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My puppy ate a mothball. What are the signs of poisoning?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | English Cocker Spaniel | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 29 days old

Hi, I just joined and glad to know we have such support. My 5month puppy eat a moth ball today morning. He has been under constant observation and I also gave him gelusil antacid 5ml. Pls advise if any other precautions need to be taken and what sign's do I need to look out for to see a vet.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 1st, 2017

I'm glad we can be here for you to help you and Whisky! I'm sorry he ate a mothball. There are two type of mothballs, naphthalene mothballs and PDB mothballs. It's important to know which type he ingested because PDB mothballs are the less toxic type. Ingestion of naphthalene mothballs can cause vomiting, lethargy, anemia, and sometimes damage to the kidneys or liver. PDB mothball ingestion can cause vomiting, nausea, shaking, tremors, and possible kidney and liver damage. You should know that just a little as one mothball can cause toxicity in dogs, and it is especially concerning that a puppy ingested one because he's so young. I would recommend having Whisky seen by a vet immediately. Signs of toxicity can take a couple of days to show up because the mothballs dissolve slowly, so it's best he's seen by a vet now to prevent any toxicity from occurring. Take him into a vet now. Good luck, I hope this helps!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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