Blood Donor Dogs – Absolute Lifesavers

The idea of a dog donating blood is actually incredible and fascinating. I am sure most of us would not have imagined our cute pooches donating blood. But it is heart melting to see that just like their human parents, dogs also donate blood to save the life of other pets who in need. Dog blood donation happens in vet clinics and labs. Veterinarians suggest that it is healthy for a dog to donate blood. It will not affect their life adversely.

Who are the receivers of dog blood donation?

Well, when a dog donates blood it is the other dogs who receive that blood. There is always a need for blood when canines are badly wounded, go through surgeries and need blood transfusions. It happens especially with the service dogs and police dogs who get frequently injured and thus needs to blood for their treatment. Dogs suffering from severe diseases may also need blood during their treatment. During all these times, the donated blood from the blood bank comes to the patient’s relief.

What kind of dogs can donate blood?

Any breed of young dog that is healthy and fit can donate blood. The age bracket is two to seven years. Dogs falling in this age group are considered young and so can donate blood without any trouble. In addition, he should be well above 25 Kg in bodyweight. The most important part is that they must have taken all the vaccinations and should be free from parasites and blood borne diseases.

Other criteria also suggest that the pet should not be sick or taking any medications at the time of blood donation. They should not be on any preventive medicine except heartworm preventives and flea and tick treatments. The donor must have a healthy heart and should have a universal blood type. When the dog meets all these pre-requisites then he is ready for blood donation. His blood must be drawn by an expert vet technician and should be done in a lab along with all the precautions.

Procedure of dog blood donation:

Once the pet is tested fit and fine, he is taken on a stretcher. Fur at the site on its neck is removed to see the clear skin. The neck area is chosen particularly as the large jugular vein passes through the neck. Most of the times, local anesthesia is applied at the site of placing the syringe. However, if the donor is calm, composed and is not scared of the vet’s place then there may not be any need of using sedatives.

After this, the relevant units of blood are withdrawn from the donor dog. The pet must be showered with lots of love and pampered for his heroic act. If you want don’t make him do any physical exercise on the day of blood donation. The donor dog can proceed with his routine activities without any trouble. Some vets also offer monetary rewards for the donors. You can save this money and use it on your pet’s health care.