Do Dogs Have Different Blood Types?
We all know that ABO distinguishes human blood types, and blood transfusions between different blood types cannot be made at will. So, if you are a dog owner, do you know dogs also have blood types?
Dogs also have blood types, which are divided into negative and positive. Common dog blood types are DEA1.1, DEA1.2, DEA3, DEA4, DEA5, DEA6, DEA7, DEA8, etc.
Each blood type is divided into negative and positive blood based on whether it contains RH antigen. Negative blood of the same kind only accepts negative blood. In contrast, positive blood can receive either negative or positive blood.
When a dog needs a blood transfusion, it is necessary to test the blood type in advance, including a blood sensitivity test, so that you can know whether the blood type matches and possible transfusion reactions.
When a blood transfusion reaction occurs, it can range from diarrhoea and vomiting to incontinence, weakness, weight loss, and even death.
When pairing dogs, you should also pay attention to the blood types of the two dogs. Take the common DEA1.1 blood type as an example. DEA1.1 is dominant, and DEA1(-) is recessive. One of the two dogs has a blood type. When it is DEA1.1, the blood type of the offspring will be DEA1.1. If both blood types are DEA1(-) at the same time, the blood type of the offspring will be DEA1(-).
Particular attention should be paid to the fact that when the blood type of the male dog is DEA1.1, and the blood type of the female dog is DEA1(-), the blood type of the offspring is DEA1.1. Then, the blood type of the offspring is inconsistent with that of the female dog. The puppies will be affected by the ingestion of breast milk. An antigen-antibody reaction occurs, leading to hemolysis.
Therefore, when pairing dogs, it is best to avoid pairing a male dog with blood type DEA1.1 and a female dog with blood type DEA1(-).
If the owner wants to know the dog’s blood type, he can take the dog to the pet hospital for examination to confirm.
When a dog loses too much blood or has insufficient hematopoiesis, it is necessary to transfuse the dog’s blood artificially. At this time, the dog’s blood type needs to be matched.
In an emergency, blood of other blood types can be transfused for the first time. If it is the second time, blood transfusion must strictly be done by the blood matching principle. Otherwise, it will easily cause reactions such as fever, allergies, and hemolysis.