Bufo Toads and Your Pool: How to Keep Your Dog Safe in Southwest Florida

By Judson, owner of Manasota Pool Service | Last updated November 2026

Quick answer: Bufo toads, also called cane toads, are invasive in Florida and release a toxin from glands behind their head that can be dangerous or even deadly to dogs who bite or lick them. They're often found around pools and lanais at night. If your dog mouths a toad, wipe or rinse its gums (keeping the nose pointed down) and call your veterinarian or an emergency vet right away.

What is a bufo toad?

The bufo toad (cane toad) is a large, invasive toad found across much of South and Central Florida, including the Englewood and Venice area. Adults are typically brown, gray or reddish, with bumpy skin and large glands behind the eyes that produce a milky toxin.

Native Florida toads, like the southern toad, are smaller and less toxic, but it can be hard to tell them apart. If you're unsure, treat any large toad as a bufo and keep pets away.

Why are bufo toads around my pool?

Bufo toads are drawn to:

• Lights that attract insects at night
• Water for moisture and breeding
• Pet food or water bowls left outside
• Damp, sheltered spots under pots, decks and plants

Pools and lanais offer all of these, which is why toads often show up on pool decks after dark, especially during warm, rainy months.

Are bufo toads dangerous to dogs?

Yes. When a dog bites, licks or carries a bufo toad, the toxin is absorbed through its mouth. Small dogs and dogs that grab toads repeatedly are at higher risk. Cats can be affected too.

What are the signs of bufo toad poisoning in dogs?

Signs can appear within minutes:

• Heavy drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Bright red gums
• Pawing at the mouth or shaking the head
• Vomiting
• Disorientation or stumbling
• Rapid heartbeat
• Seizures or collapse in severe cases

What should I do if my dog licks a bufo toad?

1. Act fast. Toad poisoning can become an emergency quickly.
2. Wipe the gums and tongue with a damp cloth, or gently rinse the mouth with a hose on low flow, keeping the dog's nose pointed down so water isn't swallowed.
3. Call your veterinarian or an emergency vet immediately, even if symptoms seem mild.
4. Watch closely for worsening signs on the way.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. Always contact a veterinarian if you suspect toad poisoning.

Can bufo toads lay eggs in a pool?

Bufo toads lay eggs in standing water, and their eggs and tadpoles are also toxic. A properly chlorinated, regularly maintained pool is not a good breeding spot, but neglected pools, pool covers holding water, and buckets or birdbaths nearby can be. Keeping your pool balanced and serviced weekly helps.

How do you keep bufo toads away from your pool area?

• Turn off outdoor lights when not needed, or switch to bulbs that attract fewer insects.
• Bring pet food and water bowls inside at night.
• Remove standing water from buckets, planters and covers.
• Clear clutter and hiding spots around the deck.
• Repair torn screens and gaps in your enclosure.
• Check the yard before letting dogs out at night.
• Keep the pool clean and chlorinated.

What should I do if I find a toad in my pool?

Use a skimmer net to remove it, wear gloves, and avoid touching your eyes or mouth. Keep pets inside while you do. Your pool technician will remove any toads or frogs found in the pool or skimmer during weekly service.

Pool service that looks out for your family and pets

Manasota Pool Service serves Englewood, Manasota Key and South Venice. During every visit we remove critters from the pool and skimmer, keep the water balanced, and send a photo report, and we'll let you know if we notice a torn screen or gap that could let toads in. We also close and latch gates behind us so pets stay safe.

Get a free quote or see our plans.

Frequently asked questions

Are bufo toads poisonous to dogs?

Yes. Their toxin can cause drooling, red gums, vomiting, seizures and, in severe cases, death. Call a vet immediately if your dog mouths one.

What should I do if my dog bites a cane toad?

Wipe or gently rinse the dog's mouth with its nose pointed down, then call your veterinarian or an emergency vet right away.

Why are there toads by my pool at night?

Lights attract insects, and pools, lanais and pet bowls provide water and shelter that toads seek out.

Can bufo toads live in a pool?

They may fall in or lay eggs in neglected water, but a properly chlorinated, regularly serviced pool is a poor home for them.

How do I keep toads out of my lanai?

Repair screen tears, turn off unnecessary lights, remove standing water and pet bowls, and clear hiding spots.