Yahoo Lifestyle Can Dogs Have Milk? Veterinarians Weigh In
There's definitely a perception in American pet culture that cats enjoy drinking milk, but what about pups? Can dogs drink milk? If so, how much is too much?
And if it's not ok, what does lactose intolerance look like in dogs? How about almond milk or coconut milk? Are these acceptable alternatives to regular milk like they are with humans? We answer all these questions below.
Can Dogs Drink Milk?
A little bit of milk is probably a fun treat for a dog. However, what makes it a treat is also what makes it problematic. Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP, notes:
Milk contains a large amount of fat, natural sugars, and calories; it can lead to obesity, pancreatitis, and a variety of other problems if consumed in large amounts. It can also lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, and abdominal pain, even when drunk in moderate amounts.
So, if the question is "Can dogs drink milk?" the answer is a qualified "yes." But they should probably just drink water.
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How Much Milk Can Dogs Drink?
According to the American Kennel Club, "A few tablespoons of cow’s milk or goat’s milk on an occasional basis can be a nice reward for your dog." Again, anything beyond a saucer full (if that) runs the risk of gastrointestinal distress, which is a nice way of saying your dog's got the runs.
And while milk provides calcium and protein, your dog should be getting these elements in their regular diet. So, nutrition-wise, your dog isn't getting much of a health bump from milk.
Lactose Intolerance in Dogs
Lactose intolerance in dogs is similar to that of humans. The small intestine does not make enough lactase, an enzyme that helps digest lactose, the sugar in milk. This is called lactase nonpersistence, and for both people and puppies, it's very common for this condition to begin after weaning off of mother's milk.
However, as veterinarians Krista Williams, BSc, DVM and Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM advise:
It is important to distinguish between a dog's adverse reaction to something he has eaten versus involvement of the immune system and a potential food sensitivity. Food sensitivity or food allergy typically results in skin and (gastrointestinal) signs that require a comprehensive approach to restore the body to a state of balance.
What makes distinguishing the two difficult is that both dairy allergies and lactose intolerance are likely to produce gastrointestinal issues like bloating, cramping, gas, diarrhea, vomiting. However, an allergy will also cause symptoms like rashes, sneezing, and even difficulty breathing.
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Signs of Lactose Intolerance in Dogs
So, what are the symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs? The same as symptoms in humans:
Diarrhea: This is the most common sign, usually occurring within 12 hours of dairy consumption.
Vomiting: Often accompanied by excessive drooling or licking of surfaces.
Bloating: Due to increased gas in the stomach and intestines.
Flatulence: Excessive gas or farting.
Abdominal pain: Dogs may show signs of discomfort.
Symptoms typically start 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming dairy. In mild cases, symptoms should resolve within a day. If symptoms persist for more than a day or the dog appears to be in significant distress, call your vet.
Can Dogs Have Almond Milk?
A couple tablespoons worth of almond milk is unlikely to harm most dogs, but it should probably be offered only as an occasional treat. Almond milk is actually high in fat, which can lead to weight gain over time and, depending on your dog, lead to GI issues like diarrhea and cramping.
Also, it's imperative to read the list of ingredients because almond milk can come with sugar, which is obviously unhealthy, but also additives like xylitol, which is actively toxic to dogs.
Can Dogs Have Coconut Milk?
Coconut milk has some advantages over almond milk. Per PetMD, coconuts contain antioxidants that can boost a dog's immune system, and because they're rich in magnesium, they support heart health and stronger bones, among other benefits.
However, like almond milk, commercial coconut milk can be produced with sugar and other additives, so if you're going to feed this to your dog, find the purest coconut milk possible.
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Proceed with Caution
You probably shouldn't give your dog milk, but if you must, only give it as an occasional treat. Because milk is so naturally fatty, it can be difficult to digest for some dogs, even beyond any possible lactose-intolerance. And almond and coconut milks—while dairy-free alternatives—can come with sugars and other additives, making it at best unhealthy, and at worst toxic.
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