Why
Butter is over 80% fat, so even a little packs a lot of calories. Fatty foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and eating a lot at once raises the risk of pancreatitis. Salted butter adds salt. Garlic butter and dishes sautรฉed in butter often include garlic or onion.
How to give it / if eaten
Don't give it. A small lick just needs watching. Call your vet if your pet ate a chunk (tens of grams) or swallowed the wrapper too. For garlic butter, call even if the amount was small.
Watch for these signs
Loose or greasy stool, diarrhea and vomiting may occur. Repeated vomiting, a hunched posture, poor appetite and lethargy over 1โ3 days may mean pancreatitis. If a wrapper was swallowed, watch for constipation and repeated vomiting.
FAQ
My dog ate a whole stick of butter.
Depending on the amount and your dog's size, pancreatitis risk can be significant. Call your vet and check whether the wrapper was eaten too.
Can I hide pills in butter?
A tiny dab now and then is okay, but pill pockets or your vet's suggested method are better given the fat.
General information only. Weight, age and health conditions change how a pet reacts, so ask your vet if you are worried.