Milk & dairy — Food safety facts
Feed with care · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page
Many adult pets are lactose-intolerant — milk often causes diarrhoea. Small amounts of plain yogurt are usually better tolerated.
Short answer
Many adult dogs are lactose intolerant, so drinking a bowl of cow's milk often leads to digestive upset like diarrhea, gas, or stomach cramps. While not toxic, it's generally not recommended because these symptoms can cause discomfort and dehydration. If you want to offer a dairy treat, a small spoonful of plain, unsweetened yogurt is usually better tolerated due to its lower lactose content. Keep any dairy servings minimal, and if your dog shows signs of vomiting or severe diarrhea after consuming milk, contact your veterinarian for advice.