The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Flushing Mouth with Water
Posted by Andie (Jensen Beach, Florida) on 05/13/2014
★★★★★
Our mini dachshund had a brief encounter with a poisonous bufu cane toad, and began to rub his mouth on the grass, and had some frothing of the mouth. We rinsed his mouth immediately with the garden hose, & continued with the shower hose while calling the vet. This site has a lot of good info. I wanted to add that I read on wikipedia that the tadpoles & young ARE also poisonous. Luckily, our doxie needed no more treatment. The vet also rinsed his mouth thoroughly, & released him. I'm not sure if benadryl was recommended or not...it has been years since this happened. He no longer gets to roam free in his fenced back yard due to these monsters. People should not leave any type of pet food out whatsoever; they even ate corn & other grains from bird food that fell out when I cleaned the bird cage. Thanks to all for all the info on these killers.
Flushing Mouth With Water
Posted by Gordy (Naples, Fl) on 05/03/2014
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I patrol the area with my Pellet gun. Our yorkie got in to a Bufo toad. Effect was immediate but we knew the protocol and washed his mouth & face, then headed to the emergency vet clinic. He had a bad night but survived.
Mothballs
Posted by Amar (Trinidad And Tobago) on 01/02/2014
I hate those toads... Had d best fox beagle hounds a pair of brothers.. Normally I would lock them in d kennel at night time since these toads are a real problem on our 10 acre property... New years day one of them got out of his kennel and seems he bit a toad.. Came home to find him dead frothing at his mouth... Now his brother misses him alot... Going toad shooting later...
Benadryl
Posted by 20yrswflvettech (Fort Myers, Fl) on 09/21/2013
Hi to all! I've been reading the comments here and I just wanted to respond with a few things.... 1st, I was born and raised here in SWFL, & I've been a vet tech @ an emergency vet clinic for the past 20 yrs. So Linda's question about how much Benadryl, the correct dose for dogs is 1mg per pound of body weight, so a 25 pound dog would get one (1) 25mg Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) tablet/capsule, or 10mls of childrens liquid Benadryl (check your labels, but MOST Liquid is 12.5mg/5ml). Next, unfortunately I've seen Bufo toxicity and deaths in dogs more than I'd like to count, and obviously prevention is your best bet, but it's true the best thing to do 1st is to immediately try to rinse your dogs mouth out with running water, then get your pet to the vet for them to treat the consequent symptoms caused by the toxins (ie seizures etc). Most dogs are killed from experiencing uncontrolled seizing, which left untreated will cause their temperature to rise quickly, effectively frying their internal organs (sorry about my graphic bluntness, but I want everyone to understand the seriousness of getting your pet the help he/she needs). You are all correct in keeping a close eye on your pets at night, as bufo's are generally nocturnal creatures, but they will come out during the day, especially during overcast rainy days, so be vigilant always. My neighborhood is overrun with the terrible toads and even though my dog is well trained and behaved, she is kept on a leash under a watchful eye.
Flushing Mouth With Water
Posted by Leslie Demerville (Miami Dade County, Fl) on 06/06/2013
Here in South Florida we are innundated with these horrible frogs. Very hard to kill them. Having hundreds around my home during Katrina whereby the 18 inches of rain we got washed them out of their dens. They killed my minature donkey.... Please be careful. We are overpopulated with these killers. If you have one on your property, corner it and pour morton salt all over it. This is the quickest way to kill them before it kills your beloved pet. Use the salt around any areas of your garage, or any outdoor area that has a roof, i.e., a car port, FL room. The salt will deter them, ammonia does not always work. Be advised that these frogs can be harmful to humans, especially babies.
Flushing Mouth With Water
Posted by Holly (West Palm Beach, Fl) on 05/05/2013
My vet says that the poison is ON their mouth, lips, gums, etc., and that inducing vomiting is not only unnecessary, but dangerous... The idea is to rinse the poison through, out and off of the mouth. We use a hose from one side and then the other with the dog's head forced downward, wiping the slime away and OFF with fingers and a towel. In my opinion, FAST rinsing is the only cure. Seizures and death can be astonishingly quick. Our dogs NEVER go out after daylight alone. It's too dangerous, especially in the spring and summer, here in West Palm.
Flushing Mouth With Water
Posted by Mrsmike6 (Boynton Beach, Florida) on 02/24/2013
My question I suppose is what I have read a little about here. What can you do around the outside of your house? I read something about cedar? What else can you do? I have 2 mini dachshunds and am scared for them! I had a Bofu toad IN my garage this morning when I went out to get my newspaper! I took a long handled broom and ushered it outside. I will continue to go outside with my dogs to make sure it went away! What can I do outside my home to help keep them away OR make it unattractive to those creepy things. Thank You. Michaeleen
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Ryoga2769 (Sanford, Flordia) on 12/04/2012
I see this all the time most toads people run into are normal ground toads. There slightly toxic dont let your dog eat one. Talk to your vet on what you should do if he does. Stop killing them. Cane toads are very diffrent though. It is easy to tell what kind of toads you have if they are small they are not cane toads. If they are the size of a small cat well that you have a problem.
