Why it's dangerous
Camphor is rapidly absorbed through the skin and gastrointestinal tract, leading to central nervous system stimulation and potential respiratory depression.
Toxic compound: Camphor
How vets treat it
There is no antidote. Vets give supportive care, such as IV fluids, anti-seizure medicines and close monitoring, as they do for other camphor and mothball poisonings.
Outlook
Death is rare. With mothball poisoning in general, most cats survive when they are treated early.
Where pets are exposed
- Chest and muscle rubs, balms and medicated lip balms, such as Vicks VapoRub, Tiger Balm, Carmex and Campho-Phenique.
- Camphor products put on a pet's skin. Camphor passes easily through the skin, so this alone can poison a pet.
- Camphor mothballs and some moth repellents.
- Essential oils and fragrance products that contain camphor.
Prevention
- Never put camphor products on a dog or cat, whether for pain, a cough or anything else.
- Keep rubs, balms and lip balms in a closed cupboard, not in handbags or on bedside tables. Dogs chew tubes and jars.
- Store mothballs in sealed containers out of reach, and never leave loose mothballs around the home or garden.
- Keep essential oils out of reach, and use diffusers only in well-ventilated rooms.
Good to know
Camphor should never be applied to dogs or cats due to risks for poisoning; it is readily absorbed across the skin.
Common questions
Is Vicks VapoRub toxic to dogs?
It can be. It contains camphor along with menthol and eucalyptus oil. Eating it can upset a dog's stomach, and chewing up the jar can block the gut, so call your vet or a pet poison line if your dog gets into it.
Can I put camphor, Tiger Balm or Vicks on my dog or cat?
No. Camphor passes easily through the skin and can poison dogs and cats. Ask your vet for a pet-safe option instead.
Should I make my pet throw up after eating camphor?
No. Don't induce vomiting or give anything by mouth unless a vet tells you to. Making a dog vomit after camphor can trigger seizures, so call your vet or a pet poison line right away instead.
Are cats more sensitive to camphor than dogs?
Possibly. A Vet Times case review says cats may be more sensitive because their liver breaks camphor down less efficiently, but no toxic dose for cats has been published. Treat any exposure in a cat as urgent.
Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline — Camphor
- Pet Poison Helpline — The Dangers of Dogs Chewing on Vicks VapoRub
- Pet Poison Helpline — Dog Ate Carmex? Everything You Need to Know
- Pet Poison Helpline — Essential Oils
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Toxicosis From Mothballs in Animals
- VCA Animal Hospitals — Mothball Poisoning in Cats
- Vet Times — Canine camphor toxicosis (case notes, 2021)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — ASPCA Poison Control
- Pet Poison Helpline
This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.
