If you’re thinking of taking your dog for a calm walk near waters, there’s a danger that you should be on the lookout for to keep your dog safe – Puffer Fish.
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Pufferfishes contain toxins that can be fatal for your pets if they come in contact with the dead puffer fish. Credit: Anna Sharman
Watch out for those pesky puffer fish!
Every year, dead puffer fishes wash up on beaches around Australia and poison unsuspecting dogs. The majority of dog owners are unaware of how quickly a casual stroll on some sandy beaches can turn deadly. So be careful out there, and make sure your furry friend doesn’t end up as a statistic!
While we don’t have the exact statistics, we can be sure this isn’t a once in a blue moon phenomenon. A veterinarian in Tasmania says that he has treated at least half a dozen cases in the past 18 months.
The Puffer Fish
The puffer fish, or Tetraodontidae, is among some of the most poisonous vertebrates in the world. While some pufferfish species have non toxic flesh, the majority of puffer fish species contain the toxin tetrodotoxin in their skin and internal organs.
Puffer fish species can be found in waters around Australia. These little guys may look cute, but don’t let their appearance fool you – they’re packing some serious heat in the form of tetrodotoxin, a potentially lethal toxin. It is one of the most toxic poisons found in nature.

Puffer fish contain the toxin tetrodotoxin, one of the most toxic poisons found in nature. Credit: Julian Finn, Museums Victoria
What to do when you encounter one.
It’s common to find dead puffer fish in coastal areas. They are often washed ashore onto beaches. Additionally, they tend to be discarded carelessly if they are pulled up by fishermen.
Dogs are curious creatures. Thus if they find a mysterious object such as a puffer fish on their daily walk, they’d want to investigate it. However, this comes with potentially deadly consequences.

Your dog will be naturally curious about washed up puffer fishes and might even think it’s a treat. dog will be naturally curious about washed up puffer fish. Credit: Jenny Chester
For some dogs, the smell of puffer fish makes them think it’s a treat, and that’s a danger. So they might give the dead puffer fish a sniff, or even a quick lick. Even worse. they might even chew on the dead puffer fish.
If you believe that your dog has come in contact with a pufferfish, take them to a vet immediately. As with any other poison, the quicker they receive treatment, the greater likelihood that they’ll recover.
Symptoms
The effects of tetrodotoxin are immediate. When the toxin enters your pet’s body, signs of poisoning such as vomiting or excessive panting can appear within minutes. Wait a few moments and other symptoms such as trembling, muscle tensions, and paralysis may appear. Soon, it turns fatal.
So if you’re thinking of taking your dog for a walk in coastal regions, make sure you’re on the constant lookout for pufferfishes, as well as other dangers. Have your dog on a leash. But if you wish to let your dog roam free, pay close attention to what they’re doing.
Having your pets on a leash is actually a pretty good idea, both for your pet and the local wildlife. There are often birds and other wildlife that live on the coast and they don’t really want dogs to bother them.
And remember this once piece of advice if you notice that your dog is chewing, licking, or rubbing themselves on a dead pufferfish.
Go straight to the vet. Don’t wait until the symptoms appear.
This advice should be followed for any kind of poisoning, not just pufferfish.
If you want more information, you can always reach out to the Animal Poisons Helpline by calling them on 1300 869 738 or visiting their website here.