Milk, the only essential food for puppies under 2 months old
In dogs, as in all mammals, milk is the first food they receive in their lives. It is even essential to feed a puppy and ensure optimal growth until weaning, which occurs around 6 to 8 weeks.
Until weaning, the puppy must therefore be fed with breast milk or, failing that, with puppy formula whose formulation specifically meets its nutritional needs and digestive abilities.
Note that cow's milk, goat's milk, sheep's milk or even human breast milk are not suitable for the needs of the small dog because all these milks are not nutritious enough for him.
Read also: Puppy milk, how to choose it well?Can you give milk to an adult dog?
In adult dogs, the activity of the enzyme (lactase) that helps digest the sugar present in milk (lactose) decreases or even disappears completely. As a result, most adult dogs become somewhat "lactose intolerant" . Understand by this that they are no longer able to digest milk properly and that this food causes them diarrhea, bloating and gas. This is the case for all milks, which all contain lactose, regardless of the species of origin.
For these reasons, it is therefore strongly advised not to give milk to an adult dog.
Can my dog be allergic to milk?
Milk is a food that contains protein and is therefore likely to cause allergies in dogs in the same way as other foods.In dogs, a milk allergy usually causes diarrhea, vomiting and/or itchy or red skin. However, this allergy is quite rare in dogs.
Is milk an anti-poison for dogs?
You may have already heard that you should give milk to a dog that has ingested a toxic substance in order to limit the signs of poisoning. This belief is totally false, even dangerous for the he alth of your animal. Milk can accelerate the passage of the toxin through the animal's body.
If your dog has swallowed a toxic substance, it is best not to give him anything to eat or drink without the advice of your veterinarian or a veterinary poison control center, which should be contacted immediately. if applicable.
Can milk be useful for dogs in case of constipation?
No! If milk has the effect of causing diarrhea in adult dogs, it should not be given to them with the idea of counterbalancing a constipation problem.
To relieve your dog of his constipation, there are other more effective and safe solutions detailed in our article en titled "my dog is constipated" .
And dairy?
If the adult dog does not digest milk well, he generally tolerates dairy products such as yogurt or cheese very well. In these dairy products, the lactose (the sugar that the dog has trouble digesting) has been degraded during fermentation by lactic ferments so that only traces remain!
Also read: Can you give cheese to a dog?