Cane toads are one of the most important invasive amphibians for Southwest Florida pet owners to recognize.

Also called bufo, giant or marine toads, they are large ground-dwelling toads that thrive around yards, golf courses and other human-modified areas.

The danger comes from toxin in the large glands behind the eyes.

A dog or cat that bites or mouths a cane toad can absorb the toxin quickly, and a serious exposure can become life-threatening in minutes.

Warning signs can include bright red gums, drooling or foaming, disorientation, pawing at the mouth and seizures.

If a pet bites or swallows a suspected cane toad, treat it as an emergency.

Flush the mouth forward with water so the liquid runs out rather than down the throat, wipe the gums and tongue to remove toxin, and get the animal to a veterinarian immediately.

Identification matters because Florida has a beneficial native look-alike: the southern toad.

Adult cane toads can reach roughly six to nine inches, while southern toads are usually much smaller.

Southern toads have obvious raised crests above the eyes and smaller oval glands behind them.

Cane toads lack those strong head crests and instead have very large triangular poison glands behind the eyes.

Do not remove a native southern toad because it was mistaken for a cane toad.

At home, reduce risk by bringing pet food and water bowls inside at night, trimming hiding places and supervising dogs outdoors after dark.

Cane toads may be removed from private property with landowner permission, but captured animals cannot legally be relocated and released elsewhere.

The Wild Suncoast rule: know the head shape, protect your pets, and confirm the species before acting.