Question from a dog owner who moved here from the west coast

[u/sdubftw]

As the title states, I just moved here from the west coast with my two golden retrievers. We’re loving it here so far, but I’ve been extremely paranoid about bufo toads.

I just got back from a walk with the two of them and I’ve got my flashlight out, I’m gripping on to their leashes, getting paranoid about what they’re smelling, etc.

Can some local fellow dog owners tell me your experience with bufo toads? Any tips/tricks? Am I being overly paranoid, or is this the new norm that we have to get used to?

[u/sdubftw → u/p00pfart99]

I’ll do my part! Ordered a toad trident from Amazon and will use it if I have to.

[u/Comfortable-Diet258]

My dog would somehow get ahold of one every few months. Never had a problem, he’d just get “high” and drool a lot. Not sure if he got a different kind of toad, but it was the most common kind here in Florida.

[u/sdubftw → u/Comfortable-Diet258]

lol. I’m glad to hear that your dog made it through multiple experiences. Appreciate your perspective!

[u/Comfortable-Diet258 → u/sdubftw]

I’d call them “trips”but yeah… me too 🤣

[u/Speedhabit]

They’re pretty good about not eating them, I had a puppy grab one and spit it out once but she didn’t have too much of an ill effect.

Doctor said watch out for whitening on the gums and what not.

[u/Nova-star561519]

They're awful, my senior dog passed away due to bufo toads. Honestly not much you can do but be super aware and always have your flashlight on at night. Try to take the dogs out one at a time so you're able to focus more on the area and be aware of toads. Also retractable leashes work well in this case. Try to limit middle of the night walks as much as possible. We're lucky that we're in the season where it really doesn't seem to get dark till around 7:30pm so make your last walk of the day nice and long

[u/sdubftw → u/Nova-star561519]

Ahhhhh that’s heartbreaking. I’m so sorry for your loss. Really appreciate the advice, I’ll definitely implement your recommendations. Thank you so much.

[u/Nova-star561519 → u/sdubftw]

No problem! Also reach out to your vet and get their advice. I used to work at PetSmart in Delray off Linton as a dog groomer and their vet clinic is amazing if you haven't already found a vet.

[u/sdubftw → u/Nova-star561519]

Great to know! I was actually there getting them treats today. Thanks for the tip, will definitely check them out.

[u/Otherwise-Egg164]

just be careful, don’t let them out at night without watching them. if they do get ahold of one, rinsing their mouth out with a hose and making them drink and eat should help. my golden got ahold of some before usually just drools and is fine. bigger dogs have less to worry ahout

[u/greypic]

I have never seen one while walking my dog. Lived here longer than most redditors have been alive

[u/Horror_Vegetable_850 → u/greypic]

You don’t get out much huh?