Anemia in Dogs

There are various reasons which can lead to anemia hence, the diagnosis of anemia becomes difficult. This is not a very severe disease but, if proper treatment is not done, it can lead to serious disorders. In very rare cases, it can also cause the death of the dog.

Hemolytic Anemia

This is a type of anemia. Hemolytic anemia in dogs is mainly an autoimmune disease. Hemolytic anemia in dogs prognosis depends a lot on the underlying reason of the anemia. This disorder mainly affects female dogs more than the male ones. Also, a few dog breeds like poodles, terriers, spaniels, etc. are more prone to this disorder. Reasons which will trigger hemolytic anemia in dogs are contamination due to zinc, bee venom, bee infection, etc.

Causes of Anemia in Dogs

• When the red blood cells present in the body of the dog do not function properly, it gives rise to anemia.
• Diseases and disorders like red blood cell destruction, blood loss and insufficient production of red blood cells are also responsible for the same.
• Other disorders like infectious diseases, deficiency of iron, severe injury, autoimmune disease, cancer and genetic disorders are a few problems which can be a root of anemia in dogs.

Symptoms of Anemia in Dogs

• One of the most commonly observed symptoms is pale gums.
• These dogs become extremely weak and hence, they may faint at times.
• Other commonly observed symptoms of anemia are weight loss, lethargy, yellowing of the skin and eyes and also vomiting.
• In some cases, appearance of blood will be observed in the urine and the feces.
• The abdomen of the dog will distend due to this disorder.
• The pulse rate of the dog will either decrease a lot or increase a lot. The dog will also experience difficulty in breathing.
• You will also observe a sudden change in the dog behavior.

Treatment Options for Anemia

• Anemia is not a disease or a disorder but, it occurs as a result of some underlying problems. In order to cure anemia, it is a must to know these underlying problems. Curing them will automatically help in healing anemia.
• For treatment of anemia, it is better if you take the dog to the veterinarian instead of opting for any kind of treatment at home.
• But, in order to reduce the disorder, you can feed the dog with best quality dog food. Also, make sure to keep the dog well hydrated. Make him take sufficient rest. These remedies will not help is getting rid of anemia but, they will definitely help in alleviating the situation. Also, make sure that the place where the dog is residing in clean, neat and tidy.
• Most of the time, anemia gives rise to deficiency of iron. Hence, make sure that you give him foods which are rich in iron.
• If the dog is suffering from anemia due to the presence of fleas, worms, ticks or other parasites, opt for some remedy which helps in getting rid of these parasites as soon as possible.

In order to know more about the disease, the veterinarian will perform different tests on the dogs like blood test, urine test, etc. The veterinarian might also make use of radiographs, ultrasound and other such techniques for proper diagnosis. Hopefully, this article must have given you sufficient information about anemia in dogs. Take care!