Is hot sauce toxic to dogs?

Capsaicin, the active compound found in chili peppers and virtually all hot sauces could have potential negative health effects for dogs. Such effects can include marked fluctuations in blood pressure, bronchial vasodilation (increased blood flow in lung tissue) and it can also reduce the natural muscle contractions in the gastrointestinal tract resulting in poor digestion. These effects are usually only noted in high exposure amounts, so it is generally safe in small amounts.