Can Puppies Digest Cows' Milk?

[Cbsteffen]

I just saw the barn scene from 101 Dalmatians, and the puppies were sucking a cow's teats for milk after Rolly said he was hungry. I know that movie is a cartoon. If it had been based on a true story (which I doubt), Disney just added that part where the puppies got milk from a cow (and that's normal because Disney tells stories its own way) unless puppies can digest cow's milk for real. Can they?

[michele2042]

From everything I understand you're not suppose to give a puppy or a dog cow's milk.  I believe it can cause stomach upsets that would include diarrhea. 

[natashaspy]

I don't think it would kill a puppy but I do believe I've heard that it can cause digestive issues for them

[countrygirl12]

I am sure they can.  They say not to give cow milk to cats but ours have always drank cow milk and never had any problems.  If it is a kitten that lost it's momma it is better to give them goat's milk or cat formula.  But cow milk won't hurt them.

[btajpb3]

I know a lot of older country folk that will say that cows milk will give dogs worms. This always struck me as a bit of old wives tale. On the other hand I believe many dogs do not digest lactose well and you could do better. the goats milk is probably a better option. Of course a call to a vet would probably be best.

[autumnsparklemom]

I always thought the dog could get worms from drinking cows milk. I never tried and do not care too. I would be afraid of a high vet bill.

[potluck6]

No way not even cats.Also humans can do without alot of dairy. Read that milk is bad for allergies so stopped drinking milk except for coffee. my stuffed nose is better.

[Cbsteffen]

No way not even cats.Also humans can do without alot of dairy. Read that milk is bad for allergies so stopped drinking milk except for coffee. my stuffed nose is better.

Whoa, hey! Be careful with what you're saying. Baby mammals (those include humans) need milk because everybody starts out as simple (as opposed to compound or complex).

[ghunter]

I am not sure about that.

[Emilysilverman]

yes the can

[vickysue]

We were raised on a farm/ranch and I never saw a puppy get sick on cows milk, of course it was not a steady diet for them, but as soon as  they were  old enough to slurp up some pour over dog food for the momma dog they were just fine and  we raised a couple of new born pups were  on it when the momma  passed away.  I did pasturize it just like I did for my children. They did just fine, some old wives tails are  funny.

[ladavia89]

Animals really aren't suppose to consume the milk of other animals. Goat milk is about the only exception

[stretch1967]

I don't think they are supposed to.

[southernhorizons]

I am sure they can.  They say not to give cow milk to cats but ours have always drank cow milk and never had any problems.  If it is a kitten that lost it's momma it is better to give them goat's milk or cat formula.  But cow milk won't hurt them.

Yes, we give our barn cats cows milk too, and it doesn't seem to hurt them. We don't have a dog, so I don't know if it would affect dogs.