What happens if a dog eats Mothballs for Dogs?

If a dog eats Mothballs for Dogs, they may experience: Vomiting, lethargy, pale or brown gums, seizures, liver damage, kidney damage, hemolytic anemia.

Not Safe

Not SafeVet ReviewedReviewed by Dr Alex Crow BVetMed MRCVShousehold

Not Safe for Dogs

Medium dog serving: never

Key warning: all mothball products — naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene types

Are Mothballs Toxic to Dogs? 🚨 Yes — Naphthalene Causes Serious Harm

This food is NOT safe for dogs. Keep it away from your pet.

Mothballs are highly toxic to dogs. Both naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene types cause serious poisoning. Even the fumes from mothballs cause respiratory irritation and neurological damage with prolonged exposure.

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Warning Signs & Symptoms

Vomiting, lethargy, pale or brown gums, seizures, liver damage, kidney damage, hemolytic anemia.

If Your Dog Ate This

Call vet or ASPCA Poison Control 888-426-4435 immediately.

What to Avoid

all mothball products — naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene types

Preparation & Serving

Call vet or ASPCA Poison Control 888-426-4435 immediately. Fresh air if fume exposure. Do not induce vomiting without vet guidance.

Did you know?

Mothballs work by sublimating — turning directly from solid to gas — releasing vapors that are toxic to moths and larvae. This same property makes them continuously dangerous in enclosed spaces as the vapor concentration builds up affecting dogs even without direct ingestion.

Portions & nutrition

Serving (small dog): never
Serving (medium dog): never
Serving (large dog): never
Calories (per 100g): 0
Safe frequency: Never

Source

Source: ASPCA

What You Need to Know

Naphthalene mothballs are more toxic than paradichlorobenzene types but both are dangerous. Ingestion of even one mothball causes serious toxicity. Fumes in an enclosed space cause respiratory irritation and neurological effects. Dogs that sleep in areas where mothballs are stored are at risk from chronic low-level exposure even without direct ingestion.

Not sure what to do next? Read our emergency guide What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic

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If Your Dog Ate This — Act Now

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Frequently asked questions

Is Mothballs for Dogs safe for dogs?: No, Mothballs for Dogs is not safe for dogs. Mothballs are highly toxic to dogs. Both naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene types cause serious poisoning. Even the fumes from mothballs cause respiratory irritation and neurological damage with prolonged exposure.
What happens if a dog eats Mothballs for Dogs?: If a dog eats Mothballs for Dogs, they may experience: Vomiting, lethargy, pale or brown gums, seizures, liver damage, kidney damage, hemolytic anemia.
How much Mothballs for Dogs can a dog eat?: Naphthalene mothballs are more toxic than paradichlorobenzene types but both are dangerous. Ingestion of even one mothball causes serious toxicity. Fumes in an enclosed space cause respiratory irritation and neurological effects. Dogs that sleep in areas where mothballs are stored are at risk from chronic low-level exposure even without direct ingestion.

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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before making dietary changes for your pet.