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Is Mothballs (naphthalene) safe for Dogs?
✓ Sources checked by the Eaoae Safety Review · 2026-10-09 · Based on 3 sources
No, mothballs are unsafe for dogs. Naphthalene mothballs cause Heinz-body hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells), methemoglobinemia, liver and kidney damage, plus GI upset. Signs include pale gums, weakness, jaundice, and dark urine.
🚨 Emergency: Yes — contact your veterinarian immediately.
💡 Why
Mothballs seem benign but naphthalene is a potent oxidant toxin. In dogs it destroys red blood cells (Heinz-body hemolytic anemia), impairs oxygen delivery (methemoglobinemia), and damages the liver and kidneys. Dogs typically encounter them in closets, attics, or yards where they were scattered as animal repellent. The newer paradichlorobenzene type is less toxic but still causes GI and liver effects -- either way, ingestion is an emergency.
🩺 What to do
- If ingestion is suspected, go to the vet immediately -- bring the box to identify the type.
- Do not induce vomiting unless instructed; note the time and amount eaten.
- Remove all mothballs from areas your dog accesses.
❓ Common questions
Which type is worse?
Naphthalene (old-fashioned) is far more dangerous -- it destroys red blood cells. Paradichlorobenzene causes mainly GI and liver signs.
What are the warning signs?
Pale or yellow gums, weakness, rapid breathing, dark or brown urine, vomiting, and collapse.
What's a safe alternative?
Use cedar, lavender sachets, or sealed storage instead; never scatter mothballs where pets roam.
📚 Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline: Mothballs
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Mothball Poisoning in Dogs
- PetMD: Mothball Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
🔎 How the sources compare
What each authority says about Mothballs (naphthalene) \u2014 compiled 2026-10-28. Eaoae’s verdict summarizes these sources; it is not our own diagnosis.
| Source | Dogs | Cats | Dose info |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASPCA Animal Poison Control | Not covered | Not covered | — |
| Pet Poison Helpline | Mothballs are pesticides that release a vapor, and their chemicals can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Dogs are more likely than cats to ingest mothballs. Signs include vomiting, tremors, seizures, and organ failure (liver, kidneys); naphthalene mothballs are the most toxic type. | Cats are more sensitive to the toxic effects of mothballs than dogs. Naphthalene mothballs are the most toxic type; paradichlorobenzene mothballs are less toxic but can still cause illness, with signs including vomiting, tremors, seizures, and organ failure. | — |
| Merck Veterinary Manual | Not covered | Not covered | — |
| VCA Hospitals | Mothballs contain naphthalene, paradichlorobenzene (PDB), or sometimes camphor. Older naphthalene mothballs are the most poisonous type, causing gastrointestinal upset and, less frequently, anemia, neurological signs, and kidney or liver damage; PDB mothballs are less toxic but can still cause gastrointestinal upset and neurological signs. As little as one mothball could poison a dog. | In VCA's mothball article for cats, cats are more sensitive to mothballs than dogs, but they rarely eat them. Naphthalene mothballs are the most poisonous type, causing gastrointestinal upset and, less frequently, anemia, neurological signs, and kidney or liver damage; PDB mothballs are less toxic. As little as one mothball could poison a cat. | As little as one mothball could poison a dog or a cat (no mg/kg figure given) |
| Eaoae summary (dogs) | ⛔ Unsafe \u2014 Known to be harmful or toxic. Keep it away from your pet. | ||
🔗 Related checks for dogs
- garlic ⛔ Unsafe
- Strawberry ✅ Safe
- Blueberries ✅ Safe
- ibuprofen ⛔ Unsafe
- Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) ⛔ Unsafe
- xylitol ⛔ Unsafe
Checked with Eaoae’s safety lookup. Answers are generated for reference and may be incomplete — always confirm with your vet for your individual pet. Spotted an error? Let us know.
