Have you ever wondered if your furry friend might be harboring a secret intolerance to that cheesy treat you love to share? The answer might surprise you! Below, we’re diving into the world of dogs and dairy. From subtle hints to unmistakable signs, we’ll explore six indicators that could suggest your dog is more lactose-sensitive than you might think. So, if you’ve ever pondered, “Are all dogs lactose intolerant?” – stick around, because we’ve got the answers for you!
Are All Dogs Lactose Intolerant?
One of the biggest rites of passage for a millennial dog owner is buying a Starbucks puppuccino for the first time. After all the picture-perfect fun and selfies, it isn’t until later when some of these owners, and their carpets, find out that dogs and dairy don’t mix! Of course that part never makes it onto their Instagram page…
The question is, are ALL dogs lactose intolerant? Given that cheddar is one of the most popular dog treat flavors, I thought it was probably a good idea to investigate and make sure that we’re not inadvertently causing our pups discomfort.
The short answer: While not all dogs are necessarily lactose intolerant, a lot of them can be. Lactose is the sugar found in milk and dairy products. Some dogs can produce an enzyme called lactase, which breaks down lactose.
Lactase is a very important enzyme for digesting dairy products. While puppies produce more lactase to assist in digesting their mother’s milk, as dogs grow older, their production of lactase takes a nosedive.
Some adult dogs, especially those of certain breeds, can tolerate small amounts of dairy without any issues, while others may experience stomach issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and gas, if they consume any sort of dairy delight.
Have you ever wondered if your dog might be lactose intolerant? Let’s look at the signs.
Signs that your dog might be lactose intolerant
Keep in mind that all dogs are different. Just like symptoms of lactose intolerance in people can vary, so can it in dogs. If your dog is showing any of these signs below, call your vet for an appointment to make sure it’s not something more serious.
Stomach Upset
If your dog experiences diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive gas shortly after consuming dairy products, it’s a strong indicator that their digestive system is having trouble with lactose.
While a certain amount of gas is normal in dogs, if your dog experiences excessive flatulence along with other symptoms after consuming dairy, it could be related to lactose intolerance.
Bloating
Some lactose-intolerant dogs may experience bloating after consuming dairy. This can be uncomfortable and even painful for your furry friend.
If your dog seems uncomfortable or shows signs of stomach pain like whining, restlessness, or a hunched posture after consuming dairy, it could be due to lactose intolerance.
Stool Changes
Keep an eye on your dog’s stool. Lactose intolerance can lead to loose or watery stools. If you notice a sudden change in your dog’s stool consistency or color after they’ve had dairy, it’s worth investigating further.
Sleepiness
If your normally active and energetic dog suddenly becomes lethargic or seems sluggish after consuming dairy, it could be a sign that their body is struggling to process lactose.
On the flip side, other dog behavioral changes might include restlessness combined with irritability or general unhappiness.
Excessive Thirst
Lactose intolerance can lead to dehydration due to increased water loss through diarrhea and vomiting. If you notice your dog drinking more water than usual after eating dairy, it might be a reaction to the digestive distress.
Scratching or Itching
In some cases, lactose intolerance can lead to skin reactions like itching or scratching. This might be a less common sign, but if you notice these symptoms after dairy consumption, it’s worth considering.
If you suspect your dog might be lactose intolerant based on these signs, it’s time to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you determine if lactose intolerance is indeed the issue and provide guidance on managing your dog’s diet.
How to Test for Dog Lactose Intolerance Yourself
You often don’t need a laboratory to test for lactose intolerance in your dog. It’s typically just a process of elimination and observation. That said, it’s always best to do it under a vet’s guidance.
5 Steps to Diagnosing Your Dog with Lactose Intolerance
- The first step is to completely remove all dairy products from your dog’s diet. This includes milk, cheese, yogurt, and any treats or foods that contain dairy ingredients. Make sure to read ingredient labels carefully.
- After eliminating dairy, give your dog some time, usually around two to four weeks, to allow their system to fully clear any traces of lactose. During this period, monitor your dog closely for any improvements in their symptoms, like less diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive gas. Keeping a journal or downloading a note app on your phone will help with this.
- Once the elimination period is over, reintroduce small amounts of lactose-containing dairy to your dog. Start with a very small portion of a dairy product, such as a teaspoon of plain yogurt or a tiny piece of cheese.
- After reintroducing dairy, closely watch your dog for any bad reactions or symptoms. If your dog experiences the same stomach issues as before such as diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive gas, there’s a higher likelihood that they are lactose intolerant.
- If you notice a pattern where your dog’s symptoms occur consistently after consuming dairy, and these symptoms improve during the elimination period, then a lactose intolerance might be the culprit.
While this elimination and reintroduction method can provide valuable insights, it’s not a definitive diagnostic test. If you suspect your dog is lactose intolerant, your veterinarian might recommend other tests, such as hydrogen breath tests, to more accurately assess lactose intolerance.
According to Wag Pet Care, “a hydrogen breath test will check the amount of hydrogen in the digestive system, and will often remain high for longer after consuming dairy products for intolerant individuals.”
Dairy Foods You Should Test First with Lactose Intolerance Dogs
For lactose intolerant dogs, there are some dairy products that are generally better tolerated due to their lower lactose content or the presence of probiotics that aid in digestion.
Remember that individual dogs’ tolerance levels can vary, so it’s important to monitor your dog’s reactions when introducing any new foods.
Here are a few dairy options that might be okay for lactose intolerant dogs:
- Lactose-free dairy products are specially formulated dairy products with the lactose removed. Lactose-free milk, cheese, and yogurt are available in many pet stores and are designed to be easier on dogs’ digestive systems.
- Hard cheeses like cheddar or swiss have less lactose than soft cheeses. These can be offered in small amounts as occasional treats. Remember to watch for any bad reactions!
- Probiotic-rich yogurt contains live active cultures or probiotics that can help break down lactose. Make sure to choose plain, unsweetened yogurt with live cultures. Start with a small amount and observe your dog.
- Goat’s milk might be more tolerable than cow’s milk due to its different protein and fat composition. However, even goat’s milk contains lactose, so proceed with caution and offer it in small quantities!
- Non-Dairy alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk should be unsweetened and free from any additives that could be harmful to dogs.
The Risks of Feeding Your Dog Dairy Anyway
While letting your canine companion lick the last bit of your ice cream cone might seem like a sweet idea, it’s important to be mindful of their potential lactose intolerance.
Understanding why some dogs can’t handle dairy, finding lactose-free alternatives, and recognizing the possible stomach issues can help you keep your furry friend’s tummy happy and healthy.
According to Dr. Sarah Wilson, a board-certified veterinarian specializing in small animal nutrition and contributing writer at Today’s Veterinary Practice, “If you’re set on sharing a dairy treat with your dog, it’s best to stick to products designed for dogs or ones that are lactose-free. Remember, even a small amount of lactose can trigger digestive issues in sensitive dogs.”
There are plenty of ways to indulge dogs safely! For example, you can find a plethora of alternative dog recipes that traditionally contained dairy like these Non-Dairy Dog Ice Cream Recipes from PatchPuppy.
While some lactose intolerant dogs may be able to tolerate small amounts of these dairy options, others might still have trouble digesting them.
Ultimately, it’s about finding what works best for your individual dog’s needs and comfort. If you want to try giving your dog dairy products, it’s generally safer to choose lactose-free options specifically designed for pets.
Prolonged exposure to lactose can lead to chronic issues that impact your dog’s overall health. When in doubt about your dog’s needs, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian or a certified animal nutrition expert.
