Understanding Dog Blood Types and Transfusions

Dog blood types are a crucial aspect of canine medicine, and understanding them is vital for ensuring the best possible care for your furry friend. There are eight main blood types in dogs, with some breeds being more prone to certain types.

The first blood type, DEA 1.1, is the most common and affects many breeds, including Labradors and German Shepherds. This type is often used as a reference point for canine blood typing.

Each blood type has its own unique characteristics, and dogs can be either universal donors or recipients. For example, dogs with DEA 1.1 are often used as universal donors because they can donate to dogs of other blood types without causing a reaction.

Related reading: How Many Different Kinds of German Shepherds Are There

The concept of blood transfusions dates back to ancient times, with evidence of bloodletting practices found in the works of Hippocrates around 400 BCE.

The first recorded blood transfusion was performed by the French physician Jean-Baptiste Denis in 1667, using the blood of a sheep.

On a similar theme: Blood Sausage

Blood types were first identified in humans by Karl Landsteiner in 1901, who discovered the ABO blood group system.

The discovery of the ABO blood group system led to the development of blood typing, which is essential for safe blood transfusions.

In the early 20th century, the first canine blood typing system was developed, classifying dogs into different blood groups based on their red blood cell antigens.

This breakthrough paved the way for safe and effective blood transfusions in dogs, just as it had in humans.

The most common canine blood types are A, B, AB, and O, which are similar to the human ABO blood group system.

Dogs can also be classified into different blood groups based on their Kell and MNS blood group systems, which are less common in humans.

For your interest: Draw Blood

Dogs can be classified as positive or negative for each DEA (dog erythrocyte antigen), with six commonly recognized blood groups: DEA-1.1, DEA-1.2, DEA-3, DEA-4, DEA-5, and DEA-7.

Some breeds are more likely to be DEA 1.1 negative, such as greyhounds, boxers, Irish wolfhounds, German shepherds, dobermans, and pit bulls. Golden retrievers and labradors are more commonly DEA 1.1 positive.

Dogs that are negative for DEA 1.1 and other blood types are considered "universal donors" able to give to any other blood typed dog. DEA 1.1 negative dogs may only receive DEA 1.1 negative blood, while DEA 1.1 positive dogs may receive both DEA 1.1 positive and DEA 1.1 negative blood.

Here's a list of some breeds and their common DEA 1.1 status:

Dogs have 8 blood types referred to as DEA (dog erythrocyte antigen) 1-8, with over 13 blood groups described.

Dog blood groups are unique in that not all groups have naturally occurring antibodies. This means that an immediate match does not need to be made, and an initial unmatched transfusion can be given.

Dogs can be classified as positive or negative for each DEA (dog erythrocyte antigen). An erythrocyte is a red blood cell.

Readers also liked: Dog Tastes Blood

The canine blood groups most commonly recognized are DEA-1.1, DEA-1.2, DEA-3, DEA-4, DEA-5, and DEA-7.

Some breeds have a predisposition to being DEA 1.1 positive or negative. Here are some breeds that are likely to be DEA 1.1 negative:

These breeds are considered "universal donors" able to give to any other blood typed dog.

Dog organ donation is not a common practice, but it's worth noting that dogs can be blood donors. Pretty much any dog can be a blood donor, but they must meet certain requirements.

Dogs must be between one- to six-years-old, weigh at least 55 pounds, and be free of any medications. Prior to becoming a donor, all dogs are screened for infectious diseases and given a full veterinary exam.

A single donation can be used to save up to four lives because the blood can be separated into two components, red blood cells and plasma. Donor dogs can "roll up their fur sleeves" every two to three months, but this varies by the blood bank.

Interestingly, cats and dogs have different blood types, so they cannot donate blood to each other.

A standard unit of whole canine blood is 500cc, or almost 17 ounces, which is used to treat dogs in need of a transfusion. This is a significant advancement in transfusion medicine, especially for dogs that often require a transfusion as part of their treatment.

To save a dog's life, veterinarians can rely on canine blood banks, which are a relatively new concept developed during the past few decades. These blood banks have two types: collection centers that use volunteer dogs and centers that house and care for their own group of donor dogs living on the blood bank grounds.

Any dog can be a blood donor, but they must meet certain requirements, such as being between one- to six-years-old and weighing at least 55 pounds. Donor dogs are also screened for infectious diseases and given a full veterinary exam before entering a donation program.

Prior to donating, a dog's blood type is determined, and they can donate blood every two to three months. The blood draw takes about 10 minutes, and sedation is not needed – just plenty of head rubs and treats. A single donation can be used to save up to four lives because the blood can be separated into two components, red blood cells and plasma.

Explore further: What to Do with Your Dog's Ashes?

Here's a quick rundown of the requirements for becoming a dog blood donor:

It's worth noting that cats and dogs have different blood types, so they cannot donate blood to each other. However, in rare emergency circumstances, donor dog blood has been used in cats when an immediate source of cat donor blood was not available.