Why every South Florida dog needs this
Bufo toads (cane toads) are found throughout South Florida and their toxin can kill a dog in under 15 minutes. Frog avoidance training teaches your dog to leave toads alone on command — a skill that could save their life. If you live in South Florida and your dog goes outside, this training is not a luxury. It is essential.
Bufo toads, also called cane toads (Rhinella marina), are an invasive species established across central and south Florida. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, they live in yards, around buildings and near canals and ponds, they breed year-round, and their skin secretions are highly toxic to pets that bite or mouth them.
What avoidance training does
The goal is simple: your dog sees a toad and leaves it alone instead of sniffing, pawing or grabbing it. Victor works with you and your dog so you know how to keep that response sharp at home.
- Teaches your dog to leave toads alone on command
- Built on the same balanced, clear communication as the rest of our training
- Available on its own or alongside our obedience, off-leash and board & train programs
Every dog and situation is different, so the plan and pricing are discussed personally.
Signs of bufo toad poisoning in dogs
Pet Poison Helpline lists these signs and warns that a dog can show life-threatening symptoms within about 15 minutes:
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Tremors or seizures
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Elevated body temperature
If your dog licks or bites a toad
- Rinse the mouth with cool running water for several minutes. Keep the nose pointed down so water runs out of the mouth, not down the throat.
- Call your veterinarian. Pet Poison Helpline is available 24/7 at (855) 764-7661.
- Go to your veterinarian or the nearest emergency clinic right away.
Make your yard less inviting to toads
- Bring pet food inside. The FWC notes that pet food left outdoors attracts cane toads.
- Leash your dog for late-night and early-morning potty breaks.
- Check the yard before letting your dog out, especially near standing water, canals and ponds.
Where we train
SoFlo K9 Connections offers bufo toad avoidance training across South Florida.
- Palm Beach County: Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton
- Broward County: Parkland, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Weston
- Miami-Dade County: Miami
Common questions
Are bufo toads and cane toads the same thing?
Yes. "Bufo toad" is the common South Florida name for the cane toad (Rhinella marina), an invasive species found across central and south Florida.
How fast can a bufo toad hurt my dog?
Fast. Pet Poison Helpline warns that a dog can show life-threatening symptoms within about 15 minutes of mouthing or eating a cane toad. Treat any contact as an emergency.
What should I do if my dog licks or bites a toad?
Rinse the mouth with cool running water for several minutes with your dog's nose pointed down so the water runs out of the mouth instead of down the throat, then get to a veterinarian or emergency clinic right away. Call ahead so they are ready for you.
Does avoidance training replace watching my dog outside?
No. Training lowers the risk, but toads are in South Florida yards year-round, so supervision, a leash on late-night potty breaks and keeping pet food indoors still matter.
Where do you offer bufo toad avoidance training?
Across South Florida: Palm Beach County, Broward County and Miami-Dade County, including Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, West Palm Beach, Parkland, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and nearby cities.
This page is general safety information, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has been exposed to a toad, contact a veterinarian immediately.