Hopefully someone with waaay more cane toad experience than I can ease my paranoia ...

We moved house recently - the new place backs onto bushland in the Brisbane 'burbs. Our fur babies (Jack Russells - ages 4 and 2) had fortunately never encountered a live, hopping cane toad before (neither had I) - till tonight. It rained earlier tonight, I presume that brings them out as we haven't seen any toads during the past (dry) month.

Long story short, we thought the older Jackie had managed to get his mouth around the toad before DH intervened, but 20 mins later and our "first born" seems perfectly fine.

I know cane toads' poison can be fatal to dogs/cats, but having had no exposure to the buggers before, I don't know if they have to eat the toad/lick it etc. Does anyone know if any dog contact with a toad generally leads to trouble? Am I paranoid for no real reason or if I should generally be worried as summer/rain season approaches?

Any ideas on how to protect my dogs - they generally live (and sleep) indoors but naturally spend time outdoors as well - would be greatly appreciated.

Andie