Will Mothballs Stop Dogs From Digging?

Mothballs may act as a deterrent to stop some dogs from digging, but they are toxic to dogs and should never be where your dog can get to them. Instead, try a pet-safe repellent or focus on addressing their behavior. Before you can effectively stop your dog’s digging, you should first figure out why they are digging. Knowing the reason will enable you to tackle the cause instead of just the digging itself. Read on to learn more.

What are mothballs?

Mothballs are slow-release insecticides (typically naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene), traditionally used to protect clothes and fabrics from pests. Mothballs are poisonous to moth larvae — that’s kind of the point — but they are also harmful to dogs, cats, and even people.

Because of their high toxicity, it’s important to take precautions with mothballs to avoid poisoning. Never use loose mothballs in your home, yard, or garden. And avoid mixing different mothballs or combining them with other chemicals.

Are mothballs bad for dogs?

Mothballs are a serious hazard for dogs. While the biggest issue by far is that dogs might find their smell or appearance curious and ingesting mothballs, VCA Animal Hospital warns that even long-term exposure to their fumes can be harmful. In the most severe cases, death can occur. Symptoms of mothball toxicity in dogs include:

• Vomiting and diarrhea

• Lethargy

• Abdominal pain

• Labored breathing

• Fluid accumulation

• Tremors

• Seizures

• Lack of appetite

• Excessive thirst

If your dog eats mothballs, don’t wait — contact your vet or an emergency clinic immediately. Acting fast could make all the difference, giving your dog the best shot at a full recovery.

How to redirect a digging dog safely

Mothballs are not the answer, but there are many other ways to stop your dog from digging. Don’t give up. With a little patience, you’ll find the solution that works for you. Here are a few tips to help you stop your dog from digging.

• Give them plenty of exercise: Boredom is a common cause for digging in dogs, so make sure your dog gets plenty of walks and playtime.

• Give them a cool place to relax: Some dogs dig to cool off. If your dog must be left outside in the heat (which is never ideal), make sure they have access to shade and plenty of water.

• Clear your yard of pests: Have you seen signs of burrowing animals in your yard? If so, your dog may be digging to hunt. Call a humane exterminating company that will safely remove such animals from your yard.

• Keep them company: If your dog is digging around the fence, they’re probably trying to escape. In this case, you need to keep them safe by either not leaving them alone in the yard, shoring up the fence with chicken wire, or burying it one to two feet beneath the ground.

References

“Mothballs (Naphthalene and Paradichlorobenzene).” Npic.orst.edu, npic.orst.edu/ingred/ptype/mothball/index.html.

‌“What You Should Know about Mothballs.” Ldh.la.gov, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, ldh.la.gov/assets/oph/Center-EH/envepi/Pest/Documents/Mothball_Fact_Sheet.pdf.

“Mothball Toxicity in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals.” Vcahospitals.com, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/mothball-toxicity-in-dogs.