Cane Toad Poisoning in Darwin

Darwin Cane Toad Poisoning

In northern Australia it's not uncommon for outdoor pets to ingest cane toad poison, which requires immediate emergency treatment. At Darwin My Vet Service in Wulagi, we’re well-equipped to manage cane toad poisoning quickly.

Toad toxins are absorbed rapidly through the mouth and gums, often while dogs are playing or biting the animal. Symptoms such as frothing, pawing at the mouth, vomiting or disorientation can appear almost immediately.

The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome. Our team is trained to respond fast, flush the toxins safely and monitor for complications like seizures or heart irregularities.

Here’s how we help pets affected by toad toxins:

• Immediate oral flushing & supportive care
• Monitoring for neurological or cardiac symptoms
• Fast action to reduce risk of long-term damage

Don’t wait to see if your pet improves. If you suspect cane toad poisoning, call (08) 8927 3657 and bring them straight in—every minute counts.

Prompt Pet Poisoning Treatment

If your pet has mouthed or bitten a cane toad, immediately attempt to flush out your pets mouth with a steady stream of water across the mouth (not down the throat) and encourage the head to point downwards. Wiping out their gums with a cloth to reduce absorption of the toxin can also help until your arrival at the veterinary clinic.

Once rinsed, keep your pet calm and contact a vet immediately. Even if your pet seems to recover, symptoms can worsen later.

At our clinic, we assess toxin exposure and provide supportive treatment, such as IV fluids, sedatives, anti-seizure medication or oxygen, if needed. We also closely monitor neurological and cardiac function to prevent further complications.

Most pets recover with prompt care, but time is critical. Cane toad poisoning is always a veterinary emergency—if in doubt, it’s safest to let our team assess your pet’s condition right away.