Can Dogs Drink Milk?
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
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We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
Most of us have at least some milk or dairy products in our home.
If you aren’t a fan of milk, there are all sorts of other types of dairy products that we can enjoy like cottage cheese, yogurt, and sour cream. The list is endless.
Dairy products can add a lot of variety to our diet as well as provide us with protein and are a great source of calcium.
So when you are eating some cottage cheese or drinking milk, can you share some with your dog?
The answer is, sometimes.
There are some dairy products that are OK for dogs in small amounts, but for the most part, it’s best not to give your dog any dairy.
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Is Milk or Dairy Unsafe For Dogs?
Some dogs will have no issues with digesting any milk or dairy products.
There are, however, some dogs that will get very bad stomach aches or gas when consuming any milk or dairy.
Milk itself is also high in calories (regular milk) and fat which can add unnecessary calories to a dog’s diet.
Whether you can give your dog any dairy or milk really depends on how your dog digests lactose which is found in milk and dairy products.
Lactose is a nutrient that is a combination of two different sugar molecules that have been linked together chemically.
In order for a dog to be able to properly break down the sugar, the pup needs to be able to produce lactase.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
Some dogs lack the enzyme that allows them to produce lactase causing them indigestion or much worse when eating dairy.
A dog that is unable to digest lactose properly, like humans, is called lactose intolerant.
If you are interested in learning more about the food items that are safe and not so safe for our dogs, our ultimate safe food guide can give you some guidance.
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Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance In Dogs
A dog that is lactose intolerant, because they are unable to digest the lactose properly, can have severe intestinal upset.
If your dog has any of the following symptoms after eating dairy, your pup is probably lactose intolerant:
- Runny Diarrhea
- Gas
- Vomiting
- Pancreatitis (In Severe Cases)
If your dog eats dairy or drinks milk and has any of the following conditions, please take your dog to the vet immediately.
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Some Dogs Are Allergic to Milk
While it’s very rare, a dog can be allergic to the protein content in milk.
If your dog has milk allergies, they will usually have the below symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Hives
- Swelling
- Diarrhea
And, of course, take your dog to the vet if they have an allergic reaction to milk.
When Can Dogs Have Milk or Dairy?
If a dog isn’t lactose intolerant, a few tablespoons of cow or goat’s milk can be a nice treat for your pup sparingly.
A bowl or cup of milk would most likely cause gastric upset.
If you want to share some other dairy products that for a pup that is not lactose intolerant, cheese and eggs are always a safe choice.
Low fat cottage cheese can also be offered to your pup sparingly.
So, depending on the food, look for dairy products with the lowest lactose amounts.
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Other Food That Is Unsafe For Dogs
It’s best to keep the following common food items away from dogs as well as they are unsafe or even toxic for your pup:
- Avocados
- Almonds
- Chocolate
- Corn on the Cob
- Macadamia Nuts
- Mushrooms
- Onions & Garlic
- Popcorn
- Tomatoes
- Grapes & Raisins
- Xylitol
Safe Food Choices For Dogs
The following food, fruits, and vegetables can safely be shared with your dogs in small amounts:
How Pet Insurance Can Help With Lactose Intolerance
If your dog drinks too much milk or has an adverse reaction to any care, there’s a good chance your pup will need emergency pet care.
You will need to get your dog treatment ASAP to make sure they get rid of the milk in his systems as well as the other symptoms that accompany the reaction.
It’s at times like these where it’s very helpful to have a pet insurance plan.
Most medical bills turn out to be way more than you anticipated which is when having pet insurance is a real benefit.
Of course, pet insurance can help pay for the bill for lactose intolerance or any medical condition.
We recommend Healthy Paws as the #1 pet health insurance provider!
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If you are enrolled in the top companies like Healthy Paws, Petplan or even Embrace, these providers will pay anywhere from 80% to 90% of your medical bill,
and any further treatment that might be necessary.
These are one of the many scenarios when pet insurance is certainly worth the cost!
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Can You Share Milk or Dairy With Your Pup?
If your dog isn’t lactose intolerant and you want to share some dairy with your dog, always do so in small doses.
Eggs and cheese are relatively safe as well as some of the very low lactose dairy products.
A dog doesn’t really need milk. It can just be an occasional treat if your dog can tolerate it.
And only a tablespoon at a time and not a whole bowl or cup.
If you want to share other dairy products occasionally with your pup, talk to your vet first to see if they are OK with it.
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The Ultimate Guide to Safe Foods for Dogs
Finding safe alternative foods for your dogs to eat can be tricky. We have a long list of articles about every food you could possibly consider feeding your dog. One thing we recommend is that you consider looking into pet insurance for your pet and you can start by checking out the best rates for dog and puppy insurance.
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Can Dogs Eat Grapes and Raisins?
Why You Should NEVER Give Xylitol to Your Dog
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs drink milk?
While some dairy products are okay for dogs in small amounts, it’s generally best not to give them any dairy. Dogs’ ability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk, varies, and lactose intolerance can lead to stomach upset.
Is milk or dairy unsafe for dogs?
Some dogs can digest milk without issues, but others may experience stomach aches or gas. Milk is high in calories and fat, potentially adding unnecessary calories to a dog’s diet. Lactose intolerance, where a dog lacks the enzyme to digest lactose, can cause digestive problems.
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs?
Dogs that are lactose intolerant may experience severe intestinal upset, including symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and gas. If these symptoms occur after consuming dairy, it’s essential to consult a vet.
Can dogs be allergic to milk?
While rare, some dogs can be allergic to the protein content in milk. Allergic reactions may include itching, swelling, or digestive issues. Immediate veterinary attention is necessary if an allergic reaction occurs.
When can dogs have milk or dairy?
If a dog isn’t lactose intolerant, small amounts of cow or goat’s milk, cheese, and eggs can be safe treats. Low-fat cottage cheese is also an option. It’s crucial to choose dairy products with the lowest lactose amounts.
What are unsafe food choices for dogs?
Common foods unsafe for dogs include chocolate, grapes, onions, and certain nuts. It’s crucial to keep these foods away from dogs to prevent harm.
How can pet insurance help with lactose intolerance?
If a dog has an adverse reaction to milk, emergency pet care may be required. Pet insurance, such as plans from providers like Healthy Paws, can help cover a significant portion of medical bills, offering financial support during unexpected situations.
Can you share milk or dairy with your pup?
If your dog isn’t lactose intolerant, small doses of dairy like eggs and cheese can be shared occasionally. However, it’s recommended to consult with a vet before introducing new dairy products into a dog’s diet.
What other articles may be helpful for pet owners?
Additional articles cover topics such as exotic pet insurance, the best pet insurance by state, and a guide to safe foods for dogs. These resources provide valuable information for responsible pet ownership.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.