Cane Toad, a dangerous temptation
Dear Fisher,
My name is Roscoe (you can call me lucky) recently I went out to potty first thing in the morning and discovered what a Cane Toad is. I thought I was in heaven until I bit down on one. I started foaming at the mouth and became very sick. Thank goodness my daddy took quick action and rinsed my mouth out with the sink sprayer five times and sought medical help. These poisonous toads are everywhere in my back yard and I can’t resist. Now I only go potty during the daylight hours. Please tell everyone about the dangers of these cane toads and encourage them read up on this danger. Thank you.
Roscoe
Dear Roscoe,
I am certainly happy to hear your daddy is so on the ball when it comes to your safety. I am guessing he has restricted your outside relief periods to daylight so you will not be tempted for a killer tasty treat. He deserves a huge pat on the back and you, Roscoe, also deserve a vigorous tummy rub for wanting to share this information with your fellow critters.
First order of business is to learn where these creatures hang out. They are found anywhere in a wide span of territory from the Rio Grande Valley of Texas south to the Central Amazon and southeastern Peru. They are in the Caribbean Islands, Australia, and Hawaii. At your request, I am trying to cover everywhere, so the word gets around. The scariest for my neighbors is right here in South Florida (Key West and Stock islands, Tampa Bay, Hillsborough, Dade and Broward counties.
Cane toads definitely like the tropics with heavy foliage and access to water. But hanging out in the tropics is no holiday, as they are always prepared to fight off predators. Their first defense is to secrete a white thick syrupy fluid from their glands. Yuk! They care nothing about the happy-go-lucky dog who just relieved himself and is now feeling a little frisky and tries to take a nibble. Any predator who ingests any of the toxins or has contact with the mucous membranes can expect the following results: profuse salivation, vomiting, twitching, weakness in hind limbs and shallow breathing. If that does not scare you guys our there, temporary paralysis and death are also in the offing. You are indeed Lucky!
There is a lot of cane toad information for pets and their owners to absorb, and I urge you to start now.
- If you do not have to meander about the yard in dark, cross that activity off your list
- Always have the nearest pet emergency number posted so it is easy to find if needed
- If you live in southern humid tropical areas, let all your pet friends know about this
You can read up on emergency actions. Visit this blog. Learn about other dangers lurking in your area in the dark of the night.
I wonder, Roscoe, if you and your daddy are having nightmares about the cane toads. I think I might have one myself. Or, better yet, I might just dream about you and how good it is that you are still with us.
Your friend,
Fisher
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