Human blood donors probably save millions of lives each year. They give life-saving blood anonymously to people they will probably never know. Dogs can do the same thing.
All too often, just like people, injured or sick animals require blood transfusions as part of their treatment. In many cases, blood transfusions can save a pet's life. The most common use of transfusions is for blood loss, but the amount used for the treatment of critical illnesses such as cancer treatments has also increased. Without the participation of canine blood donors, animals in need might not be able to receive critical transfusions in time, and veterinary surgeons cannot perform important and lifesaving operations.
Reasons why dogs may need blood include:
· Traumatic injuries
· Exposure to rat poison which causes excessive bleeding
· Surgical blood loss
· Bone marrow problems
· Immune-mediated blood problems
· Congenital clotting disorders, including von Willebrand's disease
As dogs become more and more a part of the family, there is an increasing and growing demand for transfusion therapy to treat many diseases and injuries. With this comes the demand for blood products. Before the current rise in blood banks around the world, veterinarians utilized their own pups and client family pups to help with the need. This is the need that is now being filled by canine blood banks.
Owners should take their dogs to donate blood so that their blood will help other dogs in need. One donation can help as many as four dogs! Owners should realise that animals need transfusions for the same reasons that humans do. Healthy donors are needed to give blood to the many pets that need transfusions.
Many owners may not be willing to donate their dogs’ blood, due to a lack of education on what the donation process involves. Dog blood donation is actually a very special program and is also a wonderful way for you and your companion to help others in their time of need. Besides the pride and personal knowledge that you have made it possible for your dog to save the lives of other dogs, another perk will be knowing that blood will always be available for your dog, should he or she ever need a transfusion. Read on, and find out how easy it is for your canine companion to save a fellow dog’s life today!
