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?
Tag: blood
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.
WHERE 2 DON8
Just like humans, dogs also need blood transfusions if they suffer from life-threatening illnesses such as toxicity, trauma, anaemia, severe haemorrhaging, blood clotting problems, kidney or liver failure or septic shock.
And there is something you can do to help!
Right now, just one simple donation from your dog could help treat and save the lives of up to three other pets.
So where can you donate?
These are just a few of the places your dog could donate blood in Australia. If you live outside of these places, please contact your veterinarian for more information.
K9DON8 