Yes. Dogs can have milk, providing that they are not lactose intolerant and that it is given to them in very small amounts.
Cows and goats milk are not recommended for dogs in general though, with fresh water being the best drink for your dog overall.
How much milk can dogs drink?
Giving your dog a whole bowl of milk to drink is not advisable. This can and probably will cause a stomach upset.
A few spoonfuls for small dogs is more than enough, with half a cup being sufficient for larger breeds.
What kind of milk can puppies drink?
Puppies should not be fed cows or goats milk. They are not able to digest it.
If you want a substitute milk, then go for a dedicated puppy milk replacer, such as the Esbilac version here.
Lactose intolerance in dogs
Many dogs are lactose intolerant, with dairy products causing the majority of overall food intolerance in canines.
Signs that your dog could be lactose intolerant include:
- Vomiting
- Gas
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Loose stools
If your dog develops these symptoms after drinking cows or goats milk, it may not be a sign of lactose intolerance.
Larger quantities of milk can upset most dogs stomachs, lactose intolerant or otherwise.
However, if symptoms occur with just a very small amount of milk, you may want to stop feeding your dog any quantity at all and seek advice.
Can dogs drink lactose free milk?
Although a small amount is unlikely to cause any issues, lactose free milk is not recommended for dogs, just like standard cows and goats milk are not either.
Water is the best option.
What is a substitute for dogs milk?
As above, go for a puppy milk substitute, such as Esbilac.
Conclusion
A very small amount of milk is usually not going to cause too much of an issue, but it’s still not recommended.
Use a puppy milk replacement if your pup is at that stage and needs it.
The best drink for your dog is good old fresh water.
Related: Can Dogs Eat Scrambled Eggs?