Cane Toads
Cane toads have become a part of life in Queensland since 1935, when over 100 were introduced to eradicate cane beetles that were destroying sugarcane crops.
Today an estimated two billion can be found in Australia, and they have become a significant pest species in their own right. Cane toads have glands on the back of their neck/shoulders which can emit a toxin known as bufotoxin. Their tadpoles are also highly toxic. Bufotoxin is poisonous to both dogs and cats, and also to most native species. It is essential for Queensland pet owners to be able to identify a cane toad, recognise the signs of poisoning in their dog or cat, know what to do to help their pet, and lastly, how to humanely euthanase cane toads (Source: RSPCA).
Signs your dog has cane toad poisoning:
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Profuse salivation, drooling and/or frothing from the mouth
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Very red and slimy gums (the toad toxin is an irritant)
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Disorientation (strange behaviour), shaking, shivers and/or tremors
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Pawing at the mouth
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Vomiting
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Muscle rigidity, spasms or seizures
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Very rapid heart rate and/or heart beat irregularities
What To Do If You Suspect Your Dog Has Cane Toad Poisoning
Act quickly - provide first aid and seek veterinary attention.
What are the steps for first aid?
Grab a damp cloth: wipe the mouth (tongue and gums) thoroughly and remove any residual venom. The venom is so sticky, you’ve got to rub firmly around all their mouth - if you need to head to your closest vet try to have a second person continue to wipe your pet’s mouth whilst you drive (this will achieve the best outcome for your pet).
Rinse the cloth in-between wipes: Venom will stick, so rinse in the sink and then go back in and keep wiping - continuing the proces for at least 10 minutes or so.
Don’t hose inside a pet’s mouth: They can choke on the water if it goes down the throat or could accidentally drink way too much water and cause other problems such as pneumonia if inhaled.
It is always recommended to consult with your vet or local vet emergency as soon as possible: Problems with the heart and neurological systems can progress rapidly and with any poisoning event the situation can quickly become life threatening.
What is the most humane way to kill a cane toad?
Irrespective of the fact that cane toads are considered pests, they are also capable of experiencing pain and distress and so any measures to control them must not cause suffering.
Pet Safe Pest Management has noted that APVMA approved (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority) has approved various products that are registered and are the most humane way to eliminate toads keeping your pets safe and supporting the movement to elminate these pests (humanely) from our SE Qld regions.
PRODUCTS (HUMANE) TO ASSIST WITH ERADICATION AND CONTROL
We don’t offer this as a resell product as we don’t want to make money from these products, we just want to educate and support our our local community to continue to initiatate eradication program via individuals, groups and business initiatives.
Amgrow Croaked Cane Toad
(always read the directions to ensure pet safety)
http://www.amgrow.com.au/product/croaked-cane-toad-control/
To Purchase - http://www.amgrow.com.au/store-locator (type in your post code and suburb).
This has been developed in association with AQUI-S New Zealand Ltd a company specializing in the manufacture and development of aquatic anesthetic( Eugenol) for aquaculture. The modied formulation of Eugenol has been found to be ideal for sedating and euthanising cane toads. Label says that it is a Trigger pack (not aerosol) and treats up to 150 cane toads.
Protect-us HopStop® Spray Control For Cane Toads
(always read the directions to ensure pet safety)
http://www.hopstop.com.au/
To purchase - Bunnings or via resellers on Hopstop website
Greg and Jen