COW'S MILK ? - Page 1

Anyone got any opinions on giving dogs, cows milk good, bad or indifferent ?

I'm curious about why you are asking this question.

In general, in my experience, dogs don't digest cow's milk very well and can get gas and diarrhea from it because they don't have the correct enzymes to digest it. Goat's milk is better as a milk replacement if you need to do this for a puppy. There are also digestive enzymes you can buy to add to the formula for puppies who don't get enough mother's milk and require supplementation with formula. 

There, I took a shot in the dark at your question but still would like to know why you want to know.

what age?

 Do NOT give cow's milk for the reasons stated above. 

I've been known to give my dog the leftover cereal bowl to wash for me but it is no substitute for a mothers milk if thats why you would be asking.

If you want to give them milk, I'd suggest goats milk.

It is said that enzymes required to digest milk cease to be produced after a certain age in pups. But I have come across many dogs that continue to enjoy milk throughout their adult life and right into old age. I don't see why milk should be restricted if the dog likes it and it does not upset its digestion - I would let the dog decide, unless it is a small pup, in which case it should be diluted cow's milk or better still, goat's milk . On the other hand, yogurt is known to benefit many dogs in restoring normal digestion, especially after a course of antibiotics or painkillers.

My dogs get the last little bit of milk after its' expired. Its only a little bit and I put it over their regular food. Its usually no more then a half cup shared between 4 dogs. It smells sour and they love it!  I've not had any problems, except with one dog that has a very sensitive system.

Cow's milk is not good for any dog of any age. Dogs (as do many humans) lack the enzymes to digest it fully. A far better choice is goat's milk as it is easily digestable.

Best Regards,
Bob-O

the way i understand it is a dog, and other mamals when weanned off mothers milk the production of the enzyme called Lactase which is used to break down the lactose in milk falls to about 10% of peak production. That is why they get the diarrhea.
Cow's milk and also goats milk contain about 4.5-4% lactose compared to the 3% a bitches milk contains, and considering the fact that most dogs are lactose intolerant, just as 75% of humans are that is why they don't do well on milk. cheeses are a better thing to give them like cottage cheese or unpasteurized yogurt, since most of the lactose has been removed, or partially broken down by bacteria. dairy products are good source of protein and calcium if pet tolerates it.
boiling milk, skim milk, pasteurized yogart etc...... should not be given to pets that are lactose intolerant since lactose content remains the same in these products.