Overview
Yes, glutamine supplements may help assuage gastrointestinal issues in dogs. But it should not be used on canines taking anticonvulsants and lactulose since it puts them in danger of drug interactions.
Can dogs have Glutamine Supplements?
Benefits
- Glutamine supplements mitigate the effects of certain bowel disorders brought on by illnesses, such as parvovirus or medical treatments like chemotherapy.
- Glutamine is an amino acid that's essential for the health of the canine gastrointestinal tract. It helps protect and repair the gut lining that's affected by inflammatory bowel disease and hemorrhagic enteritis.
- Glutamine supplements can boost the immune system and help dogs recover more quickly from illness or injury.
Risks
- The side effects of glutamine supplements on dogs are not yet fully known due to limited studies. It should be noted that tissue swelling is a common adverse reaction seen in humans. This can potentially occur on canines as well.
- If taken simultaneously, glutamine supplements can interact with certain drugs such as anticonvulsants and lactulose. If your dog is under medication, make sure to let the vet know.
- Glutamine supplements may increase the ammonia levels in dogs' bodies, which can interfere with blood tests.
Servings
- The glutamine dosage for dogs is 0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight, given three times a day. It can be added to food or drinking water. However, you must consult the vet to determine a safe dosage that meets your dog's health needs.
- Glutamine supplements are given to dogs by mouth. It can take a few days to several weeks before they have a significant impact on your dog’s health.
- The vet may suggest performing lab tests on your dog to determine the effectiveness of the supplements on him.
