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Many pet parents love buffalo wings! And what’s not to like? The problem is that if you’re eating buffalo wings, then your dog is sitting and begging. Or he may be closely observing your every movement, waiting for a chance to sneak a wing off your plate! You just never know! But what happens if a dog eats buffalo wings?
Has your dog eaten some buffalo wings? Are you worried the buffalo wings will make him 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 some information about buffalo wings and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What are Buffalo Wings?
Buffalo wings are an American dish made with chicken wings that are not breaded. The wings are deep-fried and then covered or dipped in a buffalo sauce. This dish is usually served hot and may be enjoyed alone or with side dishes and dips.
The buffalo sauce used to cover the wings is hot and spicy. It’s a great favorite for many people! The dish can be made at home or bought at the restaurant. The sauce’s recipe may contain the following ingredients:
- Butter
- Hot sauce
- Sugar or brown sugar
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Chili pepper
- Vinegar
While buffalo chicken is healthy for humans (in moderation!), what happens if a dog eats them? Can buffalo wings make a dog sick?
Buffalo Wings & Dogs
Unfortunately, buffalo wings are not good for dogs. First, the buffalo sauce contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs, including cayenne & chili peppers, onion, garlic, sugar, hot sauce, and vinegar. Then there are the chicken bones to worry about.
Cooked chicken bones are brittle and break easily. It is possible a bone splinter could get caught in a dog’s mouth, esophagus, or anywhere along the digestive tract. The splinter could get caught, or its sharp ends could puncture the tissue of the GI tract.
And if a dog eats an entire wing or more, there’s a chance the bones could become lodged in the digestive tract and cause an intestinal obstruction. This is a life-threatening condition.
If your dog’s eaten a buffalo chicken wing and is not choking, then chances are he will be OK. However, you’ll need to monitor him for any concerning symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, choking, abdominal pain/swelling, and more. If you notice these symptoms, call the vet right away.
It’s best that your dog does not eat buffalo wings, so keep these out of your dog’s reach. You’ll both be happier for it!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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