Cane toad poisoning
Why are cane toads toxic?
Cane toads (Rhinella marina) release a thick, milky toxin from glands behind their head and across their skin. Dogs are most commonly affected after licking, biting or carrying a toad, although cats can also be exposed. Dead toads remain toxic.
The toxin is absorbed rapidly through the gums and other tissues of the mouth. It causes intense local irritation and can affect the heart and nervous system. Cane toads are often most active at night and after rain.
What signs might I see?
Signs usually begin within minutes and may progress rapidly:
- Profuse drooling or foaming, head shaking and pawing at the mouth
- Bright red, irritated or slimy gums
- Retching or vomiting
- Restlessness, disorientation, dilated pupils or wobbliness
- Muscle twitching, tremors, rigidity or seizures
- Very fast, slow or irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure
- Rapid or difficult breathing, weakness, collapse or reduced responsiveness
- High body temperature in severely affected pets
What should I do immediately?
Remove toxin from the mouth as soon as possible. Only attempt this if your pet is conscious and can be handled safely.
- Use a wet cloth or gauze to wipe the gums, tongue, roof of the mouth and inside of the cheeks.
- Rinse the cloth repeatedly and continue wiping for approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Keep your pet’s head angled down or to the side so saliva and water drain out rather than toward the throat.
- Call the nearest veterinary hospital while performing first aid and prepare to transport your pet.
Do not use a hose or force water into the mouth, as this can cause aspiration (accidental inhalation of water or other
material into the lungs). Do not induce vomiting, give food, milk or medications, or delay veterinary care while
attempting prolonged home treatment.
How is cane toad toxicosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually based on a witnessed or suspected toad encounter, rapid onset of characteristic signs and physical examination. There is no routine test that directly confirms cane toad toxin exposure.
Depending on severity, your veterinarian may recommend an electrocardiogram, blood pressure measurement, blood tests, electrolyte and blood-glucose monitoring, temperature monitoring and assessment for aspiration or other complications.
How is it treated in hospital?
There is no specific antidote. Treatment focuses on removing any remaining toxin and controlling heart, neurological and respiratory complications while the toxin is eliminated.
- Further mouth, eye or skin decontamination when needed
- Intravenous access, fluid therapy and close nursing observation
- Continuous heart-rate and rhythm monitoring
- Medication to control tremors, seizures, agitation and abnormal heart rhythms
- Temperature control and oxygen therapy when required
- Anti-nausea treatment and airway support if vomiting or aspiration is a concern
- Blood tests and repeat monitoring in moderate or severe cases
Gastrointestinal decontamination is considered case by case if part or all of a toad was swallowed. Inducing vomiting is generally avoided because neurological signs can develop rapidly and increase the risk of aspiration.
What is the outlook?
Most mildly affected pets recover quickly after prompt mouth decontamination. Pets with tremors, seizures or heart rhythm abnormalities require urgent veterinary care, but the overall prognosis is often good when treatment is started early.
Recovery may occur within several hours, although severely affected pets can require hospitalisation for one or more days. Delayed treatment, prolonged seizures, dangerous arrhythmias, overheating or aspiration can worsen the prognosis.
Preventing future exposure
- Supervise pets outdoors at night, particularly after rain and during warm, humid weather.
- Use a lead and outdoor lighting for evening toilet breaks in areas where toads are common.
- Keep food and water bowls indoors overnight, as they may attract toads.
- Remove standing water, fallen fruit and outdoor pet food that attract insects and toads.
- Block access beneath sheds, decks and other damp hiding places where practical.
- Do not allow pets to investigate living or dead toads.
Some dogs repeatedly seek out cane toads. These dogs may need strict night-time supervision, lead-only outdoor access and behavioural management to prevent recurrent exposure.
Clinically reviewed and approved by Dr Giulia Agostini, Pet Emergency Senior Veterinarian and Clinical Manager, DVM MANZCVS (ECC) August 2026