03/23/2026
🐸 Florida pet owners beware — a deadly invasive toad is lurking in backyards across the state, and it can kill your dog in a matter of minutes. Cane toads, also known as bufo toads, have been spreading rapidly across Florida thanks to rapid development and man-made waterways, and while they pose little threat to humans, their toxic secretions can be fatal to pets with terrifying speed. Danielle Pascucci of Loxahatchee learned this the hard way when her 90-pound Golden Retriever, Pluto, went silent one evening — and when she finally found him and reached out to touch him, he collapsed on the spot. Rushed to the vet, Pluto was lucky enough to recover after a few days, but experts say most pet owners aren't that fortunate, warning that without immediate action, a dog that bites a cane toad can be dead within minutes.
Jeannine Tilford, owner of Toad Busters, says the situation is reaching crisis levels in communities like Arden in western Palm Beach County, and that knowing how to respond is as critical as knowing CPR. She recommends Florida pet owners swap mulch for rocks, install mesh fencing, keep outdoor lights off at night to avoid attracting the toads, and never leave dogs unattended in the yard after dark. Most importantly, she urges every pet owner to have an emergency response kit on hand and know exactly what to do the moment their pet makes contact — because when it comes to cane toads, hesitation can be the difference between life and death for your furry family member.
