Is it ok to give dogs milk?

[poohbear123]

Can dogs drink milk? We went to meet a dog today that we may be adopting and the owner puts 2% milk in with his food. I have never heard of doing this. Is this a good thing to do or not? Please let me know if you have any thoughts or ideas about this.

[heidiho]

I never have either and would not to it myself.Never heard of a dog getting milk..

[SSAC]

I used to have an Old English sheepdog that would only drink milk (100%skimmed). It didn't harm her, it was started by her 1st owners and we couldn't get her to drink water. no matter what we tried.

However........it's not a good idea to give animals milk as most are or become lactose intolerant. I would start with water and stick with just water. If concerned about nutrients, speak with your vet about a vitamin/mineral supplement. Most animals are not lacking in this area though and too much calcium can be just as harmful as too little.

[Luba]

Some people do it but it can cause diarrhea

What kind of dog and how old is the little fur ball?

[poohbear123]

It is a lab/retriever he is 1 1/2 yrs old. I have never heard of giving a dog milk can this harm him? If we adopt him will i be able to stop putting milk in his food? I will ask the owners why they do this.

[Spoiled]

I don't think it is a very good idea. My dog had milk and it didn't bother him, but I wouldn't give it to him regularily. It can upset the dog's tummy.

[Luba]

OH geeze it's a young adult!
Don't bother with the milk but a little plain yogurt is fine

[poohbear123]

What's the difference between milk or yogurt? Do you think maybe he doesn't like the food so he will only eat it with milk on it? I guess I will have to see if he comes to live with us....I should know by friday.

[Luba]

The yogurt is cultured and contains beneficial bacteria to promote healthy g.i tract. The milk is not

[poohbear123]

Oh i see! Thanks for explaining that.

[CandyCane]

My westie pup was fed on milky feeds such as Readybrek and rice pudding. I wasn't sure about this and before long she was ill with constipation and a gastric bug. The vet told me to take her straight off the milk and start her straight on dry puppy food. I would say ring up your vet and ask him, because they are the true experts about nutrition.

[Cactus Flower]

When we were trying to nurse Raj back to a healthy weight (when we first got her), I gave her lots of white bread soaked in unskimmed fatty milk. It didn't bother her a bit and did put weight on her. I stopped after she put some weight on. I think it varies from dog to dog how much (if any) it bothers them, but I wouldn't recommend it being a daily and part of their diet forever. My vet asked what made me think of milk and white bread, and I told him that's what puts weight on ME (unfortunately), so.....

[poohbear123]

When I take him for his check up sometime next week I will ask the vet. Thanks for your help. He should be coming to live with us tomorrow. I am so excited.

[Spoiled]

Make sure to post pictures