Can Humans Save Dogs?

As we have highlighted in all our blog posts so far, transferring blood from one dog to another can often be a life saving procedure, but what if humans could also save their pets with blood transfusions?

Greyhound Blood Donors

Traditionally, you’ve probably associated Dalmatians with firehouses, German Shepherds with the police and St. Bernards with the Red Cross symbol.  But did you know that Greyhounds can also be associated with life saving qualities?

Rescue Dog Donates Blood For Kitten

Jemmie, a Shitzu cross Lhasa Apso mix, not only loves mothering orphaned kittens, she’s now also saving their lives by donating blood.

Ben’s Story

It’s not just humans who can save lives by donating blood – just like you and I, your canine friend can also lend a helping paw to those who are feeling paw-ly and in urgent need of blood transfusions.

After the Donation

After your dog has donated, there a few precautions and signs to watch out for in order to make sure your pet is not affected from the blood donation. 

Holding For Pre-Screening Sample

When taking a sample of your dog’s blood, there are two options.  Some vets may take it from the jugular vein in the neck and others may take the sample from the cephalic vein in the leg. 

Lifting and Holding For Donation

If your dog is not used to getting lifted very often, you can help by first holding your dog in that position with one person holding the front end with one arm around your dog’s neck and the other under their chest whilst second person puts their arm beneath their belly and holds the hind leg furthest from them. 

Familiarisation With Clippers

Familiarising your dog with clippers may help if they are wary of how clippers sound and feel or if they do not like their legs and feet touched.  If you don’t have clippers, an electric toothbrush can also be used to simulate a similar effect.

Before, During and After

There are several precautions you should take note of before, during and after the process if you have decide to donate. 

What Else?

What is the process? (may vary)

• First initial blood screening tests are run on your dog to confirm blood type and ensure that they have no underlying health issues
• This is followed by a full physical examination at no cost to you
• You will be asked about your dog’s recent health, they will be weighed and then admitted into the hospital for a few hours
• Tests are reviewed and if approved by a veterinarian, your dog can now donate blood!
• A catheter is placed into your dog’s front leg to administer the initial sedation and also so that they can receive IV fluids after the donation – this replaces the volume of blood donated and helps keeping your pet feeling well
• A special needle attached to the blood collection bag is placed into a vein in the neck and the calculated safe volume of blood is drawn