"Officials in Temple Terrace, Fla., are cautioning residents that heavy rains have brought out the toxic, invasive Bufo marinus toad, a huge amphibian that secretes a toxin powerful enough to kill unsuspecting dogs, cats and other animals."
"Deborah and Charlie Barrett wish they'd heard about the danger sooner.
The Barretts' 6-year-old Jack Russell terrier, Willie, died last week after biting a Bufo toad he found in the yard, WFLA reports. Death came within minutes, with Willie going into convulsions and dying as the couple scrambled to drive him to the hospital.
Small pets like Willie are the most at risk, according to Dr. Paul Langston of the Temple Terrace Animal and Bird Hospital. However, Langston also said larger pets can also suffer severe effects."
Huffington Post had the story October 9, 2012.
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