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Recent Rain Brings Out Cane Toads, a Poisonous Threat to Pets

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Photos: Wikimedia Creative Commons
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While most of the complaints about Southwest Florida's recent rainy weather center on the comeback of the annoying mosquito, the rain brings out another animal that can pose a serious threat to dogs: the cane toad, whose poison glands can sicken pets. Even the tadpoles can be highly toxic if ingested. 

Dog trainer Tony Lampert from The Upbeat K-9 joins Gulf Coast Live to discuss a program he’s presenting along with Kevin Cafarelli from Wild Heart Ecojourneys. It’s called “Recall in the Wild," and it's a safety seminar taking place this weekend for people planning to hike Florida’s trails with their dogs.

They'll offer a guided tour of Florida’s more unpredictable fauna and offer tips on ways to keep your pet, and yourself, safe.

Matthew Smith is a reporter and producer of WGCU’s Gulf Coast Live.