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My dog ate a stick of butter. Is it dangerous? What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Rottweiler | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 1 month old | 90 lbs

My 110 lbs rottweiler ate a whole stick of butter off the counter. He did not eat the wrapper. What do we do

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 10th, 2019

Naughty dog! I too have a counter surfer. ;)
The biggest concern here would be possible pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) due to the high fat content. (the pancreas produces enzymes that help digest fat, and when the pancreas is overwhelmed it can cause pancreatitis). Generally symptoms include vomiting, inappetence, and abdominal pain. Its not LIKELY to cause pancreatitis if your dog doesn't have a history of this problem, but it is POSSIBLE. It will likely cause some loose stools. If you have an emergency hospital nearby, you could consider taking him there for them to induce vomiting, to try to minimize the chances of him developing pancreatitis. (If you are the "do everything I absolutely can to prevent a problem" type.) However, I don't think it is absolutely imperative that you do that....unless he has a history of pancreatitis in the past. It is reasonable to just monitor him at home, and feed a bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice for next day or two. Expect some loose stools, but if he starts to become lethargic and/or starts vomiting and/or is not wanting to eat, take him to your vet.
Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 25th, 2017
Oh that was naughty of Lana! The concern I would have about eating that much butter would be the high fat content. Too much fat can cause pancreatitis in dogs, which is fatal without treatment. You could take her into a vet right away to induce vomiting to prevent this from occurring, or you could watch her. Should she start vomiting, become lethargic, have a painful abdomen, or becomes anorexic, I would have her seen by a vet immediately. Hopefully, however, she will be ok!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Catherine Stecyk
Veterinarian
Published on May 14th, 2019
Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Athena got into so much butter. This is obviously a very fatty meal, so I would worry about her developing pancreatitis or gastroenteritis. I recommend monitoring for further vomiting, lethargy and signs of abdominal pain such as hunched posture. Otherwise, I recommend offering her a small amount of her normal meal in about 6 hours and ensuring she has access to plenty of water. I hope this is helpful!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC
Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist
Published on January 6th, 2017
Foods high in fat can trigger pancreatitis. If she has a history of pancreatitis or dietary indiscretion, I would be more concerned. Monitor her for vomiting and diarrhea. If you observe either symptom, follow up with your veterinarian for treatment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 2nd, 2016
Yes unfortunately she is a top candidate for pancreatitis. If she ate the butter within the past two hours, it may be possible to make her vomit and get rid of a lot of the butter that way. If it has been longer than that you just need to watch her for lethargy., abdominal pain (looking for a cold place to "sphinx" on , ie cooling her belly), vomiting, general malaise. Do not feed her for 12 hrs. Then start feeding her bland food such as boiled white rice and white boneless chicken. If she appears lethargic, ill, vomiting, in pain, she needs to be seen by a veterinarian.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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