Can dogs be lactose intolerant? In short, yes, but only sometimes. This can depend on a dog’s breed. Here’s how to tell if your dog can have dairy.
Can dogs be lactose intolerant? In short, yes, but only sometimes. This can depend on a dog’s breed. Here’s how to tell if your dog can have dairy.
If you’re asking, “Can dogs be lactose intolerant?,” you may have already noticed some of the signs of this condition in your dog. Much like people, dogs can be lactose intolerant, and the ones that are will experience digestive discomfort whenever they eat dairy. But, many dogs can eat dairy and feel fine. And some dairy products, like cheese or Himalayan dog chews, can make excellent training aids. Learning to recognize the signs of lactose intolerance in dogs will help you determine if your pup can eat dairy.
Lactose intolerance doesn’t affect all dogs the same way. It occurs on a sliding scale with a range of symptoms. Some lactose intolerant dogs will experience symptoms from even a small amount of dairy, while others will need to eat more dairy products before symptoms emerge.
Learn what causes lactose intolerance in dogs, how to recognize the symptoms, and how to determine if your dog should eat dairy.
Ever caught your furry friend eyeing your ice cream bowl or cheese plate with those irresistible puppy eyes? While sharing might seem like a kind gesture, dairy products could actually be causing your dog significant discomfort if they’re lactose intolerant. As a pet parent, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of lactose intolerance in dogs to keep your four-legged companion happy and healthy.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about lactose intolerance in dogs from recognizing symptoms to managing their diet properly. Let’s dive right in!
What Exactly Is Lactose Intolerance in Dogs?
Before we jump into the symptoms let’s understand what’s happening in your dog’s digestive system. Lactose intolerance occurs when your dog’s body doesn’t produce enough of an enzyme called lactase. This enzyme is specifically designed to break down lactose which is the primary sugar found in milk and dairy products.
As Dr. Jaclyn M. Coble, a veterinarian, explains, “An enzyme lactase deficiency causes lactose intolerance in dogs. When dogs don’t produce enough lactase, they can’t properly digest lactose, resulting in unwanted symptoms.”
Interestingly, most puppies naturally produce lactase to digest their mother’s milk. However, as they grow older and are weaned (typically around 4 weeks of age), many dogs lose the ability to produce sufficient lactase. This is actually normal in the animal kingdom – most adult mammals aren’t designed to consume milk after infancy.
7 Common Signs Your Dog Might Be Lactose Intolerant
If you’re wondering whether your dog can handle dairy, here are the key symptoms to watch for after they consume milk, cheese, ice cream, or other dairy products:
- Diarrhea – The most common and obvious sign, usually occurring within 12 hours of consuming dairy
- Vomiting – Your dog may throw up after consuming dairy products
- Gas and flatulence – Excessive farting, more than your dog’s usual amount
- Bloating – Their stomach may appear swollen or they might seem uncomfortable
- Abdominal pain – Your dog might whine, pace, or adopt a “prayer position” (front end down, rear end up)
- Reduced appetite – They may show less interest in food due to stomach discomfort
- Lethargy – Your dog might seem less energetic or interested in activities
Dr. Ari Aycock-Williams, a veterinary expert, notes that these symptoms typically appear within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming dairy products, though it can sometimes take up to 12 hours.
Is My Dog Just Lactose Intolerant or Could It Be Something Else?
An important distinction to make is between lactose intolerance and a true dairy allergy. While they may share some symptoms, they’re different conditions:
- Lactose intolerance is a digestive issue related to the inability to break down lactose sugar
- Dairy allergy involves an immune system response to proteins in milk
If your dog has a dairy allergy, they might experience additional symptoms like:
- Skin irritation
- Itching
- Hives
- Facial swelling
- Sneezing
- Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
If you notice any respiratory symptoms or severe reactions, contact your vet immediately as this could indicate an allergic reaction rather than lactose intolerance.
Factors That Might Make Your Dog More Likely to Be Lactose Intolerant
While any dog can be lactose intolerant, certain factors might increase the likelihood:
1. Breed Predisposition
Some breeds seem to have higher rates of lactose intolerance, including:
- Bulldogs
- Boxers
- Dalmatians
2. Age
As dogs get older, their ability to produce lactase often decreases, making them more prone to developing lactose intolerance later in life.
3. Genetics
If your dog’s parents or siblings have difficulty digesting dairy, your dog might be predisposed to lactose intolerance due to genetic factors.
