Mothballs Are More Toxic Than Their Old-Fashioned Reputation Suggests

Mothballs are one of those household items that feel almost quaint — something from a grandparent's closet — which can lead people to underestimate them. They contain either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, both of which are genuinely toxic pesticide compounds when ingested, not just unpleasant-smelling.

Their small, round shape also unfortunately makes them look enough like a treat or toy that curious pets, especially puppies and kittens, sometimes eat them directly.

Symptoms to watch for: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and with naphthalene specifically, damage to red blood cells causing pale gums and dark urine, sometimes appearing over the following day or two rather than immediately. Tremors or seizures are possible with larger ingestions.

What to do right now: any known ingestion of even a single mothball should be treated as needing same-day assessment — the concentrated nature of the pesticide compounds means "just one" is still a meaningful amount for a small animal.

When it's an emergency: any known ingestion, plus immediately if pale gums, dark urine, or tremors develop at any point afterward.

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This is general information, not a substitute for an actual assessment of your specific pet, weight, and situation. If you're ever unsure whether something your pet ate needs immediate attention, a quick video vet consultation can tell you in minutes whether to monitor at home or head to a clinic.