Through the years of pet sitting and dog walking, we have met some amazing clients throughout Racine, Kenosha, Milwaukee, and Waukesha counties. Not only do these clients treat their pets as royalty, but they also will do whatever they can to help other animals in need, including having their pets donate blood. It wasn’t until my dad’s dog got hit by a car and I went to visit him at the Vet Hospital that I realized there are canine and feline blood donors. It makes sense; animals can lose a lot of blood in trauma that would require transfusions just as humans do. If you are looking for a way to help save the lives of other animals, you may want to consider having your dog or cat give blood. Different facilities have different requirements on who is eligible, but here are some of the more common ones:
· Must be good with being restrained and with venipuncture
· Dogs must weigh >50 pounds; cats must weigh >10 pounds
· Must be a neutered male or never pregnant female
· Be between 1 and 8 years old
· Must be up to date with vaccinations including Rabies, DHLPP for dogs and Rabies and FVRCP for cats
· Be on heartworm prevention (dogs only)
· Must be an indoor cat (cats only)
· Must not be on any medications that could pose a problem for a blood recipient
If your pet is a match for the above criteria, the vet will likely run a few blood tests to ensure overall health.
The need for animal blood donors is quite high and if your animal is eligible, giving blood to animal in need may save their life. Please check with your veterinarian about their specific criteria for becoming a blood “hound.” The need is strong, and few people actually do it. Both you and your pets will be better off for it!
Many vets will give an annual check up for free just by becoming a blood donor!
