can-dogs-drink-milk

Everyone sees Cat drinking milk like it is their favorite thing in the entire world. But the same can’t be said for their four-legged counterpart mates. The answer to the question can Dogs drink milk is the highly doubtful case. Many dogs don’t have any problem while drinking cow’s or goat’s milk but some of them have a negative impact on drinking milk.

Many Dog owners have found this situation really intimidating. They don’t know whether they can give their dogs milk or not. It is an important question because many owners had reported that their dogs had some ill effects when they drank milk. It is not the incapability of the dogs that they can’t drink milk, but it is the consequences the owners are worried about. Mostly dogs drink milk readily, but in rare cases, some dogs are lactose intolerant.

 

Why Dogs Can’t Drink Milk?

Milk contains a compound called lactose which is the sugar in it. In humans, there is an enzyme called Lactase that helps in breaking down the lactose. The same enzyme is found in Dogs which has the same function. But some of them are lactose intolerant, which means that the amount of enzyme presents in their body is significantly less. That affects the dog’s digestive system and has other adverse effects on their entire system.

Dogs who suffer from Lactose Intolerance can’t drink milk and eat other dairy products like cheese, plain yogurt, and others. And in case they east them mistakenly then it will lead to some health issues in dogs.

 

What Ill Effects Does Milk Have on Dogs?

Without the vital enzyme that helps the body to digest the sugar in milk, the dogs will suffer from various symptoms that can further affect their health. Some of the dogs only suffer from mild symptoms, but some of them get severe ailments due to sole negligence.

The most common symptoms in dogs that signify that your dogs are lactose intolerant are given below:

  • You will notice that your dogs have excessive gas in their system.
  • They will vomit unexpectedly and more frequently.
  • There might even be some rashes on their stomach and the area around it.
  • The dogs will become slow, weak and suffer from lethargy.
  • You will also hear some rumbling sound from their abdomen. Sometimes the sound can be loud.
  • Moreover, the dog’s appetite will also reduce significantly.

Some other symptoms can arise like your dog’s bones will become weak, and they will hardly move around the house. But don’t worry; your dog can be adequately treated only if you observe the symptoms at the very beginning of the illness.

 

What if the Case is Severe?

Sometimes, the excess intake of milk or other dairy product can be harmful to the dogs. Mostly the consumption of high-fat dairy products leads to a severe disease called Pancreatitis in which their whole Pancreas becomes inflamed. Then the dog will need to be hospitalized immediately so that they can be appropriately treated. They are taken under 24-hour monitoring and intensive care. The doctors provide anti-vomiting medicine, intravenous fluids, nutritional support, and antibiotics too.

There can also be symptoms of a bacterial infection that should even be cured. So instead of exposing your dogs to such a high risk, you must avoid leaving out such kind of food items in open where the dogs can eat them.

 

What To Do If Your Dog Drink Milk?

Whether it is a little licking of some kind of ice cream or a piece of cheese mixed in food, the intake of dairy products indeed leads to some discomfort and indigestion in dogs, but it doesn’t mean that they won’t recover from their condition. You can follow the most straightforward steps mentioned below to take proper care of your dog.

 

Step 1

Give your dogs a large amount of fresh and clean water to drink. The more water they drink, the quicker they will recover from their condition. Depending upon the amount of milk he drank, he might vomit and feel dehydrated afterward. So, the water will cleanse up his digestive system.

 

Step 2

Take your dog for a frequent bathroom break as it will remove the gastrointestinal problem and diarrhea will also take its toll on him. The dog will poop more often as his body might be trying to clear up the system.

 

Step 3

If the dog is suffering from itchiness and rashes, then give him an oatmeal bath as it will sooth up the rashes and help him to relax.

 

The most important thing that has to be remembered is that you take care of such a situation in the future. Ensure that milk is entirely out of reach of dogs. And if you want to give your dogs some milk to drink than you can buy the lactose-free milk specially made for them. You can try canned milk or formulated milk that would have benefits of real milk without the side effects of lactose.

 

When Can Dogs Drink Milk Safely?

People often think that if a puppy can drink his/her mother milk than why can’t he/she drink cow’s or goat’s milk. But instead of judging it on your own, you have to take your dog to a veterinarian that can diagnose its entire system. As soon as the report came out positive, you are good to go. But unfortunately, if your dog is lactose intolerant, then you will have to take some preventive steps for his well being.

 

Conclusion

Now, you know the answer to the question, whether Dogs can drink milk or not? We certainly hope that you will avoid giving your dog a considerable amount of dairy products and maintain a minimal amount of serving for them. The Higher the amount of lactose in the product, the higher the risk will be. So, always consult a veterinarian before giving any new food item to your dog.

Take care of your Dogs!

 

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