If your dog appears lethargic, has a high pulse even at rest, and struggles to breathe, anemia might be the underlying issue. The so-called blood deficiency is often a result of previous illnesses, poisonings, or injuries.

This guide will reveal how to recognize anemia and shed light on the treatments your furry friend might undergo.

What is Anemia?

The name “anemia” is somewhat misleading. There is enough blood, but the components are in unfavorable proportions. Anemia occurs specifically when there are too few red blood cells (erythrocytes). Their concentration is determined by the so-called hematocrit. In a healthy dog, this value should range between 44 and 57 percent. If it falls below this range, the veterinarian diagnoses anemia.

Normally, the number of erythrocytes produced, consumed, and broken down remains constant. However, if this balance is disrupted, anemia occurs. Since red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen to the cells, organs are no longer adequately supplied, causing the dog to feel tired or even struggle for breath.

What Are the Causes?

In general, the causes of anemia in dogs can be divided into two situations. On the one hand, a variety of underlying diseases or chronic conditions disrupt the balance between the formation and breakdown of erythrocytes, leading to oxygen deficiency in the organs.

On the other hand, there can be a temporary anemia after injuries or traumas. These are often caused by significant blood loss, which may not only result from obvious wounds but also from hidden internal bleeding. Bloody diarrhea or vomiting should always be taken seriously and analyzed by veterinary medicine.

In these cases, a high blood loss and subsequent anemia can be expected:

Relevant Pre-existing Conditions

Particularly, chronic illnesses contribute to anemia in dogs. One such condition is autoimmune hemolytic anemia. In this case, the necessary erythrocytes are destroyed by the dog’s own spleen and are no longer available to the circulatory system. The disease can be treated with immunosuppressants, but in severe cases, the removal of the spleen may also be necessary.

Autoimmune hemolysis leads to the targeted destruction of stem cells in the bone marrow, which are crucial for the production of red blood cells.

Detecting these autoimmune diseases is not always straightforward, so veterinarians often need to rule out a range of symptoms. The speed and effectiveness of an anemia therapy depend significantly on how precisely the diagnosis of underlying conditions is made.

Symptoms of Anemia in Dogs

As a pet owner, you may notice the initial signs. You observe your dog daily. If your dog suddenly exhibits one or more of the following symptoms, you should visit a veterinary practice:

For precise clarification, a veterinarian will primarily conduct a blood test and request essential values. This includes, above all, the hematocrit value. If this value is too low, it is a clear indication of anemia.

Additional examinations such as CT scans, MRI, or even a biopsy may follow depending on the case. Particularly, an enlarged liver can only be determined in this way and often indicates poisoning or hidden inflammations. Additionally, infectious diseases must be considered, as they, too, can potentially trigger anemia.

How is a dog treated for anemia?

This question is challenging to answer broadly because anemia can have various underlying causes. The conventional approach to therapy involves the use of medications, specifically corticosteroids. These are steroids from the adrenal cortex. Since these medications have potential risks, the veterinarian will recommend a precise dosage that must be strictly adhered to.

In emergency situations, a blood transfusion can aid a dog with anemia. However, this cannot be a long-term solution, emphasizing the urgent need to further investigate the cause of the low hematocrit value.

If parasites are the culprits behind anemia, they need to be eliminated. Depending on the parasite, this may involve deworming treatments or flea control measures, which you, as the owner, must consistently administer at home.

As mentioned earlier, sometimes splenectomy (removal of the spleen) can be considered to prevent autoimmune diseases. If a tumor is causing anemia, surgical removal of the tumor is performed. Other internal injuries may also be addressed through surgical intervention.

What you can do as an owner – Support and Prevention

While preventing an underlying condition may be challenging, you can regularly check your dog for typical symptoms, especially if a chronic illness is already known. If not, it is crucial to promptly identify the cause of anemia through appropriate diagnostics. Otherwise, your dog will continue to struggle with reduced performance. Without treatment, even the life expectancy of your dog may be compromised.

Supporting your pet’s nutrition can play a role. Anemia may sometimes be linked to deficiencies in folic acid, iron, or vitamin B12. Ensure that your dog’s diet includes foods rich in these nutrients. However, always remember that a healthy diet alone does not prevent or cure anemia. Nowadays, few dogs suffer from nutritional deficiencies, as most owners feed them varied and high-quality nutrition.

Additionally, focus on effective prevention against parasites and ticks. Regular deworming and thorough inspection of your dog’s coat for bloodsuckers after every woodland walk are essential. Certain infectious diseases, such as distemper or parvovirus, can be prevented from the outset through vaccination.

What costs can I expect?

It is challenging to estimate the financial impact of anemia as both diagnostics and treatment options can vary significantly from case to case. Procedures that may seem routine for humans, such as a simple blood test, can incur high costs in the veterinary field. If more elaborate diagnostic procedures or surgeries are required, expenses can quickly escalate. To avoid financial strain or, worse, being unable to afford therapy for your beloved pet, it is advisable to consider pet health insurance in case of health issues. This way, at least, financial concerns can be alleviated.

What is the prognosis?

If anemia is promptly and accurately diagnosed, there should be no hindrance to a long and healthy life for your dog. Once the causes are identified, they can often be relatively easily addressed. Only the diagnostic process tends to be tricky.

If your dog’s anemia is not a result of a one-time situation like trauma or pneumonia but is based on a chronic condition, be prepared for your dog to require regular veterinary check-ups throughout its life. These check-ups are crucial to monitor its health status optimally.

However, if anemia or its underlying condition remains untreated, further decline in performance may lead to severe consequences, possibly even death.

Which breeds are particularly affected by anemia?

Breed-specific problems often stem from overbreeding, but they rarely lead to anemia. Various chronic autoimmune diseases are more prevalent in the gene pool of some breed groups than others. Therefore, breeds like Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, West Highland Terriers, or Beagles are more frequently affected by anemia. These breeds often have a congenital enzyme that accelerates the rapid breakdown of red blood cells.

Conclusion

As dramatic as the initial signs of anemia may seem, the treatment is generally straightforward. Once the cause of your dog’s performance decline is determined, it can be effectively treated. A chronic autoimmune disease is not automatically bad news. With careful monitoring and support in the form of medication, a happy life for your dog is possible. All you need to do is keep an eye on your pet’s health and provide the necessary nutrients through a high-quality diet.