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Darcie (Homestead, Florida) on 11/22/2012
11/22/12 Up until 2 days ago I never gave any thought to these ugly creatures. I knew about them and had heard that they were lethal to dogs but never thought that I would EVER have a problem. To make a long story short , my 5lb Yorkie got hold of one 2 days ago , I flushed his mouth out and rushed him to the vet(20 mins in total) and now 2 days later he is dead. SO I now comb the yard at night and early morning before I let my other dogs out. Trust me until you have lost a beloved pet to one of these frogs you have no idea of the guilt that you feel.
Red Cedar Mulch
Posted by Gmacookie (Fort Pierce, Fl, Usa) on 09/28/2012
★★★★★
I realized Red Cedar Mulch is the same smell as mothballs so spread it as mulch on the 3 planting areas in my patio that are up against the fence, plus all along the fence where there are no planting areas. This is where the bufo toads come underneath and into the patio. I spread a half a big bale (got it at Kmart as the ones at Walmart are the smaller bales) about a week ago and so far they're staying out. It also looks nice! And I don't have to worry about my bichon/poodle picking up mothballs to play with. I used to use the red cedar all around my house foundation when I had a house, and once a year I'd spead it to keep away pests and bugs of all kinds. THen I made a long tube kind of like a draft stopper, from a piece of nylon netting that was a shower scrub (a buck or so at Walmart), filled it up with the red cedar and use it under the gate. I can move it easily when I go in and out the gate but at night it's there and keeps the toads out.
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Annie (Salome, Az) on 09/16/2012
We have Bufo Alverious in the Sonoran desert in Arizona. My very small Yorkie got hold of one that was road kill. Toad jerky. She chewed on it a bit before I knew she had it. She threw up all night long, but was better in the morning. I had washed her mouth out and gave her a dose of Carafate that I keep for my other old Yorkie that has stomach problems, but she was still very sick. It happened on a Saturday night and we live no where near a Vet or Vet clinic. She is fine now, but I REALLY watch her when we go for a walk.
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Jo (Fort Myers, United States, Dollar (usd)) on 07/28/2012
Dr D. H. Sorry to burst your bubble but they sure can! I encountered 4 large ones in my driveway one night, not my first encounter so I'm equipped with nets, etc to catch them, and proceded to try to catch as many as I could. One of them was about 6' from my garage door and released his toxin which shot up and literally splattered about 2/3 of the way up my door. I wouldn't count on them not being able to spray as I think you'll be wildly surprised! What I want to know is how do we eradicate them??? Jo in Ft Myers
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Silvercat (Naples, Florida) on 06/15/2012
I live in a senior citizens mobile home park and we have hundreds of these toads in the park, coming from a pond behind our homes. One elder lady was walking her small dog and it had contact with one and was dead within the hour. My daughter age (age 55) has been on a mission to eradicate these dangeous critters. She has trapped and eliminated over 50 of them in the past week. While on her "patrol" last night she stopped and rubbed her face with the gloves still on and this morning she woke up sick and is in bed with fever, aching muscles and nausea. We don't know if it's the reason but be very careful of letting the secretions on your flesh. We froze the carcasses for three days and then put them in a sealed plastic bag and put them in the trash containers. Just a word to the wise, be very careful!
Vinegar
Posted by Dannie Jean (Tampa, Florida) on 06/08/2012
My little black and white guy (Bichon/Poo) was barking at my bookcase today. At first, I thought nothing was there, then I saw it - a REALLY big toad. It was a lot bigger than my fist. I tried to catch it, but could not. After reading your information, I guess I'm glad I couldn't. Trouble is, it is still in my house... I keep listening for rustling noises. I hope I can get it out. The advise to throw a wet towel over it sounded like it might work if I see it again. Then I could call someone to come take it away. Thanks for all the good info, I will be on high alert from now on.
