Are millipedes toxic to pets ?
Millipedes are not highly dangerous to pets, but they can cause irritation or mild toxicity if a dog or cat bites or eats one. The biggest risk is stomach upset or skin irritation—not life‑threatening poisoning.
What happens if a pet encounters a millipede?
Millipedes don’t bite or sting. Instead, they release a defensive chemical when threatened. Millipedes are not venomous and cannot inject toxins. They can release noxious secretions that may irritate a pet’s mouth, eyes, or skin. If eaten, these secretions may cause drooling, vomiting, or mild allergic reactions in some pets. Toxicity varies by species, but most common millipedes in Europe are low‑risk.
Typical Symptoms in Pets
If a dog or cat mouths or eats a millipede, you might see:
- Drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting
- Mild diarrhea
- Eye irritation (if secretion gets in the eyes)
- Temporary redness on skin or gums
These symptoms are usually mild and short‑lived
When to Contact a Vet
Seek veterinary advice if:
- Vomiting persists more than a few hours
- Your pet seems lethargic or distressed
- There is swelling around the eyes or mouth
- Your pet ate many millipedes (rare but possible)
You may also like to know what is the smallest arthropod : The Smallest Arthropod in the World – Size & Facts
Our learning resources
- Our Gumroad shop : https://arthropodinfo.gumroad.com/
- Dangerousness of arachnids ebook : https://arthropodinfo.gumroad.com/l/dangerousness-of-arachnids
