Can Dogs Drink Milk? 3 Health Risks of Milk for Dogs

Dogs cannot drink milk. Do not give your dog regular quantities of cow’s milk since the fat, calories, and lactose can cause many short-term and long-term health issues, including stomach upset, diarrhea, obesity, and pancreatitis. If your dog drinks a significant amount of cow’s milk, monitor them for signs of an upset stomach and consult your veterinarian.

Do not give your dog cow’s milk because it can result in the following health issues:

1. 1. Digestive problems: Your dog’s stomach can’t efficiently digest large amounts of fat, so foods high in saturated fats and natural sugar—especially whole milk—can lead to side effects like gastrointestinal upset, bloat, and other digestive problems. Long-term problems of overeating high-fat food include an increased risk of heart disease and pancreatitis, or the swelling of the pancreas.
2. 2. Lactose intolerance: Just like humans, many dogs can lack the digestive enzyme lactase, making it difficult for them to digest dairy products (including cow’s milk, cheddar cheese, and ice cream). Intolerance to milk products is one of the most common food allergies in dogs. Symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs include bloating, flatulence, an upset stomach, abdominal pain, loose stool, and diarrhea.
3. 3. Weight gain: Dogs should eat fewer calories per day than humans, and with calorie-dense drinks like milk, calories can quickly add up and exceed your dog’s ideal daily limit. While excess calories may not cause problems immediately, long-term health effects include weight gain and obesity.

Different kinds of milk have different effects on your dog’s digestive system. Here are a few common types of milk and advice for dog owners about whether or not the milk product is safe for pets:

• Almond milk: A lactose-free milk made from almonds and water, almond milk is safe for lactose-intolerant dogs as an occasional treat drizzled over dog food.
• Flavored milk: Some types of milk include flavorings like strawberry, chocolate, or vanilla—these flavored milks are higher in sugar and fat content and are not safe as dog treats. In addition, some flavored milks can contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs even in small amounts.
• Goat’s milk: Like cow’s milk, goat’s milk has a high lactose content that makes it unsafe for dogs with lactose intolerance.
• Mother’s milk: The milk from a puppy's mother is safe. While the milk that adult dogs produce after birth contains lactose, nursing puppies’ digestive tracts overproduce the enzyme lactase to help them break down their mother’s milk. It’s only as they mature that their bodies slow lactase production. If nursing-aged puppies need milk but don’t have an available mother to nurse from, avoid substituting cow’s milk; instead, opt for commercial dog milk substitutes.
• Oat milk: A lactose-free milk made from oats and water, oat milk doesn’t have the dangers of lactose intolerance that cow’s milk does, so it’s safe for dogs in small amounts.
• Plain yogurt: A milk derivative, plain yogurt includes lactose and is unsafe for lactose-intolerant dogs.
• Soy milk: A lactose-free milk consisting of soybeans and water, soy milk doesn’t have the dangers of lactose intolerance that cow’s milk does, so it’s safe for dogs in small quantities.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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