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Can feeding stray puppies cow's milk make them sick or cause damage?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

I fed some stray puppies, about 6-7 of them. They were kinda hungry/starving for days. I gave them some milk. Would the sudden excessive intake of milk do any damage to them ?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Maria DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 11th, 2017

I would recommend feeding puppy milk replacement not just milk. If you gave milk then the puppies can get diarrhea which can dehydrate them. If you gave puppy milk replacer it is a good thing that will give them nutrients they need.

Here is what the puppy milk replacer is:
https://www.chewy.com/petag-esbilac-puppy-milk-replacer/dp/125376?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=f&utm_content=PetAg&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAiA9rjRBRAeEiwA2SV4ZcnM3fP1NbaWrHnyWWRfaQbPnposGDnZBVrep7_fYn9IU7mhZnkhnRoC3wcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Your veterinarian will be abel to age them and discuss with you appropriate timing to wean them depending on their age.

Depending on the puppies age they also may need help going to the bathroom. While there is some information in the website below, your veterinarian can show you some good techniques to help them do this.

Here is some information on how to care or orphaned puppies:
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feeding-orphaned-puppies

Thank you for using PetCoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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