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Learn to recognise cane toads and ensure your dogs stay well away from them
CANE TOADS
Cane toads became pests after being introduced into Australia to control the beetles in Queensland ’ s sugarcane crops . They are capable of poisoning predators that try to eat them , including dogs . They contain poisons that act on the heart and on the central nervous system .
The poison is absorbed through soft body tissues such as those of the eyes , mouth and nose . Once ingested , the poison will cause a dog to have seizures and die slowly over several hours . This is how we lost one of our dogs and it was horrible for her to die this way . Even five hours of intense treatment at the vet couldn ’ t save her . There is no antivenene for cane toad poisoning .
The only effective first aid treatment is to flush out the dog ’ s mouth with running water immediately after poisoning occurs . If the dose is light , this may save the dog . Immediate treatment by a vet using an anticonvulsive medication can also help . Larger dogs are less vulnerable to cane toad poison and have a better chance of recovery than smaller breeds .
Cane toads are found all over northern Australia and have been found as far south as Canberra in recent years . Their distribution is seasonal so it pays to keep up to date with any news of cane toad distribution . Asking locals about the cane toad situation in their area is one of your best sources of information .
1080 BAIT
Australia is one of only a handful of countries that use 1080 bait as a means of controlling feral animals . It is widely used in Australia because it is thought to be less harmful to marsupials , although this is debatable . It is absolutely lethal and there is no effective treatment for any animal that has ingested 1080 bait .
This sign is a common sight throughout Australia . If you see one , you need to be extra vigilant and stop your dogs eating anything you haven ’ t given them
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