Answer

This is a very good question! Few dog owners know that most dogs tend to be lactose intolerant. This means that they lack the enzyme beta lactamase, which allows the digestive system to break down the kind of sugar contained in milk.

Dogs that lack this enzyme end up with a lot of undigested sugar in their intestinal tract, which creates a wonderful breeding environment for bacteria. When a lot of bacteria grows in the intestinal tract it can irritate the stomach and intestine and cause vomiting and diarrhea. These are the same problems that occur in lactose-intolerant people.

That being said, while many dogs are lactose intolerant, some are not. Some dogs love the taste of milk and other dairy products and won’t have any stomach or intestinal problems when they get some as a treat.

The bottom line is, it may be okay to give your dog a small amount of milk if it doesn’t cause her any vomiting, diarrhea, or other discomfort. Check with your veterinarian first to be sure it won’t cause your pooch any health problems or interfere with his diet.