4. Previous GI Issues
Dogs with a history of gastrointestinal problems might be more sensitive to lactose.
How to Test If Your Dog Is Lactose Intolerant
The most straightforward way to determine if your dog is lactose intolerant is through an elimination trial. Here’s how you can do it (with your vet’s guidance):
- Remove all dairy from your dog’s diet for at least 2 weeks
- Document any changes in their digestion or overall well-being
- Reintroduce a small amount of dairy and observe for symptoms
- Consult with your vet about your findings
Your veterinarian might also recommend:
- Physical examination
- Discussion of your dog’s symptoms and diet
- In some cases, specific tests like lactose tolerance tests
The Different Types of Dairy and Their Impact
Not all dairy products affect lactose intolerant dogs the same way. Here’s a breakdown:
| Dairy Product | Lactose Content | Risk Level for Lactose Intolerant Dogs |
|---|---|---|
| Cow’s Milk | ~5% | High |
| Ice Cream | Variable, often high | High |
| Butter | 0.8-1% | Lower (but high in fat) |
| Cheese | Varies by type | Varies (aged cheeses are lower) |
| Yogurt | Contains beneficial bacteria | Sometimes tolerated better |
Yogurt is often better tolerated because it contains beneficial bacteria that can help break down lactose. However, it’s still best to avoid all dairy if your dog shows signs of lactose intolerance.
Managing Your Dog’s Lactose Intolerance
If you’ve determined that your dog is indeed lactose intolerant, here’s how to manage their condition:
1. Eliminate Dairy from Their Diet
The simplest solution is to completely remove dairy products from your dog’s diet. This includes:
- No milk or cream
- No cheese (even as training treats)
- No ice cream
- No yogurt
- Check dog food ingredients for milk products
2. Look for Hidden Dairy Sources
Be vigilant about checking labels on dog foods and treats, as dairy can be found in unexpected places. Look out for ingredients like:
- Whey
- Casein
- Milk solids
- Lactose
3. Consider Lactose-Free Alternatives
If you still want to give your dog a special treat, consider:
- Lactose-free dog-specific dairy products
- Dairy-free alternatives like almond milk (in small amounts)
- Soy-based products (consult your vet first)
4. Ensure Adequate Nutrition
If you’re removing dairy from your dog’s diet, make sure they’re still getting essential nutrients like calcium from other sources. Your vet can recommend appropriate alternatives or supplements if needed.
FAQs About Dogs and Lactose Intolerance
Can puppies be lactose intolerant?
Yes, although puppies typically produce more lactase than adult dogs to digest their mother’s milk, they can still be lactose intolerant – especially when it comes to cow’s milk, which has a higher lactose content (about 5%) than dog milk (about 3%).
Will a small amount of dairy hurt my lactose intolerant dog?
It depends on the severity of your dog’s intolerance. Some dogs might be able to tolerate small amounts of certain dairy products (like aged cheeses with lower lactose content), while others may react strongly to even tiny amounts.
Can lactose intolerance in dogs develop over time?
Absolutely! Many dogs lose their ability to produce lactase as they age, so a dog that previously tolerated dairy might develop intolerance later in life.
How long do symptoms of lactose intolerance last?
Symptoms typically resolve within 24-48 hours after the dairy has passed through your dog’s system, assuming they don’t consume any more dairy products.
Is lactose intolerance in dogs dangerous?
While not immediately life-threatening, chronic consumption of dairy in lactose intolerant dogs can lead to:
- Nutritional deficiencies due to diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
- Overall discomfort and reduced quality of life
When to See a Vet
While lactose intolerance itself isn’t typically dangerous, you should consult your veterinarian if:
- Symptoms persist for more than 48 hours
- Your dog shows signs of dehydration (dry gums, lethargy, sunken eyes)
- There’s blood in your dog’s stool or vomit
- Your dog appears to be in significant pain
- They refuse to eat or drink
Your veterinarian can help confirm whether lactose intolerance is the issue or if there’s another underlying condition causing similar symptoms.
The Bottom Line: Trust Your Observations
As a pet parent, you know your dog better than anyone. If you notice patterns of digestive upset after dairy consumption, trust your observations and consider removing dairy from their diet. The good news is that lactose intolerance, while uncomfortable, is easily manageable through dietary changes.
Remember that dogs don’t actually need dairy in their diet at all. They can get all their necessary nutrients from quality dog food without the discomfort that dairy might cause.
