Most pet parents are likely familiar with the term “anemia” as it affects many people for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, anemia can also negatively affect your dog's health and lead to many of the same symptoms seen in humans.
Anemia in dogs is common and requires treatment by a veterinarian. It can be life-threatening, so it's important for pet parents to recognize the symptoms so that proper medical care can be provided promptly.
Important takeaways
- Anemia in dogs can be life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary attention. Symptoms such as pale gums, weakness and increased heart rate may indicate anemia and should not be ignored.
- There are many causes of anemia in dogs, including immune-mediated diseases, parasites, toxins and nutritional deficiencies. Identifying the underlying cause is critical to effective treatment.
- Treatment and recovery depends on the severity and cause of the anemia. Some dogs recover quickly with proper care, while others may require ongoing care or hospitalization.
What is anemia in dogs?
Anemia in dogs refers to abnormally low levels of red blood cells or hemoglobin in a dog's body.
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that helps move oxygen. Without enough red blood cells or hemoglobin, a dog's organs and tissues do not receive enough oxygen to function properly. This results in worrying symptoms, such as pale gums and weakness.
Anemia in dogs can be a medical emergency. If you notice that your dog is showing signs of anemia, it is important to take it to a vet immediately.
If left untreated, anemia can become life-threatening, especially if the dog has severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing and white gums.
Types of anemia in dogs
Anemia in dogs can occur due to the destruction, loss or non-production of red blood cells.
Red blood cell destruction means that the dog's own body attacks and destroys her red blood cells. This is common when the dog's immune system misidentifies red blood cells as foreign and gets rid of them. Immune-mediated diseases, such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia (IMHA), occur as a result.
Typically, red blood cell loss occurs when a dog has a trauma or injury and loses blood externally. Internal bleeding also causes loss of red blood cells.
Sometimes a dog can regenerate its own red blood cells and replenish what is lost, but this is not always the case.
Some dogs may not make enough red blood cells due to various diseases or bone marrow problems. Lack of production leads to non-regenerative anemia – meaning the dog cannot recover on its own.
Symptoms of anemia in dogs
Dogs with anemia can have many symptoms. The most common include:
-
Yellow discoloration of the eyes, gums and skin (jaundice)
Causes of anemia in dogs
The most common causes of anemia in dogs include:
All dogs can suffer from anemia, but some breeds are genetically predisposed, including the American Cocker Spaniel and Miniature Schnauzer.
Dogs that do not take monthly flea and tick treatments are also at increased risk of anemia due to parasites.
Puppies have anemia more often due to their higher risk of parasite and viral infections. Similarly, older dogs have a higher incidence of anemia due to their reduced ability to absorb nutrients such as iron and normal aging processes.
Dogs fed homemade diets that are not nutritionally balanced or complete are more prone to anemia because they lack certain nutrients.
How Vets Diagnose Anemia in Dogs
Your veterinarian will begin with a complete physical exam.
They will check your dog's gums and listen to your dog's heart and lungs for any abnormalities. If your dog's gums are pale and their vitals are not normal, the vet will do more tests to diagnose anemia and the possible underlying cause.
During the exam, your vet will want to know:
Diagnostic tests that may be done include:
-
complete blood count (CBC): A blood test is taken to check for low red blood cells and hemoglobin. This is the most important test to diagnose anemia. Blood samples can also be used to test for specific infections, such as tick-borne diseases or heartworm.
-
Serum chemistry: This is another blood test that can check the function of organs, including the kidneys, and find protein loss that occurs in anemia.
-
Bone marrow sampling: In cases of intractable anemia, dogs may be anesthetized and a bone marrow sample may be taken to look for abnormalities such as cancer.
Treatment of anemia in dogs
Treatment of anemia in dogs depends largely on the underlying cause.
Some cases of anemia are curable and can heal with the right treatment in just a few days, while others require lifelong treatment to keep the dog healthy.
Potential medications and supportive care that can be given to a dog with anemia include:
Dogs with severe anemia need to be hospitalized for several days while receiving supportive care through medications and fluid therapy until they are stable.
Recovery and management of anemia in dogs
Dogs with severe anemia and progressive disease can die, but many dogs who receive prompt treatment recover within days to weeks. Dogs with chronic diseases may need lifelong treatment to control their condition.
While receiving treatment at home, including oral medications, pet parents should expect to bring their dogs back to the veterinary hospital to check their red blood cell count regularly until the count is stable.
The time between visits will vary depending on the severity of the anemia and what is causing it.
Prevention of anemia in dogs
Some cases of anemia in dogs can be difficult to prevent, especially if they are caused by immune-mediated diseases or genetics.
However, pet parents can take a few steps to reduce the likelihood of their dogs developing anemia. These include:
Frequently Asked Questions About Anemia in Dogs
What can I give my dog ​​for anemia?
Dogs with anemia should not be treated at home. They should be seen quickly by a veterinarian for medications and supportive care.
What is the life expectancy of a dog with anemia?
The life expectancy of a dog with anemia varies widely. Some dogs live long, happy lives after prompt diagnosis and treatment, while others with severe disease can quickly die from the condition.
What are the symptoms of anemia in dogs?
There are many symptoms of anemia, and some of the most common include pale gums, increased heart rate and breathing rate, lethargy, yellow discoloration of the eyes and skin, and weakness.
When should a dog with anemia be euthanized?
When considering humane euthanasia for a pet, it is important to speak with a veterinarian to become fully educated about this option and the appropriate timing of the decision.
