What started as a carefree afternoon at a Florida dog park became a heartbreaking tragedy for one devoted dog owner after her beloved dachshund came into contact with a deadly cane toad. Olivia Comstock had no idea that a quick trip to the bushes during playtime would turn into a desperate race to save her dog’s life. Within minutes of the encounter, Amber began showing terrifying symptoms that rapidly worsened, leaving Comstock terrified and helpless as she rushed her cherished companion to an emergency veterinarian. Now, through overwhelming grief, she is sharing Amber’s story to warn other pet owners about the hidden danger lurking in many Florida neighborhoods and parks.
Olivia Comstock had taken Amber, her energetic three-year-old dachshund, to the Palm Beach Gardens Dog Park for what should have been a normal day outdoors. Amber loved exploring, chasing lizards, and sniffing through bushes like many curious hunting breeds do.
As Comstock sat nearby, she suddenly heard Amber barking excitedly from the brush.
Amber had found something.
Moments later, Comstock rushed over and pulled her dog away from the bushes. That was when she noticed a large toad hopping nearby. At first, she had no idea how dangerous the encounter truly was.
Within minutes, Amber’s condition rapidly worsened.
“She started itching at her gums,” Comstock recalled. “Then the whole poisoning process started. It was awful.”
The frightening symptoms escalated almost immediately. Amber struggled to stand, foamed at the mouth, and soon began suffering violent seizures in the car as Comstock raced her to the nearest emergency veterinarian.
The terrifying speed of the poisoning left Comstock in shock.
Having only lived in Florida for a few years, she was unfamiliar with cane toads, also known as bufo toads, an invasive species found throughout the state. The toxic amphibians are especially active during warm, humid months and can be deadly to pets in a matter of minutes.
Tiny Toads, Deadly Toxins
According to Dr. Lisa Ciucci of Gardens Animal Hospital, cane toads release a powerful neurotoxin through glands on their backs. The toxin appears as a milky white substance that can be absorbed through a dog’s gums almost instantly after licking or biting the toad.
For small dogs like Amber, the danger is even greater.
“The smaller the dog, the worse it is,” Ciucci explained. “That same amount of toxins is absorbed into a tiny amount of dog.”
Symptoms often appear within moments of exposure and may include:
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Bright red gums
- Disorientation
- Convulsions and seizures
Veterinarians say the first signs are usually heavy salivation and glazed eyes before more severe neurological symptoms begin.
Despite emergency treatment, including IV fluids and medication, Amber did not survive. Roughly 13 hours after arriving at the emergency clinic, Comstock received the heartbreaking call no pet owner ever wants to hear.
Amber was gone.
Comstock described Amber as a sweet, spirited dog with a huge personality who filled every part of her life with joy.
“She was amazing,” she said. “We spent every second together.”
The loss has left a painful emptiness in her daily routine. She still struggles with not seeing Amber waiting at the door.
Turning Grief Into Awareness
Even through her grief, Comstock hopes Amber’s story can help protect other pets.
She believes many dog owners are unaware of just how severe cane toad poisoning can become, especially at public parks where dogs often roam freely.
“I never want anyone to go through anything like this,” she said.
Comstock has suggested placing warning signs in dog parks to educate pet owners about the risks. She hopes greater awareness could save lives and help families recognize the danger before it is too late.
Veterinarians agree that quick action is critical.
If a dog comes into contact with a suspected cane toad, experts recommend immediately rinsing the dog’s mouth with water while making sure the water flows outward rather than down the throat. Owners should then seek emergency veterinary care as quickly as possible.
In many cases, dogs can fully recover if treatment begins early enough.
To reduce the risk of exposure, veterinarians advise keeping dogs leashed during dawn and dusk, when cane toads are most active. Curious hunting breeds, including dachshunds and terriers, may be especially likely to chase or mouth the amphibians.
Amber’s story is heartbreaking, but her memory is now helping spread a warning that could save countless other pets across Florida.
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