Let’s know whether Can dogs drink milk. It is not uncommon for owners to ask ‘Do dogs have milk?’. The answer is not a simple yes or no. Milk is not highly toxic to dogs like grapes, dark chocolate, or xylitol. But, if your dog has an intolerance, or is given too much, it can have serious effects.
Is milk drink necessary in a dogs diet?
When puppies get their mother’s milk, it is during this time that they have an increased supply of an enzyme called lactase. This enzyme helps break down the sugars in milk, making it easier to digest. Of course, the natural and unprocessed milk that puppies get is also from their mother, so it’s very different from cow’s or goat’s milk. Once they mature, it becomes nonexistent in their diet. So, if in doubt, best to avoid it, or save it for the occasional lick of cheese or ice cream.
Can Dogs Be Lactose Intolerant or Allergic to Milk?
As dogs mature and no longer need their mother’s milk to grow, the amount of the lactase enzyme naturally decreases. This means that they are not able to break down the sugar in milk as easily, and they are more likely to develop an intolerance to it. Of course, not every dog will develop an intolerance, but, like humans, it is thought to be a relatively common issue for dogs.
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
Dogs suffering from lactose intolerance usually have an upset stomach. This can result in pain and discomfort, flatulence, and diarrhea. Some dogs may even vomit. The level of intolerance can vary. Some may show signs only when they are given a large amount of milk, some are given very little. You should monitor your dog whenever you introduce something new into his diet, to allow you to assess whether or not it causes a problem.
What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction?
Less common than allergy intolerance, however, reactions to dairy are one of the more common food allergies seen in dogs. If a reaction occurs after eating dairy, you should avoid eating it completely and if the reaction is severe, you should seek veterinary advice.
Allergy Symptoms in Dogs
- redness and/or irritation of the skin
- yeast infection
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- itchy ears
Potential Complications From Overfeeding Your Dog
In addition to the fact that some dogs do not tolerate milk well, it is a food product that is high in fat in its whole form, and when it is in whole dairy products such as cheese or cream. Too much milk or dairy can contribute to the problem of obesity, and there is a chance it could contribute to your dog developing a condition called pancreatitis. This can be a very serious, sometimes life-threatening condition, which can be a recurring problem after the first bout. This may be due to too much fat in the dog’s diet.
How to make sure your dog gets enough calcium
Many owners believe that giving their dogs additional dairy products as part of their diet will provide them with a good source of calcium. While calcium is important for healthy bone development and other functions, it can be provided by dietary sources that are more suitable for dogs. A high-quality, balanced and complete dog food will already contain a fair amount of calcium. It is also found in meat, vegetables such as broccoli, and even ground beef. All of these will be better for your dog than regular servings of milk or dairy products.
Other complications from dairy
Don’t forget that it’s not just milk that can cause problems. Dairy products are often given to dogs as a treat or supplement to their diet. Cheese, for example, can be a popular training treat. If it is cut into small pieces and given only occasionally, it should not cause any major problems. However, it is probably better to look for healthier alternative treats that your dog enjoys just as much. If your dog has an intolerance or allergy, you should always double-check the ingredients you are giving them. Even some commercial dog treats may contain dairy products.
What about goat’s milk instead of cow’s milk?
Goat milk is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to dairy milk. It contains less lactose than cow’s milk. So, in theory, it should be easier for your dog to digest, and it is thought to be less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Again, however, this is something your dog does not need, and given its potential to contribute to obesity, it would be best to limit it to small amounts. Do not give any milk to your dog until you have consulted with your veterinarian.
Foods to avoid feeding your dog