Having a dog and a baby can be a wonderful experience. What a thrilling time it is! Having a baby and a pet of your own requires a lot of work, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can do.
Is your dog ever envious of your baby when he or she eats? What about the baby’s formula has piqued his interest?
In that case, you’re just acting normally. After all, Fido doesn’t want to be left out of whatever tasty treats you give the new baby. But what would happen if a dog drank infant formula?
Does your dog eat baby food? Do you fear giving your dog baby formula? If that’s the case, you’ve stumbled upon the right page.
When your dog accidentally consumes something he shouldn’t, we know how terrifying it can be. Due to the urgency of the situation, we have compiled some resources to aid you and your dog.
The question of whether or not baby formula can make a dog sick is explored here. All right, let’s get this party started!
What is Baby Formula?
Baby formula, also known as infant formula or simply formula, is a processed food designed specifically for babies and infants younger than 12 months.
To infants whose mothers are unable to breastfeed, the formula may be an option.
However, some moms choose to supplement breast milk with formula. This is entirely conditional on the specifics of the situation and the requirements of the infant.
Powdered baby formula is prepared by adding the right amount of water to a predetermined amount of powder. After the formula has been prepared, it is placed in a bottle and given to the infant. In general, baby formulas contain the following ingredients across all brands and varieties:
- Whey and casein from pasteurized cow’s milk
- An alternative fat source is a mixture of vegetable oils.
- Lactose
- Vitamins
- Iron and other minerals
- Other (depending on the specific brand)
All the nutrients and antibodies a developing infant needs can be found in baby formula. However, what would happen if a dog drank baby formula?
Baby Formula & Dogs
The good news is that canines can safely consume baby formula. Yet, even the small amounts of iron found in baby formula can be fatal to dogs. But it would take a lot of formula for a dog to get sick from it.
If your dog is lactose intolerant, you should take special care. There is some evidence that adult dogs cease producing the lactase enzyme.
To aid in the digestion of milk for a young puppy or dog, this enzyme is used. Without this enzyme, consuming dairy products like baby formula could make a dog very sick.
Dogs who have consumed baby formula often show signs of stomach distress, including diarrhea and vomiting.
What to Do If Your Dog Has Had Baby Formula
Dogs in good health shouldn’t get sick from the baby formula.
On the other hand, lactose-intolerant dogs may experience digestive issues. You shouldn’t have to worry about these for more than a day.
Do contact the veterinarian if the diarrhea and vomiting continue for longer than that. And if your dog exhibits any worrying symptoms, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with the vet.
Tell the vet how much formula your dog had and how long ago it was given to your dog.
Your dog will soon be feeling better after a visit to the vet. Not only that, but we have a feeling your dog won’t miss the baby formula any time soon!
Is baby formula safe for my dog?
The effects of feeding your adult dog baby formula will vary with the dog’s size and the amount of formula consumed.
If you accidentally drop just a little bit of formula on the floor or if your dog eats the scraps from an empty bottle, he should be fine.
The Animal Poison Control Center reports that one-time consumption of small amounts of formula may cause some gastric pain but is usually not cause for alarm.
Baby formula typically causes these side effects:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Problems may be exacerbated by massive, single-dose consumption.
Call your vet immediately if your dog gets into a container of powdered baby formula.
Powdered formula is more potent than its ready-made equivalent and contains more lactose, vitamins, and minerals.
Regularly feeding your dog formula can lead to problems like malnutrition and vitamin toxicity, even if your dog is not lactose intolerant and can drink milk.
Toxic effects can include the following:
- Agitation
- Convulsions
- Having nausea and/or throwing up.
- Diarrhea
- Failing kidneys