Protecting Your Dog from Cane Toads

Today, let's address a common threat: cane toads. Anyone living in areas where they are found knows the danger these toads pose to dogs. Even casual play with a toad can be risky if the toad releases poison, which can get into a dog's mouth, nose, or eyes. Biting or eating a cane toad is particularly dangerous, especially for small dogs like Poodles. Let's explore how to minimize the risk of encountering these toads on your property.

Rule #1: Never Leave Your Dog Unattended Outside
Apart from toads, Australia is home to many poisonous creatures and insects. For tiny Toy Poodles, the additional threats of large birds of prey and foxes shouldn’t be overlooked. When you're away, always keep pets in a secure indoor space.

Rule #2: Maintain a Tidy Yard
Regularly mow the grass, clear fallen branches, and avoid letting debris pile up. Toads often hide under fallen leaves, rags, piles of bricks, and other clutter. Keep your space clear to make it unattractive to toads.

Rule #3: Secure Fencing
Unlike frogs, toads can’t climb fences, but they can squeeze through gaps. Installing a solid fence close to the ground or using a fine metal mesh to close any gaps can significantly reduce the number of uninvited guests.

Rule #4: Remove Food Sources
Avoid leaving pet food or water outside overnight. Additionally, eliminate mosquito breeding areas, such as standing water in buckets or pots. If you have a pond, consider adding fish that eat larvae. If necessary, treat the area with insecticides. The idea is simple: no food, no toads.

Rule #5: Check Water Features for Eggs
If you have a dam or pond, regularly check the water for cane toad eggs, which appear as gelatinous strands. Remove them promptly if found.

By following these steps, you can reduce the presence of toads in your yard. However, it's also important to follow basic safety measures for coexisting with the local fauna: keep dogs indoors at night (as most harmful animals are nocturnal), never leave dogs outside unattended, and avoid leaving food and water easily accessible. Also, turning off lights at night can help reduce insects, which in turn attracts fewer cane toads.

What to Do if Your Dog Encounters a Cane Toad
If your dog does come into contact with a cane toad, you'll notice white foam resembling shaving cream coming from their mouth. This is a clear sign that your dog may have bitten or licked the toad. Immediately wipe your dog’s mouth with a wet cloth to remove as much poison as possible. Avoid rinsing the mouth with a hose, as this could lead to swallowing the poison. Focus on thoroughly wiping the mouth and get to a veterinarian immediately. Don’t try to wait until morning—it could be too late.

Pro Tip: Always have the address and phone number of the nearest 24-hour veterinary clinic readily available. Look it up now and save it in your phone, and post it somewhere visible like the refrigerator. In an emergency, there won’t be time to search.

Stay Safe and Happy,
Gingerbreed Toy Poodles