Diarrhea is an abnormality in stool production that results in soft, watery feces. Dogs suffer from bouts of diarrhea for a variety of reasons, and the condition can be difficult to cure without knowing the cause. Remedies including L-glutamine are safe for dogs and can clear up even the worst case of diarrhea with just a few treatments.
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Function
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L-glutamine is an essential acid found throughout a dog's body. This essential acid helps produce energy, regulate kidney function and keep the gastrointestinal system healthy. L-glutamine helps keep the walls of the stomach and intestine strong and helps with absorption of vital nutrients as the dog eats. When given to dogs suffering from diarrhea, L-glutamine supplements increase mucous lining along the intestines and ease cramping and bloating.
Types
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Supplements containing L-glutamine are produced in capsule, powder and liquid forms. L-glutamine capsules can be offered to a dog in a bit of cheese like a treat. Powdered forms of L-glutamine are most often mixed into the dog's normal food and ingested. The liquid form can be drawn into a clean syringe or eyedropper and placed directly on the dog's tongue.
Significance
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L-glutamine is one of the 20 essential amino acids naturally found in a dog's body. Under normal circumstances, the body produces enough L-glutamine to synthesize protein and keep the digestive system in balance. However, when digestion becomes disrupted, L-glutamine is flushed from the body through vomiting and diarrhea. Extra L-glutamine must be introduced to the dog's body to help bind loose stools and prevent excessive fecal production.
Prevention/Solution
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Preventing diarrhea is much simpler than curing it. Dogs suffer from diarrhea for a number of reasons such as stress, illnesses and changes in diet, although you can help reduce the number of loose stools by supplementing the dog's diet during times of potential digestive upset. For example, most dogs suffer from diarrhea for a few days when changing to a new dog food. Sprinkling L-glutamine over its daily rations will minimize the occurrence of diarrhea while its digestive tract adjusts to the new food.
Warning
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Diarrhea happens to even healthy pets, although a dog loose stools lasting more than two or three days should be examined by a veterinarian. Diarrhea is especially harmful to young or small dogs as it can cause severe dehydration. According to the Chaparral Animal Health Center, the proper dose of L-glutamine for dogs is 1/2 tsp. of L-glutamine for every 25 lbs. of body weight. Offer your dog a dose of L-glutamine daily for two days and look to see if the stools become more solid. If there is no improvement, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
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