Salt
Posted by Walter (Hialeah, Fl, Usa) on 06/02/2012
Regarding the use of salt for the Florida Marine Frog/Toad, yes there may be a more 'Humane" method if you are fast enough to catch the critter. First, you don't chase the frog/toad with a salt shaker. I have boxes of table and Kosher salt and take a handful and toss it on them. At this time in Miami Dade County the rain is at its worst and the critters are even out all day. My Dogs are my kids, since my children are grown. We lost one due to age a few months ago and it was terrible. I still when time to feed the dogs get one "extra" helping of food sometimes forgeting that she is gone. This morning my wife while escorting two dogs out to do there business one of them went after a toad, and might have gotten some poison. She immediately grabbed the dog and water hose and rinsed his mouth. She woke me up and by the time I had my clothes on since the episode occured 10 or 15 minutes had passed. We got the dog into the car and the Vet was not open yet but the overnight person who monitors the animals told us of another Animal Clinic several minutes away. We went there and they were not open yet? Now we are approaching the hour mark after the incident occured. Most Vets will agree that in most cases 15 minutes or so the animal will die. It has been two hours and the dog is calm, stopped drooling and with the Grace of God seems to be himself [somewhat] again. It is pouring rain again at about 09:00 A. M. here in Miami pouring rain and you can hear the Frogs/Toads making noise in the yard.
Our Vet on one ocassion came out to the waiting room and scolded everyone for not being more careful; regarding this issue, she just had to an animal "down".
In closing, , , , prayer helps, God Bless!
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Trish (Jupiter, Fl, Usa) on 05/14/2012
My mini schaunzer bit a bufo toad Saturday evening. After $1000 vet er, she did live, but only made their with seconds to spare. I hate the damn toads, as both of my schnauzers have had run ins. My vet said they are protected? I have to get rid of these beasts.
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Wolvi2004 (Wahiawa, Hi) on 03/28/2012
Bufo Toads live in Australia and in Hawaii... Look it up... I know about Hawaii because I live there and I have a couple of Bufo Toads that hide out in our plants and yard... None have excreted any of us and I handled one for quite away before I looked up what it was.. No longer will I touch them nor will my child but as long as we leave them alone they seem to be fine... They are not only located in Florida.
Vinegar
Posted by Nancy (Jupiter, Florida) on 12/29/2011
Bufo toads-BLEACH. WORKS. Spraying vinegar or bleach or anything else on them does Not. To kill these deadly poisonous toads either shoot them or catch them and put them in a bucket with bleach. They die instantly. Running over them with a golf cart, or even my car, did not kill them! Online it says they lay 30,000 eggs every other day. Killing one toad a week is not helping. So far there is not a suitable pesticide to rid us of these venomous creatures that were imported from Australia to Hawaii and South Florida to help the sugar cane owners rid their cane fields of their own pests to protect their profits. Problem is the toads took over and have become a (VERY DEADLY) pest to All of us. The sugarcane owners should be held responsible for this scourge. They should be held responsible to financially support science to find a 'cure' that will rid us of this deadly toad. This toad has the potential to eventually be in all warm weather states killing our pets. Similiar to the Lyme tick. The 'new' tick that was thought to only infect animals until it was finally discovered it infected humans. Who knew about this poisonous debilitating tick 25 yrs ago. Now it is rampant in Every single state, not just Lyme, Connecticut where it started. To try to rid our areas of as many toads as I can, I went to Wal-Mart and was in line purchasing a BB air gun. In line next to me were 7 others. They all were purchasing various guns. We looked at each other and all said almost at the same time... "Toads. " All 7 of us were trying to protect our pets from horrific, painful and drawn out death because sugar cane owners brought in these deadly creatures. Snakes, birds of prey like hawks, normal animals that might eat frogs, do not touch these toads. They somehow know better. Our house pets do not. My golden retreiver has touched( not even eaten) a toad with his nose and been poisoned. All 4 times I was right there with him. Once he was even on a leash. In the yard the toads look like a leaf or piece of bark. All 4 times the toads were very small-2-3 inches. (I have killed them bigger than my entire hand including my fingers). I put the hose sideways in his mouth and stood straddling him so I could force his head down. You do Not want any water to get into his lungs and get pneumonia. I rinsed his mouth and rub his gums, insides of cheeks, tongue with a wet rag many times also. I hosed him 15 minutes minimum each time. Then rushed to vet. One time I thought I got it all, only to find him foaming again in the car. Luckily the nightime vet clinic is nearby.
One day, hopefully in the very near future, we will get some big-time help from one of the chemical companies that have the funds to research a cure for this problem. It is already an epidemic in Australia and will be one here in South Florida soon.
I think a concerted move should be made by concerned citizens to our legislators to lobby the chemical companies for help to protect our pets.
My friends call me the 'toad vigilante'. So be it. Toads or my dogs? Toads are winning now. Let's end this war.
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Johnny (Orlando, Fl) on 06/03/2009
This article is BS !! Cane, Marine, or Bufo Toads CANNOT shoot or squirt toxin. Period. This is an old wifes tale. (Like porcupines being able to throw it's quills) Also these toads not only exist in South Florida but most of the Caribbean and South America.
