Anemia is usually a sign of an underlying illness and can affect your dog's body in various ways. Today, our Memphis vets discuss anemia in dogs, the treatment options, different types and what signs to watch for.
What is anemia in dogs?
Generally, anemia happens when a dog’s body does not produce enough red blood cells or hemoglobin, which carry oxygen to the tissues in healthy canines. The cells produce energy, and carbon dioxide is left behind before exhaling from the body via the lungs.
However, insufficient red blood cells carry less oxygen to the tissues, leading to fatigue and weakness.
Anemia is most often a symptom of an underlying disease but can also be caused by severe blood loss due to conditions such as cancer or stomach ulcers. Other potential causes include injury, an accident or trauma.
What are the types of anemia in dogs?
Common types of anemia in dogs include:
- Hemolytic anemia
- Blood loss anemia
- Aplastic or non-regenerative anemia
- Methemoglobinemia
What are the signs of anemia in dogs?
Based on the underlying cause, signs and symptoms of anemia in dogs may vary. They can include:
- Weight loss
- Swelling in the jaw or face
- Vomiting
- Black stools
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness or lethargy
- Pale ears, gums or eyes
- Rapid breathing or fast pulse
How to Treat Anemia in Dogs
If you search 'treatments for anemia in dogs', you’ll likely find a significant amount of advice and opinions. However, always consult your veterinarian about any advice you’re thinking of implementing and ask any questions you may have about recommended medications or treatments.
Diagnostics may be recommended depending on your dog’s current symptoms and history. These may range from a complete blood count to learn how anemic your pooch is and assess characteristics of red blood cells to chemistry tests to examine organ function and sugar levels to specialized tests that may help reveal an underlying infectious disease. Since iron deficiency can lead to anemia, your vet may also want to test for iron in the blood.
If the vet does diagnose your dog with anemia, the prognosis will depend on the cause and whether the underlying condition causing the anemia can be treated. Once the cause has been determined through diagnostic testing, your veterinarian can recommend an effective course of treatment.
One or a combination of these treatments may be recommended:
- Immunosuppressive drugs
- Deworming or parasite medications
- Blood transfusion
- Bone marrow transfusion
- Intravenous fluids
- Surgery
- Antibiotics
- Change to existing medications
- Potassium phosphate supplements
- Gastrointestinal medication
How can you increase your dog's iron intake?
You can boost the iron in your dog’s system by supplementing his diet with fresh foods containing this important mineral. You can start with green vegetables, beef liver, raw egg yolk (from local or organic eggs) and add canned sardines to their regular food.
Pet parents sometimes ask, 'Is vitamin C good for anemia in dogs?'. The answer is yes, it can help. Depending on your dog’s size, you should aim to add 500 to 2,000 milligrams of Vitamin C daily (which can help the body absorb iron from the intestinal tract).
Don’t forget to check with your vet before starting your dog on any new diet, medication or other treatment. Because liver is a rich food, ask how much your dog should be given - you don’t want to cause a case of diarrhea while trying to treat anemia.
When predicting how long dogs can live with anemia, you and your vet should treat it as a serious symptom since some of its causes are very serious. The prognosis will depend on the underlying cause, and how early and how effective anemia treatment in dogs can be.
Is anemia an emergency?
Anemia is a serious symptom and may be caused by conditions ranging from autoimmune disorders to injury, toxins or diseases. Your dog may begin to display symptoms such as bloody diarrhea or vomiting. If these or any other concerning symptoms occur, please contact your primary care veterinarian or nearest emergency animal hospital immediately for help.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
