Can-i(ne) donate blood? (Wo)of course, you can!

It was a chilly winter evening in November when Rimjhim Joshi’s Rottweiler, Ruby, donated a unit of blood for a sick puppy who needed urgent blood transfusion. "That was the first time that I ever heard of a dog donating blood. I was anxious initially but the vet guided us through the process and I am happy Ruby could save another pup's life," says Rimjhim.
Like Rimjhim, many of us are unaware of this process, but cities like Chennai, Hyderabad and Delhi NCR have dedicated animal blood banks for those in need! Even Indore is opening up to the idea through queries on social media network, online apps and more, giving pets and pet parents a chance to save lives of fellow canines.
Save a life
“Much like humans, animals also suffer from life-threatening diseases and accidents where they need immediate blood transfusion. Most commonly, dogs get affected by the Parvo virus which leads to a lot of blood loss," says Dr Sandeep Nanavati, a city-based vet, adding, "When pet donors come forward to donate even one unit of blood for such ailing animals, we are able to save lives.”
He maintains that whenever such a requirement comes in, they start floating messages via texts through animal rescue and activist networks in the city. “There is need, but awareness of the process is missing. In such a case, when animal activists guide the pet parents about it, they come forward for donation," he says.
And this is not restricted to pets alone. Even strays stand to benefit from the donation. Reshma Motwani, an animal communicator who also works in rescue and rehabilitation of dogs, shares, “Sometimes we need blood donors for accident cases involving strays. I recently shifted from Pune and there, it's a common practice. So, when pet clinics get in touch with a requirement, I contact pet parents of healthy dogs that can donate blood."
While a Hyderabad-based professional Shiva Kumar launched a national blood donation directory for animals last year in June, Indore is catching up and creating an online group of donors that pet parents or doctors can peruse in times of need. “We are setting up an online directory for the city's animal lovers as well as veterinaries which can be accessed immediately in time of need," adds Rimjhim.
Since dogs have over 12 blood groups, vets recommend a blood test and identification of their pets’ group. “For the first donation, blood groups needn’t be matched as dogs, unlike humans, do not have naturally occurring antibodies that oppose blood types in their bodies before transfusion. But it is better for pet parents to have complete knowledge of their pets’ blood type in case there is a need or they want to donate for the same blood type,” shares another vet Dr Narendra Chouhan, who conducted the blood donation for Ruby the Rottweiler.

- It takes approximately 30 minutes to get one unit of blood – 450 ml
- A dog can donate once in three months
- Any dog that weighs 25 kgs or more can donate
- The donor should not be on any medication

“Many pet parents think the process may be painful and detrimental for the pets’ health. But just like humans, the dog does not feel drained out or weak after the donation. No normal activities of the animal are hampered by donating one unit,” explains Dr Chouhan.
As of now there are only 7-10 pet donors in the city who are aware and ready for donation. But there are more number of canines that need transfusions every month. A canine blood donation camp is the need of the hour right now. It will also help in busting myths and doubts about the process.
– Kushagra Rathore, HR professional and animal lover
Since Indore lacks a proper animal blood bank and only a few pet clinics provide such a facility, more serious cases are referred to the Veterinary College and Hospital in Mhow. But chances are, a pet may not have that much time to make it to the place. So, a bigger network of donors is required in the city.
– Dr Sandeep Nanavati, a vet