Just don't eat one!
Dr J.H."
09/24/2009: Lita209 from Sanford, Fl replies: "I was born and raised in Puerto Rico (Caribbean) and the first time I have encountered a Bufo Toad has been here in Florida."
03/29/2011: Pd from Tampa, Fl replies: "These toads are all over florida. i live in tampa, in a residential area and do not have a pond or lake on property and they are all over our yard. we have six dachshunds and have had 2 of our dogs get the poisoning. lucky for us we were there to wash out mouths, etc immediately and they are ok. i do not like killing any animal and actually we work in dog rescue, but i can tell you 100% these are extremely dangerous to small dogs/cats and death is usually in 15-20 minutes if too much poison is ingested. we kill all bofu toads in our yard, typically by freezing them. at night and early morning, we have a small confined area where we let the dogs out and we walk the area first with a rake to try and make sure there are none there before letting the dogs out. but we have a frog gig handy just in case. this am, our female got one, we had to gig it, kill it and then rinse out the dogs mouth, luckily she was fine. i know it is not the frogs fault, natural defenses, etc. but i am not going to let them kill my pets... so i will do whatever it takes to kill any bofu that gets into my yard. just wish i could figure how to keep them out.
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Sarah (Boynton Beach, FL) on 12/07/2006
I don't let my dog out in my fenced backyard at night during the summer without escorting him because I've seen deadly poison bufo toads. I killed one, and it sprayed me with the milky secretions that would have killed my dog. Can you suggest anything that would keep bufos out of my yard? Thank you."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Sarah: It takes only 15 minutes for a bufo toad poison to kill the dog, so you need to find a way to prevent that or at least give the dog some common home antidotes when a poisoning does occur that might help this problem.
The method of poisoning that bufo toads employs is the secretion by which it shoots at the victim up to 2 meters of the white liquid secretions called bufotoxin which is used in much smaller amounts to as a medicine to treat hepatitis B and also in the making of poisonous darts. Fortunately, the toad is only found in U.S. in Florida area.
I often believe that bufo toads in general do not attack its victim, but because we are getting in its way or know it is being attacked. Dogs and cats are commonly poisoned, but mostly dogs because they tend to bite or provoke the toads. One way to prevent the dogs to bite is to put a muzzle over the dog's mouth to the prevent dog from biting when it sees a toad. So the worst that can happen is that it will get the liquids sprayed into the eye of the dog, which can be washed immediately. The dog won't be poisoned as much as orally when biting the toads.
The other thing is to control the toad population and set a trap. One trap is to dig a hole in the ground and put a large bucket so that the height of the bucket reaches ground level - so a minimum of 5 gallons up. It should be high enough that the toads cannot jump out of the bucket. You can also use a much larger area to dig, like a baby tub, only that you have to dig a hole large enough so that the toads can fall.
The second thing is you need to get a light bulb well protected from rainwater so that it doesn't blow up the lightbulb where the thin wood stick out to the center of the large bucket or baby's tub. When you do set up the tub, be sure to apply plenty of motor oil so it will be very slippery that there is no way the can climb out.
Also make sure that the baby tub is steep enough that the toad cannot climb up. Whenever it reaches the night, the bugs will be attracted to the lights, and the bufo toads will see the bugs and attempt to jump on to the baby tub or the 5 gallon bucket. Make sure the tub of the baby tub exceeds or equal to about 10 inches. A giant toad can jump to the height of up to 10 inches. If it is not tall enough you may need to either dig a little deeper so that it is below the ground level, making the escape more difficult.
If at all possible, usually not, but clearing water from the ground and making it dry will keep the toads away through improving drainage.
In case of poisoning of toads, by a dog or cats a one possible antidote is plenty of vinegar plus some hydrogen peroxide 1% which can help, but won't neutralize everything as some have some vasoconstrictor elements in the bufotoxin venom poisoning. However, the easiest access of common remedies I can think of in dire emergencies that is everywhere appears to be only vinegar. So bathing plenty of vinegar might help. Raw white eggs, uncooked if eaten, might help and can be poured on the dogs mouth to suck up the toxins. Bentonite clay or activated charcoal in powder form is another possibility to suck up the toxin from the surrounding area. Whatever you do, you still need to send the dog to a vet who can further do treatment.
It is not a perfect antidote, but it is better than not do anything."
