My Friendly Pets

The picture above is Joanna Goriss and her dogs J.J. and Logan. Both dogs donate their blood to help other dogs in need. We know that blood donations are critical for humans. Well, canine blood donations are needed and critical as well. Both of Joanna’s healthy Labs have donated blood 12 times over the past three years. It is unknown how many dogs’ lives were saved because of this donation. In Florida, where Goriss lives there is a non-profit animal blood bank where she takes her two dogs to donate. The Sun States Animal Blood Bank serves all of Florida.

Dr. Andrew Mackin , an associate professor and service chief of Small Animal Internal Medicine at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine says “Severe injuries occasionally need blood transfusions, but more often dogs commonly need transfusions for different reasons.” Some of the reasons that dogs need transfusions include illnesses involving chronic anemia, clotting disorders or bone marrow diseases. Dog owners want to treat their animals rather than euthanize them. This enhances the need for canine blood donation.

Just as the Red Cross solicits blood through local blood drives, animal blood banks have begun to do the same. Midwest Animal Blood Services in Michigan holds canine and feline blood drives once or twice a year. The ideal donor is a dog who is less than 8 years old, weighing at least 50 lbs. and has a good disposition. Dogs also must be tick and flea free and up to date on all of their vaccinations. For dog owners, donating blood can also alert them to any underlying illness that the dog has, as the blood is screened for disease and the dog is given an overall physical prior to donation.

So, I know you are all thinking “Doesn’t it hurt the dog?” No, it doesn’t, according to their human owners. It is a painless procedure and for the dog with the good temperament, the owner sits with them and pets and soothes the dog through the process. It is a blessing for those hundreds of dogs who will require the blood of another canine pal to survive. So donate (to a human blood bank), and have your dog do so as well. You won’t be sorry!!!!