08/14/2026
πΈ Naples Dog Owners β Please Read This πΈ
It's cane toad season in Southwest Florida, and if you have a dog, this is one of those posts worth stopping to read.
Cane toads (also called bufo toads) secrete a toxin that can make your dog seriously sick β fast. Even a quick lick or bite is enough to expose your pup, and it can happen before you even see it coming.
If your dog gets a cane toad, here's what to do immediately:
1οΈβ£ Get your dog away from the toad (gloves on if you have to move it)
2οΈβ£ Rinse the mouth β water going forward and OUT, never down the throat
3οΈβ£ Wipe the gums and tongue with a damp cloth
4οΈβ£ Call your vet, an emergency vet, or ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
5οΈβ£ Head to the vet right away if you see drooling, red gums, stumbling, disorientation, or a seizure
Why now? Cane toads are most active at dusk, overnight, and after our afternoon storms β basically prime time for evening walks and backyard bathroom breaks.
A few simple habits go a long way: supervise dogs outside after dark, bring water bowls in overnight, and practice a solid "leave it" cue (we've got a training video for that π link in comments).
We put together a full guide with symptoms, local Naples/Bonita Springs/Estero emergency vet numbers, and yard prevention tips β link below. Bookmark it, share it with a fellow dog owner, and let's keep our pups safe out there! πΎ
π https://www.naplesdogacademy.com/cane-toad-danger-to-dogs-safety-tips-for-naples-fl