Dog blood donors

[Elizabeth Boychuk]

Yesterday while I was at the vet with our puppy Howard, the vet asked if we would consider having Cooper (our 3.5 year old goldendoodle) be a blood donor. Initially my gut reaction was 'of course' as I thought it would be a great way to help other dogs but then I started to wonder if the experience would be hard on Cooper. Has anyone had their dog be a blood donor before and, if so, was it an okay experience for your pup? Would love your thoughts!

Elizabeth

Elizabeth 

[Jennifer Tramell]

Our dog Charlotte needed an emergency blood transfusion almost 2 years ago.  Her "big brother" Webster was the blood donor.  It was a stress-free easy procedure for Webster.  He was a little loopy after as the sedative wore off, but I was surprised at how quick and easy the whole process was.  We told our vet that she could call on us any time she needs another blood donor.

[Elizabeth Boychuk]

Awesome - that's great to hear. They thought he'd be a great donor I just didn't want him to go through something that would be overly stressful. How long did the whole procedure take? I think it sounds like a great opportunity to help.

[Jennifer Tramell]

I want to say 10 minutes but I was in with my sick Charlotte while hubby was in with Webster so I don't really know.  I remember thinking how quick it was.  They gave Webster a mild sedative so he wouldn't move but he is so mellow he probably didn't need it.  The vet said it was the best and easiest transfusion she'd ever seen and that Webster's blood was excellent.

[F, Calla & Luca]

After the initial "stick" blood donation is painless.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I don't know anything about donating blood but wanted to say that your little Howard is adorable!  Such a handsome pair!

[BG and Gavin]

My friend works at a vet clinic and her dog donates when they get emergency calls. He is so good. His dad just holds him and he does not need sedatives to get through it. Bonus is he gets frequent free blood scans which help ensure he is in the best of health.

[Lynda Kamrath]

We have had several experiences with this.  My neighbor's dog was a large lab and would board at the veterinary office.  Once they called her and asked if he could donate some blood (which he did).  Then, when my goldendoodle had surgery (he had a bleed out), one of the techs went home and got his rottweiler for a blood donation for him.  They called me first and let me know what was going on.  So, it isn't anything unusual these days.  The experience is not hard on a large dog, anymore than getting a blood test, but it can be a little trying if he is nervous.  I would say to just stay with him and let him know that everything is okay.  It is a good thing to do just like giving your own blood is a good thing to do.  When a dog needs a transfusion, it is just like when a person needs blood - good to have it available. 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

This sounds like a very nice idea. I have one doodle who would be a great candidate for this as she is calm and easy going, but the other is a nervous nilly and it would be too stressful for him, so I guess it depends on your dogs personality.