Flushing Mouth With Water
Posted by Jay (Tampa, Pinellas) on 09/28/2011
★★★★★
This is the second time that I have had one of my Frenchies lick or eat these toads ( by the way, they all have some form of nurotoxin) The first dog I revived 5 times on the way to the Emergency Vet. She had a 5% survival rate. Tonight (9/28) My second female Frenchie ate a small one. They go absolutely spastic trying to get the toxins out of their mouth. Both times hitting them with Benedryl help, also you need to get as much of the toxins out of their mouths(wet Cloth). She was bleeding profusely from the mouth due to a dollar shape (necrotic) circle.
It may sound cruel but I also took the hose from the sink and forced as much water into her stomach and mouth. The first was to ensure she threw up, second to clean as much of the toxin into a wet cloth. The key is whatever you do has to be quick. The first 15 mins to half hour are critical. I have not heard of the vinegar before but if it works and I will check with the VET in the morning. Please pay attention to ALL toads. Theses incidents occured in Delray Beach and Palm Harbor.
Mothballs
Posted by Jenny (Pageland, Sc) on 08/20/2011
I wish I had looked into moth balls.. I did try wasp spray. I recently found out about these d___ frogs and sadly answers have not come soon enough. We have had two english mastiffs in our 8 acres with underground fence. One day our boy 200lb. decided to have a taste I guess and we thought it was a seizure he was having or rabies crossed my mind except he had that shot... So I talked to my mom and she mentioned she knew a friend once whose dog would react similar from eating frogs???since I had mentioned to her how I had 5 toads that scared me getting in my car one morning hopping around the garage door to get out. My husband believed me but assumed I was being over dramatic mom.. So I noticed the shaking legs when he would try to sit and a huge puddle of foamy drool he had created somehow.. This spaced out non reactive face but when I try to get him water he wouldnt drink so I poured it down the side of him until he drank and drank and drank.. Then within 10 min. or so he was alert and acting regular again. My husband and I made sure dogfood stayed cleaned up too since they are attracted to it. We had hoped he had quit but when I noticed more frog poop (disgusting little terds!! ) all in our garage and concrete drive.. Patio. I knew they were back my husband had put up a bug light to zap bugs away.. Hoping that would help from situation. It did and we hadnt seen any for awhile til all of these every other night rain storms in summer. Then we had come back from vacation the kennel had said he was having hard time with the heat and breathing had sounded rough. So after a big storm he had disappeard never having left the fence in 4yrs I was freaked! Couldn't find him anywhere horrible thoughts of what could have happened to him crossed my mind. But we found him dead floating in the pond out behind our house beyond the fence. I will be buying a ton of moth balls to scatter around property now. He weighed so much that it didnt kill him instantly it was the constant chasing them out in the woods and yard at night that finally caught up with him, Iguess. Our female hasn't really had anything going on except a couple weeks back her eye was really swollen.. Which the vet said to give her Benadryl which I did and it was down the next day.. Come to find out about it now it was possibly a reaction also from the toads. Now we have to deal with the loss and a lonely girl.. so she has extra attention now.
Vinegar
Posted by Louis (Naples, Florida) on 08/15/2011
Killing toads -- yes, it is nice to humane so I will use my .45 cal pistol -- instant death! The toads are not common here in Naples, yet but we have seen at least 2 in our yard in recent weeks - there is a small pond. Mt automatic dog watering pan is elevated about 6 inches. I will either raise it or move it inside the screened porch.
Thnx to all the contibutors -- I learned a lot that they did not teach us in medical school, but that is sll right since there are no Bufos in Zurich.
Someone please summarize all the treatment in a simple list - print it and- put you own Vet's name on it.
Flushing Mouth With Water
Posted by Scissorgurl (Honolulu, Hi) on 07/21/2011
I moved to Hawaii 7 months ago and have never heard of a Bufo Toad. I have to boston terriers about 20 to 25lbs each and luckily the 1st time I caught it right away and rinsed there mouths being sure to keep them from not swallowing the water, its hard but try your best. It worked best for me to lay them on there side so it would drain out. And if the jaw locks up I used my sons fork that has the rubber grip to prey his mouth open to get some air. And then once you get them able to move a little and breathe go to the vet if not sooner. After that the vet told me they come out at night so be careful so after 5 I NEVER let them outside I only walked them on a leash. During the day I never saw them until monday afternoon I let them out while I had people delivering my sons bed and when I went to get them less than an hour later I found one dog already dead and the other I took to the vet. He stayed 3 days and now has edema on his left side the vet said he has never seen that before but he is ok. They are litter mates so I worry about him, This has been so difficult I dont know how I am going to get through this I feel like its my fault and I know people said they didnt want to kill the toads but I will now go out of my way to do so if I see one because they killed my family member. These are no joke! Watch out and take precautions. R. I. P Monk! You were the greatest dog!
