![\"dairy](\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/dairy1-1.png\")
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In many cases, a pet ingesting dairy products does not warrant a visit to the vet \u2013 just be prepared for your pet to possibly have gas, diarrhea, and vomiting. That said, your pet may need to be seen if: <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n When seeking veterinary care, always call ahead so the veterinary team knows to expect you. If your pet\u2019s symptoms worsen, call the team back to reconfigure your pet\u2019s triage status.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n We have all seen the movies and cartoons where a cat owner goes out onto the porch and pours cow\u2019s milk into a small dish for their cat. This has often led cat owners to ask, \u201cCan my cat have milk?\u201d And then the question often leads to, \u201cWhat about my dog? And what about ice cream? Yogurt? Cheese?\u201d And\u2026well, you get the idea. So, can your dog and cat have dairy products? Unfortunately, it\u2019s not a straightforward yes or no answer.<\/p>\n First off, it\u2019s important to note that dogs and cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they cannot properly digest dairy. Some are more sensitive than others, or some may also have a food allergy<\/a> to a specific dairy product. It\u2019s safe to assume though that too much of any dairy product will cause your pet to be sick. Symptoms typically include gas, loose stools, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain.<\/p>\n With that being said\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Kittens and puppies get specific nutrients only from mom\u2019s milk, so don\u2019t supplement them with cow milk, which has a lot more sugar and fat. Aside from young pets, cats and dogs don\u2019t need any type of milk in their diet. Their food and plain water should contain everything they need. However; if your pet laps up a few sips from your cereal bowl or cleans up a few spilt drops, this small amount most likely won\u2019t cause any symptoms.<\/p>\n A small spoonful or two of plain Greek yogurt with no added sugar won\u2019t cause harm if your pet doesn\u2019t have a dairy allergy. If a homemade treat recipe calls for yogurt, this is also the type of yogurt to use. Remember to check the label though as some low-fat yogurts (as well as sugar-free puddings) use xylitol<\/a>, an artificial sweetener that is deadly to pets.<\/p>\n When it comes to cheese, moderation is key. Cheese contains a lot of fat and calories, so consider your pet\u2019s daily calorie count when using plain cheese as a small treat. Too much cheese may cause obesity<\/a>; the fat can also cause pancreatitis. If you use cheese to hide pills or if your dog is a cheese lover, then we recommend giving them small amounts of low-fat cheeses like mozzarella or cottage cheese.<\/p>\n Ice cream has a lot of calories, fat, and sugar. No pet needs these things! If you really want to provide your pet a small treat of ice cream, save this for truly special occasions only. A small scoop of plain, vanilla ice cream is the safest option. Never provide flavored ice cream or toppings, as this could increase the risk of toxins like chocolate<\/a> or macadamia nuts, as well as increase the risk of obesity and pancreatitis. Also, like yogurt, always check the label as some light ice creams use xylitol<\/a>. Other options include pet-specific treats like Frosty Paws or Cool Claws, as well as homemade frozen treats<\/a>!<\/p>\n No one needs plain ol\u2019 butter\u2026so we\u2019ll assume this is more of a \u201cwhat if my dog accidentally eats butter off the counter\u201d scenario. Butter is saturated fat and does not provide any health benefits for pets. A small amount isn\u2019t likely to cause harm, but the bigger concern is that butter and other fatty foods can cause pancreatitis. Avoid leaving a butter dish on the kitchen table or other areas your pet may be able to access.<\/p>\n If your pet ingests a small amount of a dairy product, you don\u2019t need to rush to the vet. Just be prepared for the possibility of some seriously stinky gas, as well as diarrhea and vomiting! Always monitor your pet carefully after they have any dairy products, whether intentional or accidental. Seek veterinary advice if your pet ate a large quantity of any dairy product, if symptoms are not resolving, or if you suspect your pet is experiencing secondary issues such as pancreatitis or dehydration from too much diarrhea. Also, if too many dairy treats are causing your pet to gain weight, then it\u2019s time to scale back on the dairy treats and review your pet\u2019s diet with your family veterinarian.<\/p>\n\n
\nLactose Intolerance and Dairy Allergies<\/strong><\/h4>\n
![\"cat,](\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/dairy4.png\")
<\/p>\nCan my pet have milk?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nCan my pet have yogurt?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nCan my pet have cheese?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nCan my pet have ice cream?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nCan my pet have butter?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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