RICK STEVENS, THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, FOR HAWAIIAN HUMANE SOCIETY If you see a bufo toad in your yard, catch it in a bucket and move it to a rural stream away from family pets.

Bufo toads pose
danger to pets

With the beginning of spring comes a sinister danger lurking in your yard that can prove deadly for your pets, especially dogs. The danger is the cane toad (Bufo marinus).

"They are ugly and don't really look threatening," said Dr. John Kaya, a veterinarian at VCA Kaneohe Animal Hospital, "but make no mistake, bufo toads can kill some dogs in a matter of minutes."

The animal that wraps his jaws around a cane toad and ingests a big dose of the poison might have only 30 minutes to be treated.

"Since VCA Animal Hospital is open until 9 p.m. and on call 24 hours, we see lots of dogs with their frantic owners. They'll phone and say, 'I don't know what happened! My dog is stumbling around and won't stop drooling and shaking his head. What should I do?' We recommend a first-aid procedure immediately and then encourage them to bring the dog here as soon as possible," Kaya explained.

Depending on the size of the dog and how much toxin is ingested, symptoms can progress to vomiting, weakness, tightly clamped jaws, irregular heartbeat, seizures and even death.

"Each animal reacts differently to toad poisoning," said Kaya, "but it should be regarded as very dangerous."

The recommended first-aid procedure includes washing out the dog's mouth with a steady stream of water, especially along the gum line. Don't point the water down the dog's throat or allow him to swallow. For large dogs, use a water hose to thoroughly rinse out the mouth while holding the dog's head low. For small dogs, holding them over a sink and using the spray nozzle works well. Again, be careful not to shoot water directly down their throat.

Gently wipe the gums and teeth with a cotton towel to remove the sticky toxic secretions, then rinse with water again. If the dog continues to salivate or shows any other symptoms, drive to the veterinary clinic. Hopefully, by the time you get there, the symptoms will have ceased. The veterinarian can provide further treatment if needed.

Cats seem to be much more discriminating and don't bite toads as often as dogs do, but if they do, take the cat to the veterinary clinic. Cats do not tolerate having their mouths washed out like a dog, so veterinary treatment is a must to save them from the toxin.

BUFOS ARE LARGE, heavily built amphibians with dry warty skin and a bony head with ridges over their eyes. Toads can grow to be 4 to 9 inches long, weigh more than 2 pounds and live from 10 to 40 years. They sit upright and move in short rapid hops, which makes them especially attractive to retrievers, earth dogs and terriers.

The dangerous part of the toad is a milky white toxin excreted from parotid glands behind their eyes. Contrary to what some believe, toads do not bite and do not spit or squirt the poison. When they feel threatened, toads squeeze this poison onto the surface of their skin. Dogs and cats are poisoned when they bite or lick the toad, or when the poison gets into their eyes. The poison is also dangerous to humans, so if you must touch a toad to move it, wear gloves or stick your hand in a plastic bag first.

Adult bufos are active at night and are often found sitting inches away from a light. Cane toads normally prey on insects but will eat any animal that fits in their mouths. They also eat pet food that is left outside, climbing right inside the dish to dine.

There is no antidote for the toxin, but your veterinarian can counteract the clinical signs and flush the dog's system with fluids to eliminate the poison.

"Unfortunately, some dogs that are poisoned by toads may not learn from the experience and may continue to play with the toads," said Kaya. "We see some dogs several times. It's important for their families to supervise their activities outdoors."

If you have seen bufos in your yard, here's how to keep your dog safe:

» Don't allow your dog outside alone after sunset. Toads are nocturnal.

» When it is raining, stay with your dog in a lighted area and keep your eyes open. Toads come out more frequently when it's wet.

» Check the yard thoroughly before you let your dog outside alone in the early morning.

» Lush landscaping makes an ideal hiding place for toads, even during daylight hours. Some inquisitive dogs have found bufo toads in the daytime at McInerny Dog Park. Always keep an eye on your dog!

Some homeowners try to keep toads out by fencing their yards with 1-inch wire mesh about 4 to 6 inches high. This is not 100 percent effective as toads seem to be able to get over, under or through such obstructions.

"Don't let their bulky size fool you," said Kaya. "Bufos can fit through very tight spaces. There is never a good time to leave your dog outside unattended if you ever see bufo toads in your yard," said Kaya.