What Does Doggie Blood Donation Involve?

For dogs, the blood donation process takes about 5-10 minutes, but you should plan on spending up to 30-40 minutes at a blood drive. This is what happens during the process:

 

Dogs will first receive a physical examination and health history will be taken.

A large accessible vein is needed. This is typically a vein in the neck or, sometimes, the cephalic vein on the front of the foreleg.

The area is clipped and aseptically prepared before insertion of the needle.

The donor is either gently held sitting or lying on his/her side. The needle is gently inserted into the vein until a free flow of blood is obtained.

Collection time is usually about 10 minutes for a full bag and varies from donor to donor.

A small meal is offered (like tea and biscuits for us!) after a donation, as a reward.

After donation, an area of swelling and bruising may be seen where the needle was inserted. This should fade over a few days.

Ideally, you should be present to provide comfort to your dog and keep it calm while it donates. However, most dogs become used to the procedure after a few donations and can be quite calm and relaxed even without their owners around!

After the donation, your dog may want to take it easy, but many are comfortable to get on with their normal routine.

We recommend that you do not engage your dog in strenuous activity for the next two days following blood donation.

Most dogs are able to sit still for the 10-minute donation with no problem, especially after they donate a few times and become used to the procedure. You should be present at every donation to help keep your dog calm and still while it donates. Once at home, your dog may want to take it easy, but many will get on with their normal routine.