Do dogs need a blood transfusion?
Yes, dogs suffering from blood diseases and severe blood loss can receive blood transfusions from another healthy dog to help them get better.
But matching them up maybe a little difficult since dogs have more blood types than humans, and therefore the categories are more complex.
Do Dogs Have Different Blood Types?
Yes, they do. More than twelve dog blood types exist, and with research, more will probably be found.
Dog blood types are genetic with complex inheritance patterns.
Each blood type may be inherited independently.
There are 7 recognized dog blood types, within the Dog Erythrocyte Antigen classification: (DEA 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8).
Since these blood groups are independent, over one blood type will be co-expressed on the surface of canine red blood cells.
The DEA 1 is the most common type.
Which dogs are universal donors?
The comfort and welfare of any dog donating blood is usually the very best priority.
So, they have to satisfy some criteria: dogs must be fit and healthy, aged between one and eight years old, weigh over 25kg, be up to date with their vaccinations, not on any medication, and haven’t traveled abroad.
Dogs even have to own an honest disposition and are comfortable with new people and situations.
If a dog is solely too old, or too nervous, to donate, owners can encourage the dog, especially if the dog is included in the list below or with the rarer DEA 1 Negative type.
This list includes;
- Greyhounds
- Chippiparai
- Doberman Pinschers
- German shepherd
- Airedale terrier
- Weimaraner
- Boxer
1. Greyhound
The Greyhound is a noble, sweet-tempered, and gentle dog with an independent spirit.
For thousands of years, Greyhound has been an object of interest for kings.
Artists, and poets. Over 85% of Greyhound have a blood group that allows their blood to be used on other dogs and so they are referred to as dogdom’s donor.
Greyhound blood is unusually rich in red blood cells, but average white blood cells and platelets.
Out of the main seven blood groups in dogs, DEA 1.1 is taken under consideration.
The foremost importance for safe blood transfusions, locating a donor for a dog in need is extremely important.
2. Chippiparai
The Chippiparai dog is not left out, it is a sighthound breed of dog, and is a single-colored breed from Tamil Nadu, in India.
The breed was used to hunt forest pigs, deer, and small rabbits before the act was stopped in 1972 due to the Wildlife Protection Act passed by the Indian government.
Now the breed is used as a guard dog or for racing or shows. Chippiparai is still used today for catching rabbits in some small villages near mountains and forests in South India.
After 18 months of research, state Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) declared Chippiparai to be a new blood donor for dogs.
The negativity of the antigen in DEA 1.1 was found to be around 73.3% in Chippiparai, this caused them to give some thought to this breed because the donor, quite just like the Greyhound. It has low subcutaneous fat and also an athletic structure.
3. Doberman Pinschers
Doberman Pinschers can be traced back to Germany.
This breed is used as guard dogs during the late 19th century, mostly bred as a guard.
They are athletic build and noble appearance.
They are very smart, highly energetic dogs, hardworking dogs who perform well in the military, police work, canine sports, and as family guardians.
Study shows that Doberman has Dal-negative blood type which is a rare blood type.
To date, 38% of all Doberman Pinschers are tested Dal-negative.
Learn More:
4. German Shepherd
The German shepherd Dog is one every of America’s hottest dog breeds.
They’re intelligent and hardworking dogs.
Their devotion and courage are unmatched and they’re amazingly versatile.
This breed was found to have DEA 1.1 negative blood type which is the rarest blood type and can donate to any other blood groups.
5. Airedale Terrier
The Airedale terrier is called the “king of terriers” because of his or her size.
They’re about 60cm tall and vary in weight from 25kg for a little female to 35kg for an oversized male.
Dogs who are DEA1.1 positive are considered universal recipients, while those that test DEA1.1 Negative are considered universal donors.
The Airedale blood is extremely in demand by the dog blood bank.
6. Weimaraner
They are excellent companions, but due to their hunting heritage, they have lots of energy and high prey drive.
The Weimaraner’s earliest job was to hunt deer, bear, and wolves.
As Germany’s forests dwindled and the big game became scarce, the Weimaraner’s handlers turned the breed’s talents to hunt birds, rabbits, and foxes.
Weimaraner got his name from someplace in Germany where he was developed.
New owners and apartment occupants should beware, as this dog needs consistent training and far activity.
They have the rarest dog blood type and thought of universal donors.
7. Boxer
A full-grown Boxer in good condition is an awesome sight.
A male can stand as tall as 25 inches; females run smaller.
Their muscles ripple beneath a short, tight-fitting coat.
Their dark brown eyes and wrinkled forehead give Boxer’s face an alert, curious look.
Boxers are universal donors and their blood is continuously needed by dog blood banks.
Conclusion
There are 7 major dog blood types out of a possible 12, but 40-45 you look after all dogs have a universal canine blood group.
Sixty percent of Greyhounds have a universal blood group. Boxers, Chippiparai, Weimaraner, German Shepherds, Airedale Terrier, Dobermans, and Greyhound are often universal donors.
Thus, it is important because only dogs with universal dog blood types (DEA 1.1 negative) are often blood donors.
Most dogs can receive the universal blood type, irrespective of their blood group.
Tests are available to make sure there is a perfect match between your dog and the donor.
