Dogs Can Give Blood Too!

(Wednesday, February 01, 2006) - People aren't the only ones who can give blood. In fact, many animal health care centers are in urgent need of blood donated by canines.

Similar to humans, donated dog blood is used for critically ill and injured dogs suffering from disorders like cancer, motor vehicle accidents and major surgery. Given the recent advancements in veterinary medicine, blood transfusions have become a common procedure and have saved many lives.

Dog donors must be healthy, ages one to six, weigh 50 pounds and over, have current vaccinations and heartworm-preventative medication and have never been pregnant or had a blood transfusion.

Blood donation is safe and simple for pets. Before the procedure, some dogs are lightly sedated and a small area of the dog's neck is shaved and cleaned. Then, roughly 16 ounces of blood is drawn from the dog. After the procedure, the dog is brought to a recovery room area to rest for the remainder of the day.

Two of our long time Happy Tails customers, Charlie and Jackson Brice, are "on call" in case of an urgent need for blood. Combined they have saved three dogs' lives.

"They told me that Fluffy needed a blood donation and they were happy that Jackson could help," owner Sally Brice recounted. "About two hours later, when I went to pick him up, the staff said Jackson did a great job and that Fluffy and his family was very grateful."

"Charlie is positive which is the norm, Jackson is negative which is rare," Brice added. "Alexandria Animal Hospital was glad to have a negative blood donor-since they are so rare." Brice said hospitals always have a need for blood.

"You wait for them to call, which can be day or night. When you take them in, they give them a mild sedative, and extract the blood. The entire process takes between one to two hours, then you can pick them up. They are still a bit woozy, but after a nap, they are raring to go."

Brice said she is glad she volunteers her dogs. "The feeling is awesome. If my dogs needed a blood donation, I would be very thankful and grateful that someone's dog saved their lives.

If you are interested in volunteering your dog as a blood donor, ask your local veterinarian or animal hospital for more information about where and when drives are taking place.

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