Canine Blood Donor Program
Just like humans, pets can suffer from life-threatening illness that could result in them needing a life-saving blood transfusion.
What is the process?
We run initial blood screening tests on your dog to ensure they have no underlying health issues at no cost. Tests are reviewed and if approved by our veterinarians, your dog can donate blood.
To be eligible to be a donor your pet must be:
- 25kg +
- 1-5 years old
- Fully vaccinated
- Regularly wormed
- Never received a blood transfusion
- Known history of good health
- Calm temperament
Your dog can donate up to four times a year and blood cells are replaced within a month of the donation.
Your pet will be admitted to hospital for a short time and after the initial blood screening tests they will be administered a general anaesthetic during the donation process. Two small areas, one on the leg and the other on their neck will be clipped. After the donation they will be monitored as they wake up from the anaesthetic, later offered a drink and a snack and given lots of cuddles and pats. After that they can return home.
A dog may need a blood transfusion for many reasons. These may include:
- Being hit by a car
- Anaemia
- Severe haemorrhage (bleeding)
- Blood clotting problems, such as rat bait toxicity
- Septic shock
- Kidney or liver failure
- Low blood protein levels
- Autoimmune diseases
- Cancer
If you would like your dog to join our blood donor pool and become a donor hero, please register your interest by contacting our receptionist at either Hobart Animal Hospital 6236 9787 or Channel Highway Animal Hospital 6229 7939. We would love to hear from you!