Cane toad on Miami lawn—keep dogs away
Miami’s Most Troublesome Invasive Species—and How They Affect Our Pets
Miami’s subtropical vibe is paradise for people and for invaders that hitchhike in through trade, travel, and the pet trade. From toxic cane toads prowling lawns after summer rains to iguanas sunning beside condo pools, these non-natives aren’t just an ecological headache; some can seriously endanger dogs and cats. Here’s a pet-centric guide to the invasive species you’re most likely to meet in Miami, how they impact the environment, and what to do to keep your pets safe.
Cane toads (aka “bufo” toads): Miami’s #1 pet emergency
Why they matter: Cane toads (Rhinella marina) are large, warty toads that ooze a milky bufotoxin from their shoulder glands when threatened. One bite from a curious dog can be life-threatening within minutes. They thrive in yards, parks, along canals, and freshwater lakes—classic Miami habitat. Whether you live in Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Kendall or another park of Miami, cane toads can be found, so keep your pets safe and do not let them in your yard unattended. (FWC)
Pet symptoms to watch for: frantic behavior, dark-red gums, foaming/drooling, seizures, and collapse. Immediate first aid—now not later—can be lifesaving. (FWC)
Emergency first aid (do this immediately):
- With your pet’s head angled down to avoid swallowing water, rinse the mouth for about 10 minutes, washing toxins forward and out.
- Wipe gums/tongue with a cloth to remove residue.
- Go straight to the vet. Even if your pet looks better, toxins can rebound. (FWC)
ID tips: Most Miami “giant toads” over ~4 inches are cane toads, not native toads. Look for the big triangular shoulder glands and lack of head crests. When in doubt, assume cane toad and keep pets away. (UF Wildlife)
Environmental impact: They eat almost anything that fits in their mouths, competing with and preying on native wildlife. (UF Wildlife)
Legal note: They’re invasive and may be humanely removed from private property (do not relocate). If you keep one legally as a pet, never release it. (FWC)
Green iguanas: big lizards, big mess around pools
Why they matter to pets: Iguana droppings can contaminate patios and pools, adding to Salmonella risk—especially for households with kids and immunocompromised people. Standard hygiene (no food outdoors, clean surfaces, wash hands) is essential wherever reptiles roam. (FWC, CDC)
Property & ecological impacts: Iguanas dig burrows that undermine seawalls and sidewalks, ravage landscaping, and compete with native species. The state classifies them as nonnative/invasive; landowners can remove them humanely from private property. (Again: don’t relocate.) (FWC)
Pet-safe habits: Don’t leave pet food outside (it attracts iguanas); fence off veggie beds; and keep dogs on leash near canals and seawalls where iguanas bask and may whip or bite if cornered. (FWC)
Argentine black-and-white tegus: the egg-eating giants already in Miami-Dade
Where they are: Tegus (Salvator merianae) have reproducing populations in Miami-Dade County (as well as Hillsborough and Charlotte). They’re stout, fast lizards that raid nests and will gobble pet food left outdoors. (FWC)
Why pet owners should care: While they’re not commonly aggressive, a cornered tegu can scratch or bite, and—like other reptiles—can spread Salmonella. Keep dogs leashed if they’re “lizard chasers,” and secure outdoor food/water bowls at night. (FWC, CDC)
Environmental impact: Tegus devour the eggs and hatchlings of native species (including gopher tortoises and crocodilians), making them a serious Everglades-adjacent threat. (FWC)
Burmese pythons: mostly west… but still a South Florida pet risk
Where they are: Established across South Florida with a historic core in Everglades National Park (Miami-Dade), pythons have spread from south of Lake Okeechobee to Key Largo. (FWC)
Pet risk: FWC is blunt: pythons may prey on pets such as cats and dogs. If you live near canals or natural edges, supervise small pets outdoors, especially at dawn/dusk. Report sightings—never try to capture one yourself. (FWC)
Ecological toll: They’re apex predators that consume mammals, birds, reptiles—even imperiled species—disrupting the food web. (FWC)
Cuban treefrogs: irritating (literally) but less deadly than toads
Why they matter: Cuban treefrogs are common on porch lights and around pools. Their skin secretions irritate the mouths of pets and can cause excessive drooling; rare seizure reports exist after pets mouth them. They’re not as toxic as cane toads, but still keep pets away and rinse your dog’s mouth if contact occurs. (Ask IFAS – Powered by EDIS)
Quality-of-life impact: These frogs thrive in urban Miami, out-competing native treefrogs, clogging plumbing vents, and sometimes entering homes (yes, even toilets!). Eliminate standing water and seal gaps to reduce breeding and daytime hideouts. (Ask IFAS – Powered by EDIS)
Giant African land snails (and other snails): low-probability, high-consequence
The Miami angle: A major Giant African Land Snail (GALS) outbreak in Miami-Dade (detected 2011) was declared eradicated in 2021, but state and federal agencies remain vigilant statewide. If you ever suspect a sighting, don’t touch—report it. (APHIS)
Health concern: GALS can carry rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), a parasite that can cause meningitis in people and affect dogs that ingest infected hosts. Prevention = stop pets from eating snails/slugs/frogs. (Florida Department of Agriculture, Companion Animal Parasite Council)
What Miami pet owners can do (today)
Make your yard less attractive:
- Feed pets indoors; bring bowls in at night (also reduces ant/roach prey).
- Trim shrubs up off the ground; remove brush piles; fill burrows/voids near foundations.
- Keep pool decks tidy; promptly hose off droppings (then wash hands). (FWC)
Leash and light: Use a leash and a flashlight on night walks—prime time for toads and frogs. Fence small dogs from canal edges.
Know how to report: Use IveGot1 (app or website) or call 1-888-IveGot1 for nonnative wildlife. In Miami-Dade, local teams also coordinate on python/tegu recoveries; reporting helps managers respond quickly. (FWC, Miami-Dade County)
When in doubt, don’t DIY: Humane removal of cane toads/iguanas on your property is allowed, but correct ID and safe handling matter. For unwanted exotic pets, use FWC’s Exotic Pet Amnesty Program—don’t release. (FWC)
Quick species cheat-sheet for Miami neighborhoods
- Cane toads: most Miami yards after warm rains; highest pet danger → learn first aid. (FWC)
- Green iguanas: canals, seawalls, pool decks; hygiene risk, property damage → remove attractants. (FWC, CDC)
- Tegus: confirmed in Miami-Dade; egg-eaters; avoid leaving pet food outside → report sightings. (FWC)
- Burmese pythons: edges of the Everglades/BCNP; risk to small pets near water → supervise & report. (FWC)
- Cuban treefrogs: around lighting/landscapes; mouth irritation for pets → rinse mouth, block entry points. (Ask IFAS – Powered by EDIS)
If your dog mouths a toad or frog in Miami
- Rinse mouth with running water for ~10 minutes, head down.
- Wipe gums/tongue to remove sticky toxin.
- Go to the vet immediately. Bring a photo if possible for ID. (FWC)