Can dogs drink milk: what you need to know about milk and dogs

Although milk isn’t directly harmful to dogs, it can cause digestive problems in many adult dogs due to lactose intolerance. It’s best to limit or avoid milk and other dairy products in your dog’s diet. If you do want to give your dog milk, opt for lactose-free varieties or special dog’s milk. Remember that water remains the safest and healthiest option for your dog.

Is milk bad for dogs?

Generally speaking, milk is not toxic to dogs, but it can cause problems for some dogs. Dogs that are lactose intolerant may experience symptoms such as diarrhoea, flatulence, vomiting and abdominal pain after drinking milk. This is because these dogs do not produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose in the body. How much lactase an adult dog still makes partly comes down to genetics. A whole-genome study found the lactase-persistence gene variant in 91.7% of European dogs, compared with just 6.1% of wolves, a sign of how closely dogs adapted to a dairy-eating human diet over the past few thousand years [1].

What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs?

Dogs with lactose intolerance often show the following symptoms shortly after drinking milk:

• Diarrhoea
• Flatulence
• Vomiting
• Stomach ache and bloating
• Excessive thirst or lethargy

If your dog shows these symptoms after drinking milk, they may be lactose intolerant.

Can puppies drink milk?

Puppies are able to drink milk, but only during their first few weeks of life. This is because they produce enough lactase to break down the lactose in their mother’s milk. As they get older and are weaned off their mother’s milk, lactase production decreases, leading to lactose intolerance in many adult dogs.

Although some dogs can tolerate small amounts of milk without any problems, it is important to be cautious and monitor how your dog reacts.

How much milk can a dog drink?

If you choose to give your dog milk, do so in moderation. Too much milk can not only lead to stomach and intestinal problems, but also contribute to weight gain due to the sugars and fats it contains. A small amount, such as a few tablespoons, is usually harmless, but always watch for any adverse reactions in your dog.

Are there alternatives to milk that dogs can drink?

If your dog does not react well to milk, there are safer alternatives:

• Lactose-free milk: These types of milk contain no lactose and are therefore easier for dogs to digest.
• Specially formulated dog milk: There are milk products available in shops that have been specially developed for dogs, either lactose-free or with lower fat content.
• Water: The best and safest drink for dogs is simply water. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water.

Is cheese or yoghurt better for dogs than milk?

Dogs often tolerate cheese or yoghurt better than milk, as a large proportion of the lactose is broken down during the fermentation process of these products. However, these dairy products should also be given in moderation, especially to dogs with sensitive stomachs or a tendency to become overweight.

What else can dogs drink besides water?

Apart from water, there are a few drinks that dogs can have in small quantities:

• Bone broth: This provides nutrients and may be more appealing to dogs that struggle to drink enough.
• Lactose-free milk or milk products specially developed for dogs.

Can dogs drink milk as a treat?

Milk can occasionally be given as a treat to dogs that tolerate it well, but it is important to monitor how your dog reacts to it. Small amounts are usually safe, but it is not an essential addition to your dog’s diet.

What happens if a dog drinks too much milk?

If a dog drinks too much milk, especially if it is lactose intolerant, this can lead to serious digestive problems. These can range from flatulence and diarrhoea to vomiting and dehydration in severe cases. If your dog shows such symptoms after drinking milk, stop giving it dairy products and consult a veterinarian if necessary.

Are dogs lactose intolerant?

Many dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning their bodies do not produce enough lactase to break down the lactose in milk. This is particularly true of adult dogs. Puppies, on the other hand, tolerate lactose better because they produce lactase whilst they are still drinking their mother’s milk. After weaning, lactase production drops off, and that decline is what usually causes the intolerance.