is actually similar to humans. Dogs can also donate blood for certain requirements, but this is usually a very simple collection process. Dog Blood Type There are several different dog blood types or blood types that can be tested, sorted by numbers...
is actually similar to humans. Dogs can also donate blood for certain requirements, but this is usually a very simple collection process.
Dog Blood Type There are several different dog blood types or blood types that can be tested, sorted by numbers in the dog red blood cell antigen (DEA) system. These blood types include DEA 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 3, 4, 5, and 7. Several other blood types exist, but there are no tests for them. Dogs can have multiple different blood types at the same time, because blood types refer to different antigens contained in the blood.
In order to determine the blood type of your dog, it must be tested to see the antigens it contains. Your veterinarian will take blood samples from your dog and test them for results. Not every veterinarian is able to perform these tests internally, so the sample may be required to be sent to an external laboratory. These tests will check what antigens are present on the red blood cells, which will determine the blood type of your dog.
Reasons why dogs need to donate blood
Just like humans, some dogs lose blood due to illness, surgery, or trauma, and therefore require a blood transfusion. Not every veterinarian performs blood transfusions, so this procedure can be performed using a specialist or emergency hospital. The first blood transfusion received by a dog can be any type of blood, but if subsequent blood transfusions are required, the blood needs to be typing and cross-matching. Cross-matching ensures blood type compatibility between donor and recipient.
When can dogs donate blood?
Most veterinarians have specific requirements to ensure that the donor has a certain size and sufficient health to handle the donation. Usually the minimum weight a dog needs to become a blood donor is 45 pounds at least. Dogs must also be friendly; no infectious, blood-borne diseases and parasites such as heartworm and Lyme disease; keep abreast of vaccination; do not take any medication except typical parasite preventive agents; ages between one and seven years old. Dogs can only donate blood every three weeks, so if your dog is asked to donate blood more frequently, for its own safety, it should not do so.
How do dogs donate blood?
blood donation is a very simple process. If your dog meets the physical, age and temperament requirements for becoming a blood donor, you need to be tested for a blood-borne disease and receive any necessary vaccination to become a donor. Once the blood-borne disease test is determined to be negative, your dog can donate blood. Blood is drawn from the large vein on the dog's neck, called the jugular vein, and collected into a special bag or jar, for blood transfusions to another dog. The entire donation process is usually less than an hour.
Dog Blood Bank and Blood Donor Programs
Usually dogs donate blood as needed, so you and your donor may be on call for emergency blood donations at the local animal hospital where blood transfusion is performed. Every hospital that uses dog blood will have its own program requirements and may even reward donors with points on their veterinary hospital account.
Another option is to donate blood to the dog blood bank. Some have nonprofit blood banks that sell blood to veterinarians. These blood banks are especially important for dogs that require more than one blood transfusion. Since any blood type can be used for the first blood transfusion, but subsequent blood transfusions require cross-matching or universal blood donors, it is important to know the blood type of the blood donor and the different blood types of these dogs. Blood banks classify the blood they receive to see if the blood has a universal donor type, DEA 4, or other specific antigens that some dogs may not accept.
Other types of blood products used in dogs
In addition to whole blood, concentrated red blood cells, different forms of plasma and cold precipitates can be collected for use. Unlike whole blood, these products can usually be stored for a longer period of time for later use. If the dog does not require whole blood, does not have a donor, or requires specific coagulation factors, the veterinarian may use plasma, concentrated red blood cells, or cryoprecipitates.
