Milk for dogs, The best source of nutrition for nursing puppies is their mother’s milk; however, due to various reasons, not all puppies may have access to their mother’s milk. In such cases, they require an appropriate substitute that can provide essential nutrients for their growth.
Most people use cow’s milk or goat’s milk to feed puppies, which is highly optimal. These types of milk have different compositions and concentrations of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and minerals that can cause digestive problems.
Moreover, some puppies may also be lactose intolerant or have sensitivity to lactose, which is the sugar present in milk, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence, stomach pain, and dehydration. Therefore, milk for dogs is good as long as it is lactose-free.
Can Dogs Drink Milk? 4 Health Risks of Milk for Dogs
As we mentioned, milk contains a high amount of lactose, which requires an enzyme called lactase for digestion. This enzyme is only present in the bodies of newborn puppies that are still nourished by their mother’s milk. Dogs that consume solid food are deficient in this enzyme and therefore cannot digest lactose properly. So, if you provide milk containing lactose to such an animal, it may encounter various adverse effects. That is why milk is considered harmful to dogs. Here are some of the disadvantages:
-
Stomach-ache
Stomach ache is one of the most common discomforts experienced by dogs when they consume excessive amounts of cow or goat milk. This is because excessive lactose consumption leads to bacterial fermentation in the dog’s large intestine, which is usually accompanied by severe bloating and subsequent stomach pain. Therefore, the consumption of such milk for dogs is harmful
-
Diarrhea
You may wonder why lactose is harmful to a dog’s body and causes discomfort. In fact, after ingestion, lactose remains undigested and passes through the digestive system to the large intestine. Along with this undigested sugar, water is also transported to the large intestine, resulting in diarrhea in dogs.
-
Vomiting
In more severe cases of gastrointestinal disturbances caused by the consumption of lactose-containing milk, apart from diarrhea, it can also lead to vomiting in dogs. Consequently, they may lose a significant amount of water, which can be potentially dangerous if it continues.
-
Pancreatitis
One of the most serious diseases that can result from the consumption of milk for dogs (lactose-containing) is pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is essentially an inflammatory reaction in the pancreas. As a result of this inflammation, discomforts such as vomiting, reduced appetite, and abdominal pain occur, which can be extremely distressing.
What kind of milk is safe for your dog?
The bodies of newborn puppies naturally have a substantial amount of lactase enzyme due to their nutritional requirement for mother’s milk. However, this enzyme is only present in their bodies as long as they are being nourished with mother’s milk and gradually diminishes as they transition to solid food until it is completely gone.
Therefore, for newly born puppies, alongside mother’s milk, pasteurized milk can be used. However, once the puppy starts eating solid food, it is better to use lactose-free milk for their nutrition.
To buy lactose-free milk for adult dogs and puppies, you can visit pet shops and specialized animal pharmacies. Moreover, numerous online sales websites specialize in selling various products related to pets, where individuals can browse and order their desired products, such as lactose-free milk, online while studying the product details.
Additionally, for essential consultation in the field of good Milk for dogs, you can seek advice from relevant experts through the Center of Dog Care in Dubai.
Tips for Feeding Milk to Dogs
Here are some suggestions to help you safely and effectively feed Milk for dogs:
- Always consult with a veterinarian before giving any type of milk to your puppies. The veterinarian can suggest the best type, amount, and frequency of milk based on the age, weight, health status, and breed of the puppies.
- Always use clean and sterilized bottles, bottle nipples, syringes, or containers for feeding the puppies. Following each usage, make sure to thoroughly wash them with hot water and soap and store them in a dry and hygienic place.
- Always monitor the puppies for any signs of allergic reactions or milk intolerance. These might encompass symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, itching, hives, swelling, or breathing difficulties. If any of these symptoms are noticed, immediately discontinue the milk feeding and contact a veterinarian at the Center of Dog Care in Dubai.