PupkeeperToxicEmergency
Dog ate mothballs? Toxic: what to do now
Mothballs poison dogs. Old-style naphthalene mothballs are worse than newer PDB ones, and signs can be delayed for days.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, JM, PR, Singapore, Switzerland, TT, VI
Mothballs and dogs: key facts
- Verdict
- Toxic · Emergency: get help now
- What it can do
- Vomiting, mothball smell on the breath, pale or brown gums, belly pain and weakness or low energy. All 8
- How fast
- Can be delayed for several days
- What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now. All steps
- Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals, Pet Poison Helpline, Merck Veterinary Manual. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
What should I do if my dog ate mothballs?
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Keep the package and bring it with you.
- Go even if your dog seems fine. The sooner it is treated, the better.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit or give anything by mouth unless a vet tells you to.
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting
- Mothball smell on the breath
- Pale or brown gums
- Belly pain
- Weakness or low energy
- Fast or hard breathing
- Wobbly walking or tremors
- Seizures
When signs appear: Can be delayed for several days
Why
Mothballs are pesticides that slowly give off a vapor. Naphthalene can damage red blood cells, while PDB mainly causes stomach upset and trembling. They dissolve slowly, so poisoning can be delayed.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Mothball Poisoning in Dogs
- Pet Poison Helpline: Mothballs
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Toxicosis From Mothballs in Animals
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.