When you have a dog, you might wonder if you can give your furry friend your favorite treats. One common question is whether dogs can eat Dominoâs chicken wings. It might be tempting to give your dog a bite of these tasty treats, but there are some things you should know, especially about the spicy wings. Letâs explore why chicken wings can be problematic for dogs and what you should know before sharing your meal.
What Happens if a Dog Eats a Spicy Chicken Wing?
Chicken wings can be a tasty snack for humans but they can cause problems for dogs. Dogs have a much more sensitive sense of taste than people so spicy seasonings that seem mild to us can be overpowering for them. Eating spicy chicken wings can upset a dog’s stomach and cause digestive issues. However, in most cases, no serious harm is done if a dog eats a spicy chicken wing in moderation.
How Spicy Food Affects Dogs
Dogs experience taste similarly to humans, but their taste buds are more sensitive. Where a dash of pepper may add a subtle heat for us, even a small amount of spice can overwhelm a dog’s palate.
Chilies and spices like cayenne have heat because of a chemical called capsaicin. It hurts the trigeminal nerve endings in a dog’s mouth and throat when it eats spicy food with capsaicin in it. This causes a burning sensation and discomfort.
Ingesting spicy foods can overstimulate a dog’s gastrointestinal tract, causing nausea, cramping, and diarrhea. In some cases, vomiting may occur. The spiciness can also cause excessive thirst as the dog tries to relieve the burning feeling in their mouth.
Extremely hot spices and large amounts of capsaicin can potentially damage the sensitive tissues of a dog’s mouth and esophagus. However, a single spicy chicken wing is unlikely to contain enough heat to cause lasting harm.
Risks of Chicken Bones
There is a chance that the spices in chicken wings will make you sick, but the bones are the biggest danger. Chicken bones are easy for dogs to splinter, puncture, or block in their digestive tract.
Cooked bones are especially hazardous as they become brittle and prone to splintering. Sharp bone fragments can damage the mouth, throat, or stomach lining Small pieces can also get lodged and cause a dangerous obstruction in the esophagus, windpipe, or intestinal tract.
To avoid this threat, dog owners should never give cooked chicken bones of any kind to dogs. It only takes swallowing one small shard to cause serious harm.
Signs of Trouble
If your dog ate a spicy chicken wing, watch for these signs of possible problems:
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Gagging or coughing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain or tenderness
Severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, or obvious discomfort are reasons to call your vet promptly. Also contact your vet if symptoms don’t resolve within 24 hours.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Spicy Chicken Wing
Don’t panic if your dog scarfs down a spicy chicken wing before you can stop them. Here are some steps to take:
- Check their mouth for any remaining bones or bone fragments and remove them carefully.
- Contact your vet, especially if you suspect your dog swallowed any bones.
- Monitor for signs of distress or discomfort.
- Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water to help dilute the spice and prevent dehydration.
- Feed a bland diet of rice and boiled chicken for a day or two to give their digestive system a rest.
- Avoid any further spicy foods which could worsen stomach upset.
- Call your vet if symptoms concern you or persist more than 24 hours.
Preventing Future Problems
Keep chicken wings out of your dog’s reach at all times to avoid problems. Never feed cooked chicken bones to dogs. Also avoid leaving unattended plates of spicy food within reach.
You can give dogs boneless, unseasoned chicken cooked without spices, but chicken bones should always be avoided. If you want to share a special snack with your dog, choose a non-spicy dog treat made just for them instead of people food.
With a little care, occasional accidents like a snatched chicken wing don’t have to be a crisis. Just supervise your dog closely afterward and contact your vet if you have any concerns. By understanding the risks and how to respond, you can keep your four-legged friend safe and healthy.
ð¶ï¸ Spicy Wing Concerns: Why Theyâre Dangerous for Dogs
Spicy foods, including Dominoâs spicy chicken wings, can wreak havoc on your dogâs digestive system. Spicy foods can make dogs’ stomachs much more sensitive than ours, and they can cause everything from mild discomfort to serious health problems.
Some common symptoms of a dog eating spicy foods include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Panting or signs of discomfort
Also, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper are common ingredients in spicy sauces and can make your dog’s mouth and throat sore. Some sauces may even include toxic ingredients such as garlic, onion, or artificial flavors that can harm your dogâs health.
If your dog accidentally consumes a spicy chicken wing, monitor them closely for any signs of illness. Contact your veterinarian immediately if they exhibit symptoms like persistent vomiting, lethargy, or difficulty breathing.
ð Cooked Bones: A Hidden Hazard
The bones in a Domino’s chicken wing can be very dangerous for your dog, even if you take off the seasoning or sauce. Cooked chicken bones are brittle and prone to splintering, which can lead to choking or internal injuries.
When a dog chews on a cooked bone, it may break into sharp fragments that can become lodged in their throat or digestive tract. This can cause:
- Choking or gagging
- Intestinal blockages
- Perforations in the stomach or intestines
- Internal bleeding
These issues often require emergency veterinary care, which can be stressful for both you and your dog. For this reason, itâs always safer to avoid giving your dog cooked bones, including those from chicken wings.
Chicken Wing In One Bite
FAQ
What happens if dogs eat spicy wings?
…of spicy foods like chili peppers can give your dog stomach ulcers or other stomach problems like anemia or canine pancreatitis (March 23, 2022).
What do I do if my dog ate spicy chicken?
“If your dog has ingested spicy foods and is showing any clinical signs, it does help to feed them a small amount of milk to neutralize the ‘heat effect,’” Dr. Oct 20, 2021.
Will my dog be ok if he ate a chicken wing?
Although most dogs that have eaten chicken bones do well and do not require any medical intervention, there are potential complications that can arise. Some of these include: Choking: If the bones are not chewed properly, they can get stuck in the dog’s throat and cause choking. Apr 29, 2025.
Will my dog be ok after eating spicy food?
The answer is simply no. Sharing your food with pets, especially spicy foods, may cause more problems than you may realize. Spicy foods can be toxic for dogs and could cause stomach problems including pain, diarrhea, and gas. Spicy food can also cause excessive thirst, causing your dog to vomit.