During the rainy season in Hawaii, you’ll need to adjust your pet care regimen accordingly. Some wildlife that comes out in wet conditions like the Bufo toad can pose a serious risk and require a trip to the veterinarian. To protect your dog, educate yourself on how to recognize the toad and avoid it.

How Do You Identify the Bufo Toad?

The Bufo toad is 1.75 to 4.5 inches in size and has two distinct ridges on the back of its head. Its skin resembles brown leather, and the back and legs are covered in small lumps.

The Bufo toad is the most toxic species in the U.S.—it secretes a potentially fatal toxin from its skin to defend itself. If a dog bites or licks the toad, they’ll ingest this toxin.

What Are the Symptoms of Bufo Toad Toxicity?

If your dog ingests Bufo toad toxin, they may exhibit a variety of symptoms, including over-salivating, vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors. In the worst cases, you may notice difficulty breathing, cardiovascular complications, and hallucinations. It only takes a small amount of toxin to produce these effects, which is why you should visit a veterinarian for emergency care if you suspect anything.

How Is It Treated?

There is no cure for Bufo Toad toxicity, but a veterinarian can prevent dehydration and provide medication to alleviate symptoms. They’ll try to induce vomiting to expel the toxin. If your dog hasn’t ingested much, they can recover in 12 hours.

If you see your dog bite a toad, minimize the amount of toxin they ingest by washing their mouth immediately before seeking emergency services. To prevent them encountering the toads to begin with, keep them on a leash when you go for walks, and never let them drink from water outside the home.

If you suspect your dog has ingested Bufo toad toxins, bring them to Waipahu Waikele Pet Hospital. They’ve offered emergency services to pets in Waipahu, HI, since 1972. They believe in a personalized approach to care with services that include general pet medicine, surgery, and boarding. You can explore their practice offerings further on their website. Call (808) 671-7387 to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian, and connect on Facebook for regular pet health updates.