Human babies get their nutrients from milk. Babies require a lot of an enzyme called lactase to break down the nutrients in milk. However, as the babies get older and begin consuming soft food and then eventually solid food, the body reduces lactase production because it serves less of a purpose.
Because of this, only about 65% of people can still digest milk after they turn a certain age. In other words, most people are lactose intolerant.
This is true for most mammals, dogs included. After weaning, dogs who consume a lot of milk and other dairy products may begin to exhibit lactose intolerance symptoms.
If your dog hasn’t eaten in half a day, when they usually get overly excited about food, are they lethargic and avoiding their food bowls? If so, test their attentiveness by luring them with some tempting treats. If they’re still not interested, it’s not just lethargy anymore.
The sudden loss of appetite is a warning sign that something may be wrong with your dog’s stomach or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Look for the culprit in their most recent diet. If milk or any ingredient derived from milk has been consumed, it’s possible that your dog has lactose intolerance and needs medical attention right away.
It is a dog’s natural reflex to vomit in order to get rid of ingested toxins or poisons. The majority of dogs frequently vomit, especially if they are aggressive chewers. However, if they are violently and frequently throwing up after consuming a bowl of milk, it may be because the substance they consumed had an adverse effect on their digestive system.
If your dog starts licking things or drools a lot, that’s a sure sign that they’re about to throw up.
Gas buildup in the GI tract causes a bloated stomach. When bacteria in the intestines break down dietary sugars like lactose, which passes into the colon undigested, they produce this gas.
Pacing, unsuccessful vomiting, trying to vomit but only producing foamy saliva, and restlessness are all indications that your dog is bloated.
Often, your dog’s passing gas is funny rather than alarming. But if it happens more frequently than is typical, it only makes sense to worry that something isn’t quite right. Stop feeding right away if dairy has been consumed in the last few hours.
Because an adult mammal’s body contains relatively little lactase, lactose, the excess sugar in milk that cannot be digested, passes through the digestive system unprocessed. Water draws sugar to the digestive system, which explains why the stool is watery or loose.
Your dog may need to reduce the amount of milk in his diet if you notice diarrhea several hours after giving him milk.
What Is Dog Lactose Intolerance and Why Does It Occur?
After weaning, puppies produce less lactase and can become lactose intolerant. But what is lactase, and why is it important? In short, lactase is an enzyme in the small intestine that digests lactose. So, if your dog has a lactase deficiency, their body does not produce enough lactase enzymes to digest lactose anymore. Dogs exhibit varying levels of lactose intolerance; some experience mild symptoms, while others experience severe clinical signs. This difference is because each dog produces a different amount of lactase. As your dog grows older and enters seniority, their lactase production can drop even lower – as such, older dogs often experience greater lactose intolerance than younger dogs.
Without the puppy’s increased lactase production, milk passes through the adult dog’s GI tract undigested. Milk’s unabsorbed sugar causes diarrhea by attracting water to the colon. The result is flatulence and discomfort because bacteria and sugar ferment in this way. If your dog has a severe lactose intolerance, milk consumption will cause them to vomit and have diarrhea. These symptoms can be dangerous as they lead to dehydration.
Diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, bloating, flatulence, weakness, weight loss, and house accidents are symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs. Your dog may also experience stomach cramps. These symptoms typically appear 30 minutes to two hours after consuming dairy products. Therefore, if your dog exhibits these symptoms within this window, they might be lactose intolerant.
However, before making a final judgment, be sure to consult your veterinarian as these symptoms can also point to other intolerances and health issues. Additionally, avoid testing this theory by giving your dog dairy products because doing so could make your dog very ill. Dogs who exhibit abdominal discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea may be suffering from serious illnesses, so lactose intolerance should not be assumed to be the cause. Similar symptoms are caused by illnesses like the parvovirus and canine distemper, both of which can be fatal if not treated by your veterinarian.