Muzzle
Posted by Jess (Palm Beach Gardens, Fl) on 07/16/2011
★★★★★
My Cairn has become obsessed with catching toads and has caught two of the poisonous Bufos. Both times were outside normal vet hours. The first time after washing out her mouth we rushed her to the emergency clinic on Northlake. The bill was almost $500. The second time we took her to the new clinic in the Publix plaza on Hood Road. The bill was over $900 this time for the same treatment. She now wears a "cage" muzzle any time she is in the yard and when we walk at night. I ordered the muzzle from Pet Supplies on Northlake. Cost was $15 and she got used to it after one walk. The muzzle is like a little catchers mask for dogs and there is plenty of room to pant but she cannot bite anything. It buckles behind her head and is designed to hook to her collar but I got a collar with a snap catch to hook permanently to the muzzle.
Vinegar
Posted by Annie Z (Boca Raton, Florida) on 11/30/2010
My dog has caught maybe 4 of these toads in the past year. We have reacted quickly to wash his mouth every time. The last time was the worst. He started walking around in circles and was dazed. We just rinsed his mouth and prayed. The vet was so far away too. Luckily, we removed the toxin and what he did ingest was not fatal. Well, My yard was swarming with the Bofu Toads or at least it used to be. I have taken drastic measures to make sure they stay OUT! One of my neighbors has a pond and another has a fountain. They breed in these "pools" and they even breed and hang out in the condensation created by AC units. I have put tons of stones where my AC pipes are and this prevents water from collecting so to speak. I also fenced in my yard and not my AC unit, so if they are by my AC they will stay there. Of course, fencing was not enough. I had to dig up a trench around my fence and put up chicken wire/grating by Tenax with the smallest holes all along my fence and gates. This has worked, but was painful at first since I trapped in some toads unknowingly and had to catch them, some had to be killed since it would turn into long sagas of chasing between bushes. The humane way to euthanize them is to freeze them, but that's just not always possible since catching them can be endless. I also reduced my garage and porch lights to 25 watts each, to not attract so many bugs. I keep my trash bin outside our fenced in area since these toads will go after any food. As far as I know, this has worked. A humane way to keep them out. When we go on our nightly walk, I keep my dogs on a tight leash. These toads are certainly killer toads to our pets. Beware and protect your yards. Do not leave your pets unattented. Do not!
Vinegar
Posted by Sam (West Palm Beach, Us/fl) on 10/09/2010
My yorkshire terrier went after a bufo today. Same exact thing happened to him, the foaming, he lost balance, random bowel movements, and then seizures. Luckily for me, my wife called me when he started foaming, she wanted to wait it out because we had never heard of the bufo before. Once he lost his balance she grabbed him and jumped into the car, luckily for us an animal hospital is right down the block.
By the time we made it there he was having seizures. They immediately put him on an IV and gave him seizure medicine, he was also given oxygen through an oral tube since he couldn't breathe on his own. They ran blood tests to make sure his organs were still fully functional. His heart rate had nearly doubled compared to normal. Even now that he's stable the Dr.still won't say he's certain he'll live. They will let him come home tomorrow morning if everything goes well tonight. Like everyone else I was hysterical and praying. I have 3 dogs and they are my children, I love them more than anything and would give up everything I have to make sure they are okay, that is the responsibility I agreed to take on when I got my dogs and I'd do it any day. My vet bill is outrageous but my dog is still alive so it's worth it. I appreciate all the useful information people have posted, and I'm against killing any living thing, but in this case I rather kill a frog than lose one of my dogs. I now know that I have to keep my eyes on them at all times, I'm a New Yorker and was very unaware of such things like the bufo frog until today. I thank god my little boy is still alive, and pray that he'll come home tomorrow fully recovered.
Salt
Posted by Excellent Adventure (Hobe Sound, Fl) on 10/03/2010
Dear Fellow Animal Lovers: The bofus in Florida are not natural creatures. They are an invasive species brought in from elsewhere and are a great danger to small animals. Killing them, in my mind is okay. They are strong, persistent, smart, and will not leave your yard even though they realize that you have become their new worst enemy. No bleeding hearts for these guys, they are an invasive danger. From another animal lover.
Flushing Mouth With Water
Posted by Kristin (Pahoa, Hi) on 11/22/2009
★★★★★
My Pit has a grudge againt the Bufo frogs we have here in Hawaii and I find it interesting that nobody seems to know they exist here too! The last two weekends in a row he has gotten ahold of one. Luckily he didn't swallow it, just shook it. He immediate began froth at the mouth, his jaw locked up. I dragged him inside and started the flushing process. It usually takes about fifteen minutes of flushing with clear water and wiping gums with a wet cloth before I can even get his jaw open to start on the inside of his mouth. I know everyone says to flush the inside, but when a pitbull locks his jaw, it takes a lot more strength than I have to open it... Luckily my Pit is a big pussycat and the only danger is that he can't control his jaws when this happens.. I have noticed when they begin to unlock, they do have a tendency to involunarily snap back shut the first several times so watch your fingers!!
