Cane Toad Poisoning in Dogs: What to Do in the First Five Minutes
Wet season is coming to northern Australia. Symptoms can start within minutes, so know the signs, the safe first aid and the one thing never to do before you need it
The toxin is absorbed through the gums and mouth within seconds, and signs such as drooling, frothing and pawing at the mouth can start in as little as five minutes.
First aid is to wipe the mouth thoroughly with a damp cloth, rinsing the cloth between wipes. Never hose water into the mouth, because it can be inhaled. Then go straight to a vet, always.
If your dog is unconscious or having a seizure, do not try to wipe the mouth. Get to an emergency vet immediately.
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- ⏱️Signs can start within 5 minutes
- 🌙Toads are most active at night
- 🌧️Risk peaks in warm, wet weather
- 🧻Wipe the mouth with a damp cloth
- 🚫Never hose inside the mouth
- 🏥Always see a vet, even if your dog improves
It usually happens at night, in the backyard, in about ten seconds. Your dog nosed something on the lawn, grabbed it, dropped it and then started pawing at their mouth. By the time you reach them they are drooling heavily, their gums are bright red and they are staggering. It is a cane toad, and you have a very short window to act.
Cane toads are found across Queensland, the Northern Territory, northern New South Wales and parts of the Kimberley in Western Australia, and they are drawn to warm weather, water and the darkness. As the wet season builds, they become more active, and so does the risk to curious dogs. If you live in or are travelling through these areas, this is worth reading before it happens, not after.
Fastest onset of signs
For the toxin to absorb through the gums
Of mouth wiping vet guidance commonly advises
Hospital stay severe cases may need
Why It Is Dangerous
Cane toads secrete a toxin from glands on their shoulders, and a dog that bites, licks or mouths one gets the toxin on its gums and tongue. It is absorbed through the mucous membranes almost immediately and affects the heart and nervous system. The longer it stays in contact with the mouth, the more is absorbed, which is why the first few minutes matter so much.
Signs of Cane Toad Poisoning
| Stage | What you may see |
|---|---|
| First minutes | Drooling or frothing, pawing at the mouth, shaking the head |
| Early | Vomiting, bright red or irritated gums, disorientation, staggering |
| Serious | Seizures, collapse, blindness, abnormal heart rhythm |
| Worst case | Death, particularly if treatment is delayed |
Survival rates fall the longer you wait
Vets are clear that in any suspected case your dog should be seen immediately. Do not wait to see whether the signs settle, and do not assume a dog that seems to be improving is safe. The toxin affects the heart and nervous system, and the effects may not be obvious to you.
First Aid: What to Do Right Now
The First Five Minutes
Stop the dog getting to the toad again
Move your dog away and, if you can do so safely, secure or cover the toad so that neither of you touches it again.
Wipe the mouth with a damp cloth
Use a damp cloth to thoroughly wipe the gums, tongue and roof of the mouth, and the outer surfaces of the mouth. Wipe firmly to remove the residue, not just lightly.
Rinse the cloth between wipes
Each wipe picks up venom, and a dirty cloth just spreads it around. Keep rinsing the cloth and keep going. Vet clinics commonly suggest around 10 to 15 minutes, but never let first aid delay getting to the vet. If someone else can drive, wipe on the way.
Ring the vet as you go
Ask someone else to call ahead, or put the phone on speaker, and tell the clinic you are on your way with a suspected cane toad poisoning.
Go to the vet, every time
First aid reduces the dose, but it does not treat the poisoning. Even if your dog seems to be recovering, get them checked.
Never hose inside your dog's mouth
Vets specifically warn against running a hose or forcing water into the mouth. Water can be inhaled, and this can cause pneumonia or water toxicity. Use a damp cloth, and avoid pushing liquid down the throat.
If your dog is unconscious or seizing, do not wipe the mouth
Trying to clean the mouth of a dog who is fitting or unresponsive risks a bite and choking. Do not attempt first aid. Get them to an emergency vet immediately and keep them as still and safe as you can on the way.
What the Vet Will Do
Treatment is supportive and depends on how severe the signs are. Vets flush the mouth, monitor heart rate and rhythm, and control seizures and body temperature. Severe cases can need 12 or more hours in hospital, with airway management and seizure medications. Dogs treated early generally have a much better outlook than those treated late.
Preventing It in the First Place
Toads are drawn to water, to insects gathered around outdoor lights and to pet food and water left out overnight. Most cases happen at dusk, at night or after rain, when toads are on the move.
| Prevention | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Bring food and water bowls inside at night | Removes a reason for toads to visit the backyard |
| Walk and toilet your dog on a lead after dark | You keep control and can steer them away |
| Check the yard with a torch before letting them out | Toads are easy to spot in torchlight |
| Turn off or reduce outdoor lights where possible | Lights attract the insects toads feed on |
| Fence off ponds and wet areas | Standing water is where toads gather |
| Teach a reliable recall and leave-it | The best defence against anything on the lawn |
Petzl TIKKINA Headlamp
Toads are easy to see in torchlight but nearly invisible in the dark, and a headlamp leaves both hands free to hold a lead. This one is 300 lumens with a wide beam that lights the ground at your feet, three lighting levels and only 92 g. It takes three AAA batteries.
You do not need to buy anything for first aid
The most effective cane toad first aid is a clean damp cloth, and every household has one. Keep a couple near the back door in wet season so that you are not hunting for one at the worst moment.
Wet Season Cane Toad Checklist
- Know where the nearest emergency vet is and how long the drive takes
- Save the after-hours vet's number in my phone
- Keep a clean cloth near the back door
- Bring food and water bowls in at night
- Check the yard with a torch before letting my dog out
- Keep my dog on a lead after dark
- Practise recall and leave-it
- Tell visitors and house sitters what to do
Knowing the plan removes the panic. Wipe, keep wiping, do not hose, and drive. Keep that sequence somewhere the whole household, including anyone minding your dog, can see it.
Frequently asked questions
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