{"id":6367,"date":"2021-10-06T14:42:39","date_gmt":"2021-10-06T14:42:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aercmn.com\/?p=6367"},"modified":"2021-10-06T14:42:39","modified_gmt":"2021-10-06T14:42:39","slug":"mothball-toxicity-in-pets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/mothball-toxicity-in-pets\/","title":{"rendered":"Mothball Toxicity in Pets"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"mothballs,<\/p>\n

If you witnessed or strongly suspect your pet ingested a mothball, this is considered an \u201cORANGE\u201d \u2013 or urgent case \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend calling ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 for help determining if your pet consumed a toxic amount and for guidance on what to do next. If veterinary care is advised, call your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital ahead of your arrival.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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As the seasons change, many people take on the tedious task of switching out their wardrobes from summer clothes to winter \u2013 or vice versa. While this chore may seem harmless, it can be the cause of a very serious pet danger: mothball toxicity. For pet owners who store their clothes with mothballs, it\u2019s important to take extra caution when switching out clothes and packing up items for storage. Keep reading to learn more about this hazardous pesticide and why pet owners may wish to stop using them!<\/p>\n

First off, what are mothballs?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Mothballs are small balls that release an insecticide vapor to kill and repel moths, larvae, and eggs, as well as other insects. Most often, mothballs are placed with clothing and blankets in air-tight sealed containers to prevent fabric damage caused by clothes moths.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0use mothballs, no need to start now! But for those who\u00a0choose to use them, know exactly what type of mothballs you are\u00a0purchasing. Read those\u00a0labels carefully and\u00a0<\/span>educate<\/span><\/a>\u00a0yourself<\/span> on how to safely use them. When misused, mothballs can be very\u00a0harmful\u00a0to both animals and humans!<\/span><\/p>\n

Note:\u00a0<\/span>It is NOT recommended to use mothballs to repel snakes and rodents. This method is highly unsafe for pets and the environment.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"mothballs,<\/p>\n

Why are mothballs toxic?\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

The\u00a0<\/span>insecticide<\/span>\u00a0in the\u00a0<\/span>mothball<\/span>\u00a0causes\u00a0<\/span>the\u00a0<\/span>toxicity<\/span>. Typically, poisoning occurs when an animal eats\u00a0<\/span>the\u00a0<\/span>mothball<\/span>; however, long-term exposure to\u00a0<\/span>mothball<\/span>\u00a0fumes can also be toxic. The most common types of insecticides\u00a0<\/span>used\u00a0<\/span>in mothballs are the following:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Naphthalene<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

Though old-fashioned, naphthalene mothballs can still be found. They are the most toxic type of\u00a0<\/span>mothball<\/span>, as\u00a0<\/span>ingestion of\u00a0<\/span>only a small amount\u00a0<\/span>can<\/span>\u00a0cause symptoms. Most commonly, pets\u00a0<\/span>who<\/span>\u00a0eat naphthalene balls experience\u00a0<\/span>stomach<\/span>\u00a0upset.\u00a0<\/span>However, h<\/span>igh doses can cause low red blood cell counts, liver or kidney failure, and neurologic signs such as tremors, seizures, and loss of balance.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Paradichlorobenzene<\/span>\u00a0(PDB)<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

PDB is the most common type of\u00a0<\/span>insecticide<\/span>\u00a0found in mothballs. While less toxic to pets,\u00a0<\/span>if eaten,\u00a0<\/span>PDB mothballs can still cause gastrointestinal upset<\/span>, as well as\u00a0<\/span>neurologic signs and liver or kidney failure<\/span>, though less common<\/span>ly than<\/span>\u00a0in<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>naphthalene mothballs.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Camphor<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

While camphor mothballs are sold, they\u00a0<\/span>are<\/span>\u00a0not<\/span>\u00a0as common in the United States. Mothballs\u00a0<\/span>containing<\/span>\u00a0camphor can also cause gastrointestinal upset. If your pet eats a large quantity of camphor mothballs, seizures are possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common S<\/span>igns of toxicity may include:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n