Even in the current health context linked to Covid-19, the French Blood Establishment (EFS) continues to welcome donors in donation houses, mobile collections… and at the veterinarian. Indeed, very few know it, but we are not the only ones who can donate blood, our hairballs are capable too.
How's it going ?
To start, the veterinarian performs a health check and a blood test to determine the blood group of your animal. Dogs have eight blood groups, cats have only three in total. Unlike canids, twinks must imperatively receive blood from a donor with an identical blood group. Most of the time, the blood is taken from the jugular without sedation … if the animal is sufficiently calm. Blood collection is free and lasts half an hour.
As in humans, the animal may experience a slight tiredness once the heroic act has been carried out. A side effect largely offset by the snack provided after exercise (croquettes, piece of meat …).
What conditions?
To be able to donate blood, the dog must be solid, be between 1 and 8 years old and weigh at least 25 kilos. Cats, for their part, must be between 1 and 6 years old and weigh at least 4 and a half kilos. They must also be up to date in their vaccines, dewormed and have never been transfused.
A little-known practice
Like us, some animals, when injured or sick, sometimes need a blood transfusion. Your dog or tomcat's blood could save their lives. Yet many pet owners ignore it. According to a survey published in the journal Vet Record, 70% of owners do not know that their companion could donate blood.
If you are interested, talk to your veterinarian.
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