I had a dog die from the same thing you described.By the time we had figured out what was going she died.So very sad.Thanks for this timely post w/ the toads starting to emerge.I am glad your dogs were ok.

Shelley

Shelley, I'm so sorry about your dog.

Is this poisonous species widespread across the whole US now? I googled but didn't find anything specific. There were lots of websites mentioned Fla. and Australia. I'm in N. Ga. and was hoping they aren't here yet. I have 2 schnauzers who are verrry excited when they see a frog. So far I've stopped them from actually touching one though. I always considered toads to be good guys who eat bugs in my garden... I would've never suspected they could be poisonous. Thanks so much for the heads up!
Vicki

Thank you,Weed.Vicki I am in Central Mississippi.

Shelley

Weed glad everything worked out alright. I live in Florida and I've been trying to train my dog not to play with ANY thing she finds outside. We not only have the toads and frogs but lubbers and other nasties as well. She had a playdate last week and her and her friend went behind the bbq grill....she came out with something in her mouth....I don't let her have anything she finds outside so I immediately went over and took it out....it was a LIZARD...not harmful to her but gross to me. Apparently she needs more training.

Shell...very sorry to hear about your fur baby.

Thank you,Trinigemini.

Shelley

Vicki,
The ones here are called Bufo americanus. Smaller than the cane toads, but dangerous to pets and humans.

Here is a link that might be useful: clicky

Well, I found the little bugger again tonight, and relocated him. It's dark, and I went out into the back yard with the dogs and a flashlight. Within 2 minutes, there he was, hopping around with the dogs in pursuit. I flipped a bucket over him, got the dogs inside, then went back out and took him, (in the bucket), for a nice walk. I hope he is exploring his new home, and will not find his way back to mine!

It was funny when I got back and let the dogs out again. They made a beeline to the area where he had been, and looked and looked for him. I'll continue to be vigilant, in case he had any friends.

It amazes me that your dogs would go after the toad after they had been affected! Usually it only takes one encounter and both dogs and cats stay away. Hopefully that encounter isn't fatal.

Weed: Keep checking for baby toads. I live in same area, usually the one I find first is a mama and 2-3 little ones come out in the next few days. I take them to the same spot where I relocated their mother and hope they get reunited.
We had a bad incident at 5 am 11 years ago, vet said was saved the dog was vomiting, I had never heard of toad poisoning either.

Wow, I'm glad your dogs are okay. And terribly sorry for Shelley's dog that was not.

We have lots of toads here, even though we are in a dry climate. They tend to migrate around, so keep your eyes peeled for more. My personal experience has been that there will be years when you see very few toad, and years when it seems like they are everywhere. That might just be because of our climate though.

About 10 years ago our dog discovered the mushrooms that grow in the lawn certain times of the year when conditions are right. It took us a couple of days to figure out what she was doing. As soon as we realized, we would go out first thing every morning and clear the yard of mushrooms. Still, she would go out and immediately begin to root around in the yard for mushrooms. Despite making her sick, they must have also given her some kind of high?

Thank you all for the kind words.If all you animal lovers could read my post to Meghane and maybe offer some advice,I would greatly appreciate it.TIA

Shelley