“Blood transfusions can be a critical part of treatment for pets experiencing trauma or serious illness.”
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The Red Cross does incredible work in saving human lives with their blood collections and blood banks, but did you realise it’s not the Red Cross that collects, store and distribute dog and cat blood?
If your beloved cat or dog is hit by a car, attacked by another animal, struck by a serious illness and needs serious medical treatment, it’s highly likely they may need a blood transfusion.
And with only a handful of animal blood banks located around Australia, it’s actually your local vet who collects and transfuses blood as it is needed to save another pet’s life.
The demand for dog and cat blood just continues to rise
There are several reasons for this rise in demand. Our pets are becoming an increasingly important part of our families, and we’re now spending more money on them to keep them in good health, so they’re living longer. There are also more specialised veterinarians, such as orthopaedic surgeons and oncologists, and lifesaving treatments for illnesses such as cancer, that simply didn’t exist before or were not as widely available until quite recently.
What’s involved in dog blood donation?
Just as human donors must pass a screening process before donating blood to a blood bank, dogs must undergo screening before donating blood to an animal blood bank. Dogs that donate blood must:
- Be healthy
- Have their vaccinations and worming all up to date
- Weigh at least 14 kg, but preferably 25 kg or more
- Have enough haemoglobin in their blood
- Have not been the recipient of a previous blood transfusion
- Be calm, relaxed and happy to lie still and donate blood
Many aspects of the dog blood donation process are identical to ours. The blood collection equipment used is the same, and dogs also donate approximately the same volume of blood as a human: 450 millilitres. The transfusion process takes only about 10-15 minutes, after which your dog will receive some special treats and lots of praise.
Why isn’t cat blood donation as straightforward as dog blood donation?
Cat blood donation is not quite as straightforward as dog blood donation, because most cats need to be sedated before donation, though some can donate without sedation. Cat donors need to weigh at least 4 kilograms (but preferably 5kgs or more) and due to their smaller size and because they have less blood per kilogram, they only give approximately 40 to 55 millilitres per donation.
Cat blood is collected via their jugular vein, using a specialised needle and a syringe, and the actual donation process is over in a matter of minutes. But because cats aren’t very good at drinking to replenish the fluids they’ve lost, they need to be hooked up to an IV drip after a donation to avoid dehydration. This means that the donation process for cats can take up to several hours.
Does blood type matter?
Just like humans, dogs have different blood types – in fact experts have detected 13 canine blood groups. The most common dog blood type is DEA 1.1 and 30–45 per cent of canines are DEA 1.1. Dogs can receive a first-time transfusion safely without being typed, however after a few transfusions they will build up antibodies against different blood types. Cats, on the other hand, only have only three blood groups: type A, type B or type AB blood, and there is no universal donor or universal receiver when it comes to feline blood types. So if a cat receives a transfusion with the wrong type of blood, it can be fatal.
Where can my pet donate blood?
If you think your dog or cat might be a suitable candidate for blood donation, contact your mobile vet so we can assess your pet for suitability and also so we know we can call on you when we need a donation. Another option is to donate on a regular basis to a veterinary surgery that collects blood – your dog can donate up to 4 times a year, potentially saving the life of 12 other dogs! If you contact your mobile vet we can put you in touch with the blood collection surgery nearest to you.
Key Takeaways
- Blood transfusions are an important part of veterinary care
Pets may require transfusions following trauma, illness or major medical treatment. - Demand for pet blood continues to increase
Longer lifespans and access to advanced treatments have increased the need for donor animals. - Eligibility requirements apply to donor pets
Dogs and cats must meet health, weight and behavioural criteria before donating blood. - Blood type matching is critical, especially in cats
Incorrect blood type matching can lead to serious complications, particularly in feline transfusions.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why might a dog or cat need a blood transfusion?
Pets may require a blood transfusion after trauma, such as being hit by a car, or due to serious illness. It can also be part of treatment during complex medical procedures. Transfusions help stabilise the animal and support recovery.
What requirements must a dog meet to donate blood?
Dogs must be healthy, up to date with vaccinations and parasite prevention, and meet minimum weight requirements. They also need to have suitable haemoglobin levels and a calm temperament. Dogs that have previously received a transfusion are not eligible to donate.
Why is cat blood donation more complex than dog donation?
Cats often require sedation during the donation process, and their smaller size limits the amount of blood that can be collected. They also need fluid support afterwards to prevent dehydration. This makes the process longer and more involved than for dogs.
Does blood type matter when pets receive a transfusion?
Yes, blood type is important for both dogs and cats. Dogs have multiple blood groups, while cats have fewer but no universal donor type. Incorrect matching, particularly in cats, can lead to serious complications.
How often can a dog donate blood?
Dogs can donate blood up to four times per year, depending on their health and suitability. Each donation can help multiple animals. Regular health checks are required to ensure they remain suitable donors.
How can I find out if my pet is suitable for blood donation?
A vet can assess your pet’s health, weight and overall suitability for donation. This includes checking vaccinations and general condition. If appropriate, they can also connect you with a veterinary clinic that collects donations.