Warning after beach walk at Broadwater Parklands, Gold Coast, turns deadly for dog

A Gold Coast woman has issued an urgent warning for dog owners after her beloved pooch died just minutes after a beach walk. Find out what happened

A Gold Coast woman has issued an urgent warning for dog owners after a common fish caused her pet’s death during a beach walk.

Qualified ecologist Caroline Kelly said she did not know toadfish could be fatal for dogs until it was too late.

Ms Kelly was walking her beloved Australian silky terrier Roxy at the Broadwater Parklands, Southport, when tragedy struck on Sunday.

Roxy ate and swallowed a toadfish she found in the sand dunes.

Caroline Kelly's dogs were walking at the Broadwater Parklands in Southport on Sunday, when one of them ate a toxic toadfish

Ms Kelly only realised what her dog had eaten when Roxy vomited the fish up 15 minutes later.

“I drove her to the emergency vet at Carrara. When she was in the car, I could tell she was having trouble breathing,” the Southport woman said.

“By the time I got there, her body was limp.

“She went into cardiac arrest and they couldn’t save her. It happened so quickly.”

The sudden death of her seven-year-old pooch left Ms Kelly devastated.

Southport woman Caroline Kelly with her beloved pooch Roxy. Picture: supplied

The Southport woman also owns Roxy’s litter brother Max, who has been noticeably “sad” since the death.

“Always keep your dog on the leash and keep an eye on them,” Ms Kelly said.

“Toadfish can be fatal for small dogs – even I was not aware of that.”

Seven year old Australian silky terrier Roxy died after eating a toadfish. Picture: supplied

The Point vet Dr John Rigley said toadfish were highly toxic and could cause paralysis of a dog’s breathing muscles.

“Unfortunately for dogs, there is no antidote. The only treatment is to get the dog to a vet straight away,” Dr Rigley said.

Once in care, the vet will induce vomiting to ensure the fish is out of the dog’s system.

The dog will then be given activated charcoal to prevent any further absorption of toxins.

An image of a toadfish washed up on a beach

Dr Rigley said toadfish were commonly found on beaches because birds eat them and fishermen may discard them.

He urged fishermen to release toadfish back in the water if they catch them.

The common toadfish can be found along the eastern Australian coastline in shallow waters and estuaries.

The fish got their name because of their toad-like appearance and should not be consumed as they are highly toxic.