Don’t be fooled. Despite their diminutive size, cane toads, also known as bufo toads and Rhinella marina, pack a poisonous punch that can kill pets in a matter of minutes and spray its deadly toxin in the air in excess of four feet.
This unwelcome amphibian is an invasive species originating from South and Central America. Cane toads were introduced to Florida in the 1930s as a well-intentioned, but ill-conceived, pest control plan for sugar cane fields. It is now wreaking havoc on the state’s ecology, destroying vegetation and killing native animals and decimating their food sources.
WHERE ARE THEY? Cane toads typically breed and live around standing water, ponds, lakes and creeks. Breeding levels increase considerably during rainy weather.
WARNING SIGNS? Warning signs of a poisoned pet include excessive drooling, red and inflamed gums and tongue, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, shaking and breathing difficulties.
WHAT TO DO? Pets owners should immediately bring a suspected poisoned pet to a veterinarian to increase the likelihood of survival.
PREVENTIVE SOLUTIONS? Effective solutions exist to help prevent cane toads from killing or injuring pets, such as regular cane toad removal and specialized property barriers.
Toad Busters, a company specializing in cane toad removal, also has a life-saving product – the Cane Toad Poisoning Emergency Response Kit – which provides pet owners with precious time to get their pets to a veterinarian for emergency care.
“We created a kit that not only has life-saving instructions, but also the items needed to save your pet from death or serious injury,” said Jeannine Tilford, owner of Toad Busters. “It teaches pet owners how to remove the deadly toxin as much as possible, providing you time to get your pet to a veterinarian. The kit has components in it that help bind with the toxin and expel it.”
Learn more useful information how to protect your pets at www.ToadBusters.com.