Have you noticed signs of lactose intolerance in your furry friend? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below! And if you’ve found creative dairy-free treats that your dog loves, please share them with our community.
Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. If you suspect your dog is suffering from lactose intolerance or any other health condition, please consult with your veterinarian.
What Causes Lactose Intolerance in Dogs?
Now that we know the answer to, “Can dogs be lactose intolerant?,” the next question is “Why?” Why are some dogs lactose intolerant while others have no problem digesting lactose? The answer comes down to food intolerance and digestive enzymes, and some of this relates to breeds and their genetics.
Food allergies and food intolerances are actually quite rare in dogs. According to veterinary research, only 0.2% of dogs suffer from food allergies, but dairy is one of the most common food allergens for dogs, along with beef, chicken, and wheat.
Dairy allergies and dairy intolerances are, in fact, different things, and intolerances are much more common than true allergies. A true allergy can cause adverse reactions like itchy skin, swelling, shortness of breath, anaphylactic shock, and even death — but this is extremely rare.
If your dog ever appears short of breath or you notice swelling around their nose, mouth, or throat, take your dog to a qualified doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) immediately. Your dog may be having a potentially deadly allergic reaction.
A food intolerance is not life-threatening and will primarily present as digestive issues.
When a dog has a dairy intolerance, it’s typically because the dogs digestive system is struggling to break down the lactose content in dairy products, which is why we call it “lactose intolerance.”
Lactose is a type of sugar that occurs naturally in milk products. The body relies on a digestive enzyme called lactase to break down the lactose in dairy. The amount of lactase in a dogs body will determine the amount of lactose they can comfortably digest.
Puppies have higher levels of lactase because they need it to digest their mothers milk. After weaning, puppies lactase levels may begin to decrease. Some adult dogs bodies dont produce enough lactase to digest large amounts of dairy — but, this isnt true for all adult dogs.
Genetic sequencing revealed that dogs of European descent retain their ability to produce lactase into adulthood more than other dogs. Studies in humans have found the same thing — people of European ancestry retain their ability to produce lactase into adulthood more than other populations.
The theory is that both European humans and European dogs started incorporating dairy as part of their diets at around the same time. Dairy was widely available in this region when other foods werent, so being able to digest dairy was necessary for survival. Because humans and dogs have evolved together for so long, they both evolved the ability to digest dairy in this region.
This European connection is important for American dog owners because 12 out of 15 of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. are of European descent. Of the three that arent (Labrador retrievers, Australian shepherds, and Siberian huskies), two of them (Labs and Aussies) were originally bred from a mixture of European breeds.
So, there are likely to be a lot of dogs in the U.S. who can comfortably digest lactose. Those who cant may experience a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms after eating dairy.
How to Determine If Your Dog Is Lactose Intolerant
If your dog is showing signs of digestive distress, dairy may be to blame — or it may not. Your dog could be suffering from a different food allergy. They could have a sensitive stomach. They could be stressed about a recent change and need help from a natural calming aid. Or they could have a virus or parasite.
If your dog experiences diarrhoea that doesnt subside within two days, talk to your vet. Your vet can help you rule out a more serious underlying condition, like a parasite.
Once your vet has ruled out more serious conditions, you can test your dog for lactose intolerance. Start by removing dairy products from your dogs diet for 30 days. Check the ingredient decks on your dog food and treats to make sure your pup isnt digesting any dairy that you dont know about.
Pay attention to your dogs symptoms during the 30-day removal period. If their symptoms dont clear up, dairy likely isnt the problem. You can move on to testing for other dog food allergies. Or you can try adding probiotics or pumpkin into your dogs diet to support healthy digestion.
If your dogs symptoms do start to clear up, then its time to officially determine if dairy is the cause. Theres still a chance that it was short-term stress or a virus that caused the initial stomach upset. To rule out a coincidence, youll have to put dairy to the test.
Give your dog one small serving of dairy each day for three days. You might try giving them a small bowl of cows milk or goats milk on day one, followed by a scoop of cottage cheese on day two, and some doggy ice cream on day three.
Next, youll remove dairy from your dogs diet once more. Dont feed your dog any dairy for two days. Wait to see if symptoms reemerge. If they do, then youve probably found the cause of your dogs digestive issues. If they dont, then your dog can most likely enjoy the occasional dairy snack without digestive discomfort.