My Dog Ate A Moth What Should I Do?

Reviewed By Tom •  Updated: 01/07/23 •  3 min read
Dog Mild Toxicity Level
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Dog Ate A Moth

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Moths are common in all parts of the US! Some are quite beautiful, while others are pests. Dogs are occasionally tempted to play with moths. But sometimes their game may become serious, ending when a dog eats the moth! But what happens if a dog eats a moth?

Has your dog eaten a moth? Are you worried the moth will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.

We’ve gathered information about moths and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!

It is strongly recommended to contact a Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian.

What is a Moth?

Moths are flying insects that resemble butterflies in some ways; however, they are in a different family than butterflies. Scientists believe that there are about 160,000 species of moth in the world! Most moths are nocturnal, but some are also busy during the day.

Moths have some distinctions that can separate them from butterflies. For instance, moths usually have “furry” antennae. In addition, moths hold their wings in a tent-like fashion that hides their abdomen. Butterflies hold their wings vertically over their backs. In addition, moths are not as colorful as butterflies and are sometimes smaller. Moths may also have a “furry” body, which most butterflies do not have.

While moths can be a nuisance, can they make a dog sick if eaten?

Moths & Dogs

The good news is that moths usually don’t make a dog sick. They typically don’t carry parasites or other pathogens, and they’re non-toxic. The dog’s digestive system simply digests the moth as if it were another protein. So he won’t get sick.

However, it is possible for a small dog to eat a large moth and have a problem. The main issue is that the moth could cause a small dog to choke.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Moth

If your dog has eaten a moth and is choking, call the vet immediately. The vet may explain how to help your dog or have you bring him in ASAP. They can remove the moth and treat any other symptoms your dog may have. In most cases, your fur baby should make a full recovery.

If your dog eats a moth, it’s a good idea to monitor his symptoms. It is possible a dog with a sensitive stomach could develop vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms should only last a short time. However, if they last longer than 12 to 24 hours, it’s time to call the vet. The problem is that these symptoms could cause dehydration in your dog.

The vet has medications that can stop the digestive symptoms. And if your fur baby is dehydrated, the vet will give him an IV with fluids.

The good news is that your canine companion should make a full recovery! And in the future, if eating a moth has made your dog sick, it’s best to discourage this habit. You can try positive reinforcement training methods and distractions to keep him from eating moths again!

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Tom

Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!

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