Supports lean muscle, for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
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Dog anemia occurs when there aren't enough red blood cells circulating in the blood to support normal bodily functions. Signs of anemia in dogs are related to a lack of oxygen and low blood pressure, both of which can make a dog feel tired. If you're concerned that your dog may be anemic, keep reading to discover more about what anemia in dogs is, the clinical signs and how it can be treated and prevented.
Normally, red blood cells are created in the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream for three to four months. The cells are removed from the bloodstream when they become damaged or old. Dog anemia occurs when either the bone marrow doesn't make enough red blood cells, the red blood cells are destroyed by immune-mediated or infectious causes or the body loses red blood cells faster than it can make new ones — as in conditions that cause severe bleeding.
Anemia may be either regenerative or nonregenerative:
Clinical signs of anemia in dogs can include:
In addition to the signs of anemia in dogs, your dog may also present signs associated with the underlying condition that's causing anemia. For instance, they might experience weight loss or oral ulcers if the cause is kidney disease, yellowing of the skin with liver disease, a swollen abdomen with cancer of the spleen or evidence of external parasites like fleas in parasite infestations.
Your veterinarian will conduct a physical exam and laboratory testing to determine if your dog is anemic and what might be causing it. Anemia is diagnosed when the packed cell volume or hematocrit (both measures of red blood cells) are low. A vet or lab pathologist can tell a lot from a sample of blood examined under a microscope, including accurate numbers of all types of blood cells, if the dog was exposed to toxins or heavy metals, if there are blood parasites, etc. If your vet determines that your dog is anemic but the cause isn't readily apparent, then they'll conduct further testing to determine the cause, which could include (but is not limited to) lab tests on body fluids, evaluating a sample of bone marrow, X-rays and/or abdominal ultrasound.
Treatment of dog anemia involves replacing blood cells and treating the underlying cause. Traumatic blood loss can lead to shock, and in severe cases, dogs may require blood transfusions to treat a life-threatening loss of blood.
Otherwise, treatment of anemia will depend on the underlying cause. For example, parasitic worms are treated with a dewormer, iron deficiency is treated with iron supplementation, immune-mediated anemia is treated with immunosuppressive drugs and bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics.
While you can't predict or protect your dog from every cause of anemia, you can take steps to lower your dog's risk of developing anemia. Tips to protect your dog against conditions that can cause anemia include:
Fortunately, in many cases, if the underlying cause of the dog's anemia can be treated, the dog is in otherwise good health and they receive prompt treatment, the prognosis can be favorable. If the dog is already unhealthy, the anemia is severe, or the anemia is due to cancer, toxins or immune-mediated causes, the prognosis is less favorable.
Dr. Sarah Wooten graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. A member of the American Society of Veterinary Journalists, Dr. Wooten divides her professional time between small animal practice in Greeley, Colorado, public speaking on associate issues, leadership, and client communication, and writing. She enjoys camping with her family, skiing, SCUBA, and participating in triathlons.
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day 1
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Supports lean muscle, for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
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Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.