Dogs can be lactose intolerant, meaning many dogs have difficulty digesting lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. This happens because most adult dogs produce low levels of lactase, the enzyme necessary to break down lactose. Without enough lactase, lactose remains undigested in their intestines, causing symptoms like diarrhea, gas, bloating, vomiting, and stomach discomfort. Some dogs can tolerate dairy better than others, and puppies have higher lactase levels to digest their mother's milk, but this decreases after weaning. Interestingly, dogs of European descent are more likely to retain lactase production into adulthood, allowing them to digest dairy more comfortably. However, for many dogs, dairy should be given in moderation or avoided if lactose intolerance symptoms appear.
