Pinellas County Warning Pet Owners About Poisonous Cane Toads
Keep a close eye on your furry friends when they’re outside, because there’s a new threat in Pinellas County and surrounding areas that could be trouble for your pet.
According to Bay News 9, Pinellas County Government Officials advise residents to be on the lookout for the invasive Cane Toad that are poisonous to a variety of animals that attempt to consume or bite the species. The toad is known to be confused with the non-poisonous Southern Toad which is native to the area.
An easy way to tell a difference between the two species is size difference. Cane Toads are generally bigger than Southern Toads and have triangle shaped glands, compared to oval shaped glands on the Southern Toad.
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Additionally, a significant difference in the two species is that the Cane Toad does not have crests behind the eyes, as the Southern Toad does. Safely removing Cane Toads requires eye and skin protection, as well as gloves to handle the toad. 15 minutes is all it can take to kill your pet if it bites or swallows a Cane Toad. Proper treatment and care is crucial to avoid serious illness and death.
Things to look for if you’re worried about your pet:
- Disoriented behavior
- Seizures
- Dark red gums
- Foaming of the mouth
What to do if your pet is sick:
- Toxins must be washed forward out of the mouth with a hose for 10 minutes as well as making sure your pet does not swallow the water.
- Gums and tongue must be wiped with a dish towel removing toxins.
- Take your pet to the vet as soon as possible.
[SOURCE: Bay News 9]
