Can Dogs Drink Milk in Buffalo Grove, IL?

Have you ever given your dog milk? Do you ever wonder if you can, or if you should? Dogs tend to enjoy drinking milk, but there may be some situations in which dogs shouldn’t be permitted to have milk at all.

In this article, we’ll explore more about the relationship between dogs and milk. You’ll find out when it’s okay to give your dog milk, when you should skip it, and why dogs may sometimes need to avoid dairy products altogether. With the help of this information, you can better understand your pet’s health and wellness needs. Read on to learn more!

What kind of milk can dogs have?

Dogs should be given cow’s milk or goat’s milk only. These two types of milk are healthy enough, safe, and processed in such a way that your dog is not at risk of contracting any diseases from drinking them. They are also not made from ingredients that may be harmful to your dog.

Non-dairy milks like soy milk, oat milk, and almond milk are not healthy for your dog at all. They may be made of ingredients that are hard for your pet to digest, and they may contain several chemical ingredients for flavor and color. They might also contain artificial sweeteners, which can be fatal to dogs.

 

How much milk can a dog have at once?

The volume of milk you can give your dog at one time depends on his size, weight, and overall health. However, generally speaking, you can usually give dogs about ¼ cup—or about 4 tablespoons—of milk at a time.

This should not occur every day, however, as too much milk is unhealthy for your pet.

Do puppies need milk?

Puppies need milk from their mothers until they are old enough to eat solid food. After that, however, they do not need any supplement milk from a cow or a goat. Instead, they need to be weaned off of their mother’s milk and put on a puppy food that is designed for very young puppies.

Instead of giving milk to soften puppy food or encourage young dogs to eat solid food, try soaking the kibble in water instead. This may not seem as appetizing to you as milk might, but dogs are better off with water than milk, especially at this age.

 

What makes milk unhealthy for dogs?

Milk is packed with fat, and even if you give your dog a low-fat type of milk, it still contains more fat than he needs in his diet. Giving your dog this much fat regularly can increase his risk of pancreatitis, which is severe and can sometimes be deadly.

Additionally, milk contains a lot of sugar, which can contribute to the risk of diabetes in your dog. Even dogs who do not contract diabetes risk becoming obese when they are given too much sugar in their daily diets.

Of course, dogs can also be lactose intolerant, which is yet another reason to avoid giving milk to your furry friend.

 

How do you know if a dog is lactose intolerant?

If your dog is lactose intolerant, you will likely find out the first time you try giving him milk. Dogs who are lactose intolerant may suffer from nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea shortly after ingesting milk, and they may also have a lot of gas for a day or two as well.

Additionally, dogs with lactose intolerance may show signs of pain in the abdomen after drinking milk. They may shy away from being touched or, alternatively, may become very aggressive when they are bothered.

 

Can dogs have other food that contains dairy?

If your dog is severely lactose intolerant, you will need to avoid giving him any food that contains dairy products of any kind. However, if your dog is only mildly lactose intolerant (such as just having a little gas from milk) or if he isn’t lactose intolerant at all, then you can give him any type of dairy-based food as long as you are careful of other included ingredients.

Cheese and yogurt are both good options for your dog. Cheese is a good treat, and plain, nonfat yogurt can be a healthy addition to your dog’s daily diet, when given in moderation.

 

Based on this information, it’s easy to see why many pet owners simply skip giving milk to their dogs. It is usually not a good idea to give your dog more than a little bit of milk at a time, if you choose to offer it at all. This way, he won’t run the risk of becoming sick or having a lot of digestive upset because of it.

If you have any further questions or concerns about your dog’s dietary needs, health, or wellness, be sure to speak to our vet for more information (847) 394-1128.