If you use mothballs around your home, then you’ve probably wondered where the best place is to store them. Mothballs contain potent chemicals designed to kill insects, and those same chemicals can seriously harm dogs.

Essentially, mothballs are toxic to dogs. 

Curious pups may sniff, lick, or even swallow them, which can quickly lead to poisoning. In this blog, we’ll break down exactly what these are and why mothballs are toxic to dogs. Plus, we’ll include a few tips on how to help and prevent your best friend from coming close to one. 

What Are Mothballs?

Mothballs are small, round pesticide balls designed to protect clothing and fabrics from moths and other insects. They might look simple, but they’re actually made of highly concentrated chemicals that slowly turn from solid to vapor.

Most mothballs are made with naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Generally, mothballs with naphthalene are the most toxic, while those made with the latter are significantly less toxic, but still dangerous.

How Do Dogs Get Mothball Toxicity? 

Because these substances are highly concentrated pesticide chemicals, dogs can be affected through ingestion, inhalation, and even skin contact. 

Ingestion

The most frequent cause of mothball poisoning is when a dog eats one. Dogs may swallow one whole, chew on it, or even lick it. Even licking clothing that contains the mothball is enough to cause poisoning, especially if they were made with naphthalene. 

Inhalation

Mothballs continuously release chemical fumes. So, if your dog is always in the area, they can inhale the vapors over several days and weeks. Long-term inhalation can lead to respiratory irritation and even neurological symptoms. Plus, general toxic buildup is a risk.

Skin Contact

Though less common, dogs can also absorb mothball chemicals through their skin or fur. This happens when a dog lies on blankets, clothing, or carpets stored with mothballs or contaminated by their fumes.

Why Do Dogs Eat Mothballs?

Dogs may eat mothballs because they are curious as to what these are. Mothballs are small and round, which may look like interesting toys to dogs. Other dogs may also be attracted because of the smell. 

Plus, these are often stored in places dogs can easily reach, so a bored dog may find one and swallow it before anyone notices.

Why Are Mothballs Toxic for Dogs?

Mothballs are toxic to dogs because they contain highly concentrated pesticides that a dog’s body simply isn’t equipped to handle. Here’s how they cause damage: 

Red Blood Cell Damage

One of the main reasons why mothballs are bad for dogs is due to their ability to damage their red blood cells. Naphthalene, in particular, can lead to oxidative stress. Oxidized hemoglobin can no longer carry oxygen efficiently, forming Heinz bodies in the red blood cells.

These Heinz bodies are targeted and destroyed by the body, leading to anemia in dogs.

Liver and Kidney Injury

After a dog is exposed to mothballs, the liver is the first organ to work overtime trying to break down the toxins. As a result, the strong chemicals can irritate the liver, leading to inflammation and elevated liver enzymes. This can result in organ failure.

Additionally, the metabolites processed by the liver can be toxic to the kidneys as the organs try to filter out the chemicals. In large quantities, the dog’s kidneys can fail, resulting in toxin buildup in the body. 

Neurological Changes

The toxic compounds in mothballs can result in neurological damage in dogs through brain swelling and red blood cell function. Because of the lack of oxygen, neurological function will continue to decline.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Aside from systemic damage, mothballs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and inflammation when ingested. This can result in severe symptoms, which can worsen over time.  

Respiratory Issues

When inhaled, the fumes from the mothballs can interfere with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. This is especially true for mothballs made from naphthalene. These fumes can also irritate the lining of the airways, causing more problems. 

Skin Irritation

If a dog lies on blankets or clothing stored with mothballs, the chemicals can irritate the skin. The bigger danger is when dogs lick their coat, which contains the residue of these chemicals.