Is there a Bufo toad vaccine?

Question: Is there any vaccine available for Bufo toads? I have a large dog who loves to go after them. — Jon

Answer: Bufo toads are plentiful right now. They love all the rain and insects available. The toads are getting big because they have a great supply of insects to eat. The rain and standing water make it perfect for them to lay their eggs and the tadpoles to hatch. On the good side, they eat many of the mosquitoes and insects.

Unfortunately, if dogs threaten the toads, the toads? only defense is to secrete a ?toxin? that causes the dog to salivate and get confused. Dogs don?t have to eat the toad to get poisoned. Many dogs only nudge the toads with their snouts and the thick white toxin rubs off on the nose and lips and enters the blood stream. A small amount of toxin may only make the dog look drunk and wobbly, however, large amounts can cause seizures and fatalities.

There is no vaccine or antidote available. If a dog is exposed to the toxin, take a wet washcloth and wipe off the nose, eyes, and mouth. Make sure to wipe out inside the lips or gently flush with water. Be careful not to forcefully squirt water in the mouth. If the dog has been poisoned, he may not be able to protect his airway from water and the water can get into his lungs. Bring your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Make your yard less inviting for toads. Do not leave dog or cat food in bowls outside, because toads love to eat pet food. Drain any areas of standing water and keep the lights off at night. The lights attract insects, which in turn attract the toads.

Teach your dog to avoid toads and leave them alone. To do this you should teach the ?leave it? command. Walk your dog on a leash at dawn and dusk. The toads prefer to come out at night, so be extra vigilant at these times. If you come across a Bufo toad, give your dog the ?leave it? command and praise him for ignoring it. Most dogs will quickly learn to leave the toads alone. Some breeds like terriers have a great internal drive or instinct to chase toads. These breeds may always need to be leash walked and the ?leave it? behavior reinforced during toad season.

Dr. Baker

Dr. Susan Baker
Baker Veterinary Clinic
1801 S. Congress Ave.
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Read more articles by Dr. Baker | Ask her a question

Source: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/pawshere/2011/12/15/is-there-a-bufo-toad-vaccine/

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