel/cloth to remove toxins
• Get your pet to a vet immediately

What to do if you come into contact with one

• Wash your hands thoroughly if you accidentally touched one;
  If you want to remove one:
• Wear eye protection
• Wear gloves when handling

At all stages of their life, cane toads are poisonous: from eggs to tadpoles to adults and even dead and dried cane toads - the ingestion of their toxin can be fatal, or cause serious symptoms. Dispose of the toad where a pet cannot get to it.