Most people knows someone who regularly donates blood or has received a blood transfusion themselves, but it’s not just humans who can give blood to each other. In fact, the first successful blood transfusion in history was between two dogs in 1665.
Of course, we’ve come a long way since Richard Lower’s blood transfusion experiments back then, but animals like dogs and cats still give and receive blood. Even just one pint of blood from a dog can help save the lives of up to four other canines who are injured or unwell.
Despite pet blood donation being so important, however, it’s not something lots of pet parents are aware of, or know how to get involved with if they think their pet could help out.
Here, we’re taking a look at everything to know about pet blood donation and we asked expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan for her thoughts, too.
Why is pet blood donation needed?
Much like when humans are ill or injured, animals sometimes require blood transfusions with blood taken from healthy pets.
There are many reasons why an animal may need to receive a blood transfusion, but these are some of the most common:
- Blood loss from trauma or surgery
- Poisons or parasites
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own red blood cells)
- Clotting disorders (e.g. Von Willebrand disease)
What does the blood donation process involve?
In the appointment itself, your pet will have a physical examination and you might have to answer a few questions about their history. They will then have some patches of fur clipped and a small bit of blood taken for some tests.
“During the donation, your pet will be lifted and laid onto a table,” explains Dr MacMillan. “Approximately 450ml of blood will be taken from your dog, or 50ml from your cat, into a collection bag. Your pet will be getting plenty of cuddles and reassurance throughout. Much like human donation, this process will not hurt them, but your pet may feel a bit tired afterward. Also, like humans, they will receive a snack and a drink once they are done!”
Once you’re back at home, try to keep your pet rested for the day. They should be back to their usual self within 24 hours, however.
Does blood donation hurt?
Fortunately for our pets, the process is pretty painless. Local anesthetic creams, which numb the area from which the blood is being taken, are often used.
Sometimes, cats receive a small amount of feline sedatives – there’s a small risk to any sedation procedure, but it is very small. If anything was to go wrong, vets are on hand to provide the necessary medical attention.
Can my pet donate?
If you’re thinking of giving your pet the chance to become a donor, that’s great. But it’s important to know that not every animal will be a good fit, whether because of temperament or their health and age.
"A pet blood donor needs to have a calm temperament and feel relaxed in a veterinary environment,” says Dr. MacMillan. “Stressed, anxious, or aggressive pets would be too difficult for staff to safely handle, and it would not be fair on the animal.”
For dogs to donate, the following should apply:
- In great health
- Aged between one and eight years old
- Weigh over 55lbs or 25kg
- Have had their vaccinations
- Never traveled abroad – this reduces the risk of them carrying any infectious diseases
For cats, the following should apply:
- In great health and does not take any medications aside from parasite treatments and routine vaccinations
- Aged between one and 10 years old
- Weigh over 9lbs or 4kg
- Have had their vaccinations
- Never traveled abroad
- Indoor only
Do pets have different blood types?
Like humans, different animals of the same species can have different blood types. Dogs have at least 12 known blood types. Most are DEA blood types, with DEA 1.1 the most reactive. DEA 1.1 positive dogs can only donate to other DEA 1.1 positive dogs, but DEA 1.1 negative dogs are “universal” blood donors and can also donate to both DEA 1.1 positive and negative dogs.
Only a small number of dogs are DEA 1.1 negative, but boxers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, greyhounds, Irish Wolfhounds, and pit bulls are more likely to have that blood type. Therefore, they’re rather in demand by blood banks.
Cats, on the other hand, either have A, B, or AB blood. Type A cats must receive Type A blood and Type B cats must receive Type B blood to greatly reduce the risk of reaction. Ideally, Type AB cats should have Type AB blood, but it can be difficult to find so Type A blood is sometimes used.
How to get involved with pet blood donation
If you think your pet could be well-suited to being a blood donor, you could reach out to your local veterinary teaching hospital or speak to your regular vet. You could also take a look at the North American Veterinary Blood Bank’s (NAVBB) website for advice. For UK-based pet parents, head to Pet Blood Bank UK’s website for more information.
We think donating blood is one of the most heroic things a pet can do. If you’d like to find out more about some of the best things our pets get up to, here are some amazing things dogs do without even trying.
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
