Is milk okay for my pups?

[M&M's Mommy]

When I first got my two chi-mix pups at 8 weeks, I gave them some reduced fat milk. They loved it, and didn't show any obvious problems. However, I stopped giving it to them after a few weeks because someone scared me that milk is very, very bad for dogs, and I should never give it to them.

I have been wondered ever since, if milk is so good for us, why is it so bad for our dogs? Lately, I decide to give it to them again (about 8oz/dog/day) - and they love, love it. I think I do the right thing, but am not 100% sure. Should I, or should I never give milk to my dogs again, and why?

[Kfamr]

Few dogs, like humans, are lactose intolerant. If your pups are okay (no vomit, lose stools, etc.) then it is okay to give them milk. I personally give my dogs milk weekly - every other week.

[MajesticCollies]

I believe I have heard, now don't quote me on this that it will give dogs a build up of Calcium deposits on thier joints if it is used for long time use. Once in awhile I let my Collies finish the milk from my kids cereal bowls as a treat but I don't make a habit of it.

[dragondawg]

1/2Golden- 1/2 Lab carnation instant milk everyday of her life for close to 11 yrs. It wasn't much for a 74 lb dog (spun honey bowl full), but she expected her "dog milk" every morning. It was a carry over from her 5 week old puppy days.

If a dog doesn't need the calcium it will do the same as humans- throw it off or not absorb it. Probably the only time one would have to worry about calcium intake is if there was kidney disease.

[IRescue452]

Milk, especially in its raw form is very healthy for dogs. Don't stop because somebody told you its bad. People sometimes thinks its bad because after years of not being given milk, dogs can get sick when they start receiving it again. Autumn gets milk a few days a week.

[wolfsoul]

Only about half of dogs are lactose intolerant, and they have the ability to become tolerant again. :) My two often get cottage cheese, yogurt, and goat's milk. They love it!