Bufo Toads & Your Pet

When it rains in Florida that means Bufo Toads are too.  These toads are poisonous to our dogs and cats; but our animal don’t know this and find it amusing to chase and play with them.  Once they put the toads in their mouths they usually become poisoned by the milky white venom secreted from the top of the bufo toads head that is produced when the toad becomes scared or frightened.  The venom is Deadly and needs to be treated immediately by first washing your pets mouth out with water.  The best way to do this is to use your garden hose and run water into the side of their mouth and out towards the front.  Be careful not to run the water straight towards the back as you want to wash the poison out.  The venom gets absorbed through your pets gums.  The venom is very irritating to the gums and causes head shaking, excessive salivation, drooling, and extremely red gums.  These red gums and the excess saliva are often the only clues we get that we are dealing with toad poisoning,  Once the venom is absorbed into the bloodstream some of the other signs are rapid respiration, blindness, weakness. collapse, seizures, and death which can occur within thirty to sixty minutes after exposure.  There is no antidote for the venom but with quick  care a vet can give medications to help get you and your pet through this very critical time.  Remember the most important thing to do if you suspect toad poisining  is to rinse your pet’s mouth out with water and then call or go to your veterinarian immediately.

Here are some of the Vets I recommend in the Hollywood area:   South Broward Animal Hospital,  DPC Veterinary Hospital, VCA

 

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