Are Moth Balls Harmful to Your Pets?

Moth balls, made of the insecticides naphthalene (also found in toilet bowl or bathroom deodorizers) and paradichlorobenzene, can harm pets in two ways. Pets become ill from inhaling the fumes emitted or are poisoned from eating moth balls. Moth balls and other insect repellent products, such as moth blocks or moth crystals, are strong enough to kill dogs and cats. Moth balls also can kill children.

  1. Symptoms

    • Dogs and puppies are more likely than cats to eat moth balls, notes veterinarian Debra Primovic. Signs of moth ball poisoning in dogs and cats include sudden weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, seizures and vomiting. The vomit and the pet's breath will smell like moth balls. The pet may cry out or attempt to bite when its abdomen is touched due to severe abdominal pain. Gums may turn brown or blue. If left untreated, the kidneys and liver can become so damaged that they fail.

    Treatment

    • Dogs and cats showing signs of moth ball poisoning need to be supervised and kept calm. Call the veterinarian immediately so she can be ready to administer treatment as soon as the pet arrives. Depending on how many mothballs an animal ingested, it will need intravenous fluid mixture of bicarbonate and saline to keep the kidneys from failing; activated charcoal to help absorb the insecticides; and an anti-seizure medication if the pet goes into seizures. The animal also may need oxygen, especially if its gums have changed color. Cats, but not dogs, can be treated for poisoning with 1.5 milligrams of 1 percent methylene blue, according to "Veterinary Toxicology: Basic and Clinical Principles."

    Toxicity Levels

    • "Veterinary Toxicology: Basic and Clinical Principles" reports that dogs will die after eating only 400 milligrams of naphthalene for every kilogram that particular dog weighs. The toxicity level of naphthalene for cats is unknown. The ASPCA also notes that dichlorobenzene, occasionally used in mothballs, can also make dogs and cats ill. The symptoms are less extreme than for naphthalene but still can include vomiting and seizures.

    Prevention

    • Moth balls and all other products containing naphthalene, dichlorobenzene or paradichlorobenzene should never be used in homes with pets or children. Moth balls also never should be used in the garden as they can kill beneficial insects like ladybugs, as well as wildlife. Despite popular misconception, mothballs do not repel snakes, deer or other animal pests away from yards, gardens or buildings.