By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Barbecues are prime time for sausage theft. A dog that snatches one frankfurt or a sausage sizzle off a paper plate will usually be fine. Hot dogs are not toxic, but they are a processed, salty, fatty food that often contains garlic or onion, and a whole one gulped down is an awkward shape for a dog's throat.
Key takeaways
- Hot dogs and frankfurts are high in salt and fat, with preservatives and seasonings.
- Garlic and onion powder are common ingredients and can damage a dog's red blood cells if enough is eaten.
- Whole frankfurts are a choking hazard, especially for small dogs and fast eaters.
- Buns, fried onions, sauces and mustard add more risk.
- Related: pancreatitis in dogs, choking in dogs, onions and dogs.
What is in a hot dog
Frankfurts and hot dogs are usually made from a mix of meats, fat, salt, starch, flavourings and preservatives such as sodium nitrite. Many brands include onion or garlic powder. Cocktail sausages and cheese-filled franks follow a similar pattern, often with even more fat.
The main risks
Salt
One frankfurt contains a good share of a small dog's sensible daily salt intake. Healthy dogs with access to water usually cope with a single one. Several at once, especially in a small dog, can cause vomiting, thirst and, rarely, salt poisoning.
Fat
High-fat meals are a well-known trigger for pancreatitis in susceptible dogs. Barbecue season, Christmas and Australia Day are busy times for vets for this reason. Signs include repeated vomiting, a painful belly, hunching and lethargy, usually within a day or two.
Garlic and onion
Garlic and onion damage red blood cells in dogs. The effect depends on how much is eaten relative to body weight. One frankfurt is unlikely to cause anaemia in most dogs, but repeated feeding, or a pile of fried onions from the sausage sizzle, can add up.
Choking
A whole frankfurt is roughly the diameter of a small dog's airway. Dogs that grab and swallow can choke. If you share any meat, cut it into small pieces.
The extras
- Buns are mostly harmless bread, but white bread adds calories.
- Fried onions are a real concern because of the allium content.
- Tomato sauce, barbecue sauce and mustard add sugar, salt and spice. Mustard can cause vomiting.
- Skewers and toothpicks from cocktail franks can pierce the mouth or gut.
- Corn on the cob from the same plate is a common cause of intestinal blockage. See corn cobs and dogs.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Excess thirst or urination
- Hunched posture, restlessness or reluctance to lie down
- Gagging, coughing or pawing at the mouth
- Pale gums, weakness or dark urine in the days after eating onion
When it is an emergency
Get urgent help if your dog:
- Is choking or struggling to breathe
- Swallowed a skewer or toothpick
- Is vomiting repeatedly or has a painful belly
- Ate a large amount, such as a packet of franks or the barbecue leftovers
- Is wobbly, trembling or collapsing
How vets help
Treatment depends on what happened. For pancreatitis, vets use fluids, pain relief, anti-nausea medication and nutritional support. For a swallowed skewer, X-rays or ultrasound may help, and removal is often needed. For salt or onion exposure, blood tests guide the plan.
If you want to share
Cooked, unseasoned lean meat cut into small pieces is a far better barbecue treat than a frankfurt. Keep all extras under about 10 percent of daily calories. At parties, ask guests not to feed the dog, and set up a quiet area away from the grill.
FAQ
My dog ate one hot dog. Should I worry?
Most healthy dogs will be fine. Offer water and watch for vomiting, diarrhoea or belly pain over the next 48 hours.
Are chicken frankfurts safer?
They may be slightly lower in fat, but are still salty and often seasoned. The same cautions apply.
Can I use hot dogs as training treats?
Tiny pieces occasionally are fine for most dogs, but there are lower-salt, lower-fat options that work just as well.
My dog ate the bun and sauce too.
Mention it to your vet if you call, especially any onions or sugar-free sauces.
Talk with a vet
If your dog has been into the barbecue leftovers, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you decide whether it is safe to monitor at home. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People foods to avoid feeding your pets.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Pancreatitis in dogs and cats.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Garlic and onion (Allium spp) toxicosis in animals.
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase. What are common household dangers for pets?
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.