Vinegar
Posted by Kayj (Lake Worth, Fl) on 11/06/2009
I have a two year old male terrier I heard a story about a woman losing two terriers to Bufo Frog poisoning, I am always cautious when walking my dog at night going as far as to carry a flash light to spot the frogs before he does. We were on the patio and suddenly I found him having seizures, I too rinsed his mouth and prayed and cried as my neighbor tried to do the same, she then took us to the emergency Vet, they had to give hom 10mg of Diazepam, propfol and kept him over night on an IV to flush with fluid.
I almost lost him. I look out for the frogs when walking. What I didn't expect was the frog to be on my patio. Today when moving a table several tiny frogs hopped about and 1 had been mangled and chewed up this in the very spot my dog went into seizures. I now know not to leave food out and plan to put aluminum panels along the 18" base where the screen is lose.
Vinegar
Posted by Lita209 (Sanford, Fl) on 09/24/2009
I had no idea about these frogs until couple of years ago, when one Saturday I had some family visiting me and I let the dogs out in the backyard for a little while. Later I brought them inside and one of my nieces got my attention because she was laughing at Mitzy (my shiba Inu mix). When I looked at her she was trying to stay on a sitting position but couldn't. After seeing her facial expression (Yes my dog has facial expressions, don't ask me how but she does!) I knew something wasn't right. So I told everybody I was sorry but I had to leave to the vet ASAP. I put her on my car and by this time she is foaming on her mouth and her face was like she was drunk and finally got her to the vet (And all I could think of is that she ate poison, even though I don't use poison around the house). She was put on IV and then I took her home, the vet never knew what caused this (They even suggested that she was epileptic!). About 2 or 3 weeks after the incident I was watering my plants and I noticed her going from pot to pot and all of the sudden she stop and backed away from this pot and when I looked there was a beige with brown spots, round frog. Eureka!! This is how I found out about buffo frogs. I thank God that my reaction was to run with her right away to the vet. I also thank God for having found this website; now I know what to do if it happens again. Thank you EC and everyone that take their time to write.
Vinegar
Posted by Marjorie (Sebring, Florida) on 08/30/2009
My Yorkshire Terrier got a Bufo Toad this morning - I had trouble getting it from him. I had to give him a piece of baked chicken which he grabbed and I grabbed that awful toad. I tried to flush his mouth out with water but only got a little when he had locked his jaws. I got an empty vitamin bottle dropper and tried rinsing his mouth with the dropper, sticking it in his mouth and wiping off the slime. I immediately shoved 1/2 Benadryl in his mouth. He did swallow it. I had called my vet. By this time he had gone into convulsions, had had bowel movements and was in a seizure. I held him, and prayed. The vet asked if I had any seizure medication - I had some of my own. Topamax Sprinkle caps. She heard him making sounds and said, give him a little of it - it can't hurt and it may save his life. So I pried open his jaws and sprinkled a tiny bit of the sprinkles in from the capsule. I sat and calmed him, massaging him and praying. Then when the convulsions had subsided I had to drive 45 minutes to get to an animal hospital. He was stiff and his eyes were fixed but the pupils were darting. They immediately put him on IV's, and did tests. His heart was okay. I don't know what all they did but my little dog survived. He is still at the hospital overnight to watch for seizure activity but when I visited him this afternoon he was alert, kissing me, stood up and walked some. It is a miracle and I honestly believe It was the prayer that saved him. He was dying. I wished I had known about the vinegar because honestly, trying to rinse water out of a dog's mouth who has been in contact with one of those toads is almost impossible.
Mothballs
Posted by Ohnoice (Coral Springs, Fl.) on 08/01/2009
★★★★★
Moth balls do keep killer toads out of your yard!!! Remember, these toads dig under fences as well as squeeze through. Place moth balls around outer fence about 2-3" apart. Repeat as often as needed. No animal will eat them if a toad doesn't like the smell!! so, bravo to the person that came up with this idea, and thank you. Mollie, boomer, and blake.
Salt
Posted by Annabelle (Delray Beach, FL) on 07/16/2009
Nice to hear such a humane and logical point of view, all good points and very well stated. Give yourself a pat on the back for being one of the very few to problemsolve the issue while still promoting decency by respecting the living things we share our environments with.
