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Hot dogs are a favorite for many people, and if there’s a dog around, you can bet he wants his share, too! And some pet parents even offer their fur babies a bite of hot dog. But are hot dogs safe for dogs? Can dogs eat hot dogs?
Has your dog eaten a hot dog? Are you worried the hot dog 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 put together information about hot dogs and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is a Hot Dog?
Hot dogs are made of sausage or other ground meats that include spices and flavorings. These popular processed meats are used in a wide range of recipes. They can be boiled, grilled, fried, and more! What’s more, hot dogs are usually served (but not always) in bread called a hot dog bun. The result is a kind of hot dog sandwich that may include condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and more.
There is a wide range of hot dogs, each with a slightly different filling. However, basic hot dogs can include the following ingredients:
- Meat trimmings (can include pork, beef, chicken, and turkey)
- Flavorings (garlic, onion, paprika, salt)
- Preservatives (sodium erythorbate & sodium nitrite)
All of these ingredients are mixed together and put into a casing to be cooked.
While hot dogs are safe for humans (in moderation), what about dogs? Can dogs eat hot dogs?
Hot Dogs & Dogs
Hot dogs can be made with ingredients that are toxic to dogs, including onions & garlic. However, these are probably not in high enough amounts to be toxic to a dog. Just one bite of a hot dog or even one entire hot dog probably isn’t enough to be toxic, though the dog may not feel well later (depending on his size—a smaller dog may get sick eating an entire hot dog, while a larger dog may be just fine).
In addition, hot dogs also contain a lot of salt, which can be toxic to dogs in large amounts. What’s more, some people enjoy hot dogs that include condiments and garnishes. These can consist of more onion, garlic, mustard, ketchup, and more. If you’re eating a hot dog that contains these ingredients, it’s best not to let your dog have a bite.
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Ask a Vet Live NowWhat to Do If Your Dog Ate a Hot Dog
If your dog has eaten a hot dog, chances are he will be OK. And if he ate more than one, he could develop vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. However, these should not last long. If your fur baby develops diarrhea and vomiting that lasts longer than 12 to 24 hours, it’s time to call the vet.
And for dogs that have eaten an entire package of hot dogs, it’s a good idea to call the vet. They can provide you with the right advice on what to do for your canine companion.
As with other human foods, it’s best to keep hot dogs out of your dog’s reach. He can have a bite of a plain hot dog as a rare treat!
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Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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