The symptoms of your dog’s lactose intolerance can usually be used to make the diagnosis. It is likely that your dog has significant lactose intolerance if symptoms appear 30 to 2 hours after consuming a dairy product. This diagnosis is not always easy to make because some illnesses resemble lactose intolerance. At some point in their lives, every dog will experience gas, nauseousness, and bloating, but not every instance will indicate a lactase deficiency.
To rule out other conditions, your veterinarian may perform some tests. Your veterinarian may do this by drawing blood for testing or by taking a sample of your dog’s feces to check for parasites like worms. A thorough physical examination can help your dog rule out any additional health issues. A lactose intolerance diagnosis may be made if your dog’s symptoms have no other known causes, according to your veterinarian.
Be sure to explain your dog’s symptoms in detail when you take them to the veterinarian. Record your dog’s symptoms and when they occur. Making a list of the meals your dog consumed prior to the onset of the symptoms will also be helpful. If you’re not sure, is there any proof that your dog consumed dairy products? Are there any other potential causes of their symptoms?
The best way to treat lactose intolerance in dogs is to keep them away from dairy products that make their symptoms worse. You might be surprised by the products on the list because many foods—some of which you might not expect—contain dairy. Because of this, many owners are shocked to learn that their dog exhibits lactose intolerance symptoms after consuming seemingly harmless foods. Because they do not give their pets common dairy products, some owners do not associate their dog’s symptoms with the intolerance.
Milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, frozen yogurt, ice cream, buttermilk, whey, sour cream, and whipped cream are some of the most popular dairy products. Breaded or batter-dipped meats will also often contain lactose. Dairy products can be found in a variety of foods, including canned tuna, hot dogs, and processed meats. Lactose may also be present in crackers, tortillas, breakfast cereals, bread, and soups.
Precautions for a Lactose Intolerant Dog
First and foremost, make sure there are no dairy products on the labels of the food you give your dog. The majority of commercial dog foods do not contain lactose, but occasionally you may find one that is made with cheese powder. Once you’re certain that the food you feed your dog is lactose-free, be sure to steer clear of all dairy products as well. Keep your dog’s access to your dairy snacks restricted. Consider putting dairy products in a more secure part of your house if your dog raids the cabinets.
Your veterinarian may suggest probiotics if your dog has severe lactose intolerance in order to help manage any symptoms that may occur. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that aid in your dog’s digestion and nutrient absorption. They can help to lessen gas and firm up your dog’s stools. Because diarrhea, gas, and bloating are common symptoms of lactose intolerance, taking a probiotics regimen may help to lessen these unpleasant side effects. Ask your vet about dairy-free probiotics for your dog!.
Can dogs have dairy?
Dairy is safe for dogs to consume in small quantities.
In fact, cheese can be a tasty treat or a convenient way to administer your dog’s medication, and he’ll go absolutely crazy for the occasional Starbucks Puppuccino or scoop of vanilla ice cream, if his stomach can handle it. But because dairy often contains sugar and has a lot of fat, your dog shouldn’t consume too much of it.
Dogs may also be lactose intolerant, meaning that even a small amount of dairy can result in digestive issues.
FAQ
How do u know if your dog is lactose intolerant?
- Toileting accidents in the house.
- Abdominal pain.
- Bloating.
- Dehydration.
- Diarrhea.
- Excessive thirst.
- Vomiting.
- Weakness.
Are most dogs lactose intolerant?
Many dogs struggle to digest milk because they are lactose intolerant. Although cheese and plain yogurt are typically easier to digest than milk, some lactose-intolerant dogs can still consume them. Other pups may have adverse reactions to dairy in general.
How do you test a dog for lactose intolerance?
Diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, bloating, flatulence, weakness, weight loss, and house accidents are symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs. Your dog may also experience stomach cramps. These symptoms typically appear 30 minutes to two hours after consuming dairy products.
What can I give my dog for lactose intolerant?
Try giving your dog a dairy substitute like almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk if they do have digestive issues after consuming dairy. (Just make sure the plant-based milk doesn’t contain additives like xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs, or artificial flavors or sweeteners. ).