Milk is a product which is rich in Vitamin-D and calcium. We, people love drinking milk. But that doesn’t mean our dog needs it too. It is true that dogs love drinking milk. But do you know that dogs are lactose intolerant?
YES!
If you feed your dog with milk or dairy products on a daily basis, it can cause them painful bloating, gas, rashes and diarrhea. So, avoid feeding your dog with large or regular servings of milk.
It is true that your dog won’t turn down while having milk or other dairy products, but they don’t understand what havoc can wreck their digestive system. Some dogs have trouble consuming milk but digest other dairy products easily.
Many dogs efficiently consume milk without having any adverse effects. Apart from Vitamin-D and calcium, milk contains phosphorus, riboflavin and Vitamin B12. Milk significantly helps in the growth and metabolic processes in a dog.
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How to know that my Dog is Lactose Intolerant?
If you are planning to give milk to your dog, then it is essential for you to be aware of the symptoms of lactose intolerant. The most common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Loose stools
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Gas
Most of the dog owners fail in knowing that their dog is lactose intolerant. And yes, it is tricky to determine about a dog’s lactose intolerance. And it is because most dogs consume milk and dairy products in large amount which leads to vomiting and diarrhea.
But if your dog shows any of the symptoms mentioned above just after consuming little amount of milk, then you need to get your dog checked with a Veterinarian.
The body needs an enzyme to utilize the lactose, and dogs don’t have that enzyme in their bodies. And thus, lactose is useless to a dog’s body. Puppies thrive on mother’s milk which is entirely different from a cow’s milk.
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What amount of Milk can Dogs drink?
Milk is one of the safest treats for your dogs if given in small quantity. But avoid giving your dog a bowl full of milk in one sitting because it can wreck their digestive system. Without any side effects, you can give your dog a few tablespoons of milk occasionally.
You might want to know the reason that, ‘why we should give our dog milk in small quantity?’
It is because milk has natural sugars and is high in fats. If you offer your dog milk in large quantity, then it can affect the dog’s diet and lead to severe conditions, including pancreatitis and obesity.
Can I give my Dog some milk?
Many of you might be thinking of asking a question to me that ‘Is it safe to give my dog some milk?’
Finally, I can answer this now.
If you don’t want your dog to suffer from intestinal problems, then you should offer milk to your dog in small quantities. Dogs can consume milk but remember, in a small portion. Even if your dog doesn’t respond well to milk in his/her diet, then consult a veterinarian to know the appropriate amount of milk.
Your dog should have a moderated, balanced and well-rounded diet. Too much of anything in your dog’s diet can make your dog miserable and unhealthy. For six to eight weeks, a dog weans on mother’s milk and can quickly consume solid food.
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The last question, “Is milk good or bad for dogs?”
Milk is bad for dogs if a dog develops lactose intolerance which means that symptoms will show up in the digestive system of a dog.
Milk is good for dogs that show no signs of lactose intolerance. So, you can give your dog a milk diet in moderation.
Milk isn’t necessary for an adult dog, and too much of it can cause them digestive problems. So, there is a lot of different dog’s food available on the market. Give them a suitable treat.
