As with many human food and beverages, it is always a good idea to do research before giving your pup a taste of whatever you’re eating or drinking.
My Jack Russells have only recently started to drink milk. Every time I make myself a cup of coffee, all 3 of them will stand in a row waiting for their milk, and they will get very animated as soon as I take the milk jug out of the fridge.
But I’ve been asking myself, can Jack Russells drink milk, and if so, how much milk can they drink?
Join me as I find out.
Can Jack Russells Drink Milk?
Yes, Jack Russells can drink milk but it should only be given to them in moderation because milk is high in fat and natural sugars. Giving your Jack Russell too much milk can lead to obesity or pancreatitis, and if your Jack Russell is lactose intolerant or allergic to milk, you should avoid giving him milk altogether.
How Much Milk Can Jack Russells Drink?
You should regard milk as a treat for your dog, and as with all treats, moderation is key. I recommend that you only give your Jack Russell a few tablespoons of milk at a time, and only once or twice per week.
As I mentioned, too much milk can result in health issues so it is best to keep a close eye on your dog’s milk intake.
How Do I Know If My Jack Russell Is Lactose Intolerant?
Some dogs, in general, are lactose intolerant and can display adverse reactions to dairy in general, especially to milk. If your Jack Russell is displaying any of the following symptoms after drinking milk, then he might be lactose intolerant:
1.) Vomiting
2.) Bloating
3.) Gas
4.) Loose Stools
5.) Diarrhea
I had no idea that my oldest Jack Russell, Charlie, was lactose intolerant until I gave her some milk to drink. She started to vomit after a while and since then, I stayed away from giving her milk. She does not know that she is lactose intolerant, so she will always beg for milk if she sees me taking the milk jug out of the fridge.
If your lactose intolerant pup has somehow managed to drink milk, then you should keep a close eye on him. Generally speaking, your dog will display symptoms within 12 hours of consuming milk, so you need to monitor him during this time for any abdominal distress or discomfort like vomiting.
As always, if you’re concerned about your pup’s health after giving him milk, or if you’re unsure whether or not to give him milk, please speak to a vet first.
What Can My Jack Russell Drink Besides Milk?
Well, this is a pretty straightforward answer. Water is always the best option to give to your pup when he is thirsty.
Please try not to give your dog coffee, tea, soda, lemonade, and alcohol. These beverages are off-limits to dogs. Some unsweetened fruit juices won’t do any harm, and you can get certain performance drinks specifically made for dogs, but water will always be your best option.
Your Jack Russell will always drink water from his bowl when he is thirsty, so other beverages such as milk or unsweetened fruit juice should only be given as an occasional treat and never as a substitute for water.
Conclusion
As you can see, it is safe to give your Jack Russell some milk every now again. Please take care and give them milk in moderation because milk is high in fat and natural sugars, and giving your furry friend can lead to obesity or pancreatitis.
I recommend that you only give your Jack Russell a few tablespoons of milk at a time, and not more than once a day. Also try to give them milk only once or twice a week, and not every day.
If your pup has a negative reaction to milk, then he might be lactose intolerant and then you should avoid giving him milk. If your pup starts to vomit after drinking milk then he might be lactose intolerant. If he has gas, diarrhea, or any other stomach problems after drinking milk then it is best not to give him milk again.