Baby Shampoo, Olive Oil, Vet
Posted by Paulette (Thonotosassa, Florida) on 06/23/2009
★★★★★
On June 22, 2009 our little Jack Russell was poisoned by a Bufo Toad. We caught her almost immediately after we saw her flipping it with her nose. Her left eye was shut. I immediately washed her head and nose with Baby Shampoo and rinsed for an extremely long time. I gave her a teaspoon of olive oil and she started throwing up volumous amounts of frothey white liquid. She started stiffening up and closed her left eye completely. We rushed her to the vet and they started an IV to push fluids. We were sent home as soon as she could walk. They gave us anti convulsants in case she started to have seizures in the night. I think that the extreme wash saved her life. We are still watching the eye to make sure that she doesn't form an ulcer from the poison. She is one lucky little dog.
General Feedback
Posted by Colleen (Wesley Chapel, Florida) on 06/20/2009
I was very lucky when one of my mini doxins bit a bofus toad.This was the first time I have ever heard of this toad. After the dogs went outside and got into there crates for the night I heard two of my dogs howling and crying. I go to there crates to see what was going on and my sallest younger doxie was laying on his back. He did not wag his tail when I came in the room and I knew some thing was wrong. He had already thrown up in his crate. I took him out and he was frozen in the fetal position with his eyes hardly open. The first thing I did was take off his colar then I wrinsed him off in the bath tub because he was covered in this sort of sticky slimy stuff I kept trying to open his mouth but he had lock jaw. Finaly I got his mouth open and made sure he wasn't chocking on something. I wraped him in a towel and kept rubing him to keep him warm. His mom came over and licked his nose and kept a watchful eye on him. A few mins. after that his stomach started to rumble. He threw up again. He started to come out of the sorta trance he was in. He also started to loosen up his body and move his legs and head. At that point I knew my praying would keep him here. About an hour after all this happened he was wagging his tail and showing the loving affection he all ways does. The next morrning he was still fine and ready to run out of the door to do his morrning duty but before I let them out I scouted the yard for more of those "killer toads" and found the one from the night before. It was dead with what looked like teeth marks on the top of his head and under the throat. I tell ya I was truly lucky that my dog survived. I love my Little Sabastian!
Vinegar
Posted by Grateful (West Palm Beach, FL) on 05/21/2009
★★★★★
Vinegar cured a dog poisoned by a bufo frog
We live in rural South Florida and have a lot of bufo frogs in the yard. Our small dog was outside in the evening after a rain, when it was prime weather for them to be out. When my wife called him in, he didn't come. She found this unusual, so went out to find him, and he was staggering around in circles under a bush. She came in to call for me to help, but by the time we were able to get to him he had fallen over and had lost all motor control. He had clearly been poisoned by a frog.
By the time we got him inside where we could see him in the light, he looked done for. We are a long way from an emergency vet and doubted we could get him there in time. Within the first couple of minutes he could not move a muscle and his eyes were rolling back in his head. Although we washed out his mouth as best we could with his jaw locked, he had ingested too much poison already. I also noticed his ears were sticky, which from what I read now after the fact sounds consistent with the poison.
In desperation I ran a quick search on the web for remedies and ran across your site. I tried vinegar as you recommended, and when I spilled it on the outside of his mouth or got some in with an eyedropper he licked his lips - his tongue must have been the last muscle he could use and I suppose it was an involuntary reaction. By then he had gone entirely stiff with all his muscles contracted, and only his tongue and eyes were moving. He probably drank (not including spillage) about 1/4 cup of vinegar - this for a 10 pound dog - before we started to slow it down, as that's a lot of vinegar. Relative to size, that's like an adult person drinking a quart or so. Ugh! We also kept petting him, talking to him, stretching his limbs, and stimulating his paws and tail to try to get back sensation - I have no idea if this was useful or not.
After about 15 minutes with no apparent change I was trying to get him to take some egg white, as I read elsewhere, but with little luck. We still doubted whether he was going to make it. However, he slowly started moving his head to follow my daughter around, then stretched his front paws, and shortly stood back up and started staggering around again. Within a few more minutes, he was walking more normally but in circles, and a few minutes later was running around the house with his tail back out. He isn't quite himself yet an hour later, but we're hoping the remaining effects will wear off. It was a remarkable recovery after we'd assumed that we had lost him.
It sure seemed like the vinegar did it, unless the effects were wearing off on their own. Thanks for the recommendation!
Mothballs
Posted by Mary (Baltimore, MD/USA) on 03/01/2009
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Thank you for the information you shared on some toads being poisonous, and the problem this is with dogs. I would like to comment on or question the 'remedy' submitted about using moth balls placed around the property to repell the toads. I believe the moth balls themselves may be a problem because of toxic fumes, or possible ingestion by animals.
