Anemia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Anemia is a condition that dogs can suffer from, which has various causes and can manifest itself in different ways, either with a mild or severe condition, which is why it is important to know how to recognize it and how to act if our dog suffers from it. In this blog, we will explain the main causes of anemia in dogs, its most common symptoms and how you can identify it in time to be able to offer the best quality of life to your pet. Let's get started!

What is anemia in dogs?

Just like in humans, anemia in dogs occurs when their blood does not have a sufficient amount of suitable red blood cells, better known as red blood cells, which are necessary to perform various functions, such as transporting oxygen throughout the body. Having a low amount of red blood cells affects the functioning of the body, causing a deterioration in their health.

This condition can be the result of various causes, from rapid or constant blood loss over time due to various chronic diseases, nutritional deficiencies or predisposing genetic diseases, which will be explained below.

Causes of anemia in dogs.

1. Excessive blood loss

• This can develop over a short time which can be caused by:
• Traumatic wounds: There are injuries that due to their severity or location can cause significant bleeding.
• Surgical wounds: Some surgical procedures can cause bleeding that causes anemia and if not controlled in time can be fatal for your pet.
• Internal bleeding: Gastrointestinal ulcers in particular can cause constant and large amounts of bleeding.
• Blood loss can also develop slowly, and even if you lose small amounts of blood over a long period of time, it can reach a point where your body cannot replace that amount of blood, leading to anemia. Common causes include:
• Gastrointestinal bleeding: Ulcers, tumors or chronic inflammation in the digestive tract.

2. Excessive consumption of red blood cells , faster than the body can replace them.

• Parasitic infestations: Parasites such as fleas, ticks and intestinal worms feed on blood, but if present in large numbers, they can cause significant losses, especially in young or weakened dogs.
• Tumors : Like parasites, tumors feed on blood and some, due to their location, can damage red blood cells, such as hemangiosarcoma or tumors in the liver and spleen, to name a few.

3. Damage to the structure of red blood cells , causing the body to destroy them. This can occur due to:

• Immune-mediated diseases: Sometimes the immune system attacks the blood cells. This can be due to a reaction to a blood transfusion since there can be incompatibility if a different blood type is transfused to the dog's blood or when the dog suffers from immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) caused by an error within the immune system and it begins to attack its own red blood cells by mistake.
• Internal parasitic infections: There are some tick-borne parasites that enter the red blood cell and travel throughout the body, such as babesia or ehrlichia, causing antibodies to destroy infected red blood cells.
• Foods: Eating foods such as onions and garlic damages the structure of red blood cells.
• Medications: The administration of medications such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, as well as certain foods damage the structure of red blood cells and they are destroyed.

4. Insufficient production of red blood cells :

• Kidney failure: The kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone involved in the production of red blood cells. If the kidneys are damaged, this production decreases.
• Bone marrow diseases: Such as leukemia and myelodysplasia.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Inadequate intake of iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid can affect the quality of red blood cell production and these are destroyed.
• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy: These treatments decrease the production of bone marrow cells, including red blood cells.

Anemia can also be classified depending on the type of response the bone marrow has to replace the missing amount of blood. That is, a regenerative type of anemia occurs when the bone marrow responds appropriately and generates new red blood cells to compensate for the loss, while a non-regenerative type of anemia occurs when the bone marrow can no longer produce enough red blood cells.

Symptoms of anemia in dogs

Anemia in dogs can seriously affect their well-being, as it reduces the body's ability to transport oxygen to the tissues. Detecting the symptoms early is essential to provide the appropriate treatment:

• One of the most obvious signs of anemia is a change in the color of the gums. In a healthy dog, the gums are bright pink, but in an anemic dog they may appear pale or whitish due to a lack of red blood cells.
• A dog with anemia may appear tired or less active than usual. The decrease in oxygen in the body reduces his energy, causing him to avoid playing or walking long distances.
• Lack of oxygen can cause a dog to breathe more rapidly to compensate. This may manifest as constant panting or labored breathing, even after mild activity.
• Anemic dogs often show less interest in food, which can lead to weight loss if the problem persists.
• Your dog may tire easily after activities that he once did with enthusiasm, such as playing or running. In severe cases, he may even collapse after physical exertion.
• The heart works faster to try to compensate for the lack of oxygen, which can cause a rapid, strong pulse.
• In severe cases of anemia, lack of oxygen to the brain can cause fainting or episodes of extreme weakness.
• Although it is a less specific symptom, some anemic dogs may have a dull or lifeless coat due to the overall impact on their health.

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• If anemia is caused by bleeding, you may notice blood in your stool (black or red in color), vomit blood, or even nosebleeds.
• In cases of hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells are destroyed, it is common to see a yellowish tint in the eyes, gums or skin due to excess bilirubin in the blood.

Diagnosing anemia in dogs

Diagnosing anemia in dogs begins with a thorough physical examination by your veterinarian. During this exam, your veterinarian will check the mucous membranes, such as the gums and conjunctiva, for paleness or changes in color, which are visible signs of anemia. Additionally, your veterinarian may look for changes in the pulse and evaluate other clinical signs associated with the condition.

To confirm the diagnosis, a complete blood count (CBC) is required. This test assesses the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit (percentage of red blood cells in the blood). If these values ​​are below normal ranges, the presence of anemia is confirmed. In some cases, the veterinarian may perform additional tests, such as a blood smear, to look at the morphology of the red blood cells and detect signs of regeneration (indicative of a response to anemia) or specific abnormalities.

Depending on the suspected cause, additional diagnostic tests may be necessary, such as biochemical analyses, coagulation studies, infectious disease testing, imaging studies (x-rays or ultrasounds), or even a bone marrow tap to investigate hematologic disorders or defects in red blood cell production. Treatment will depend on the cause, so a thorough diagnosis is crucial to properly manage anemia in dogs.

How dangerous is anemia in dogs?

Anemia in dogs can be very dangerous, especially if it is severe or not treated in time. The decrease in red blood cells reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen to the tissues, which can lead to vital organs being damaged by lack of oxygen. In severe cases, anemia can cause extreme weakness, collapse, shock, and even death. The danger depends on the cause, the speed of diagnosis, and the response to treatment. If anemia is detected and treated early, the chances of recovery are greatly increased.

How to cure anemia in dogs?

Treatment for anemia in dogs depends on the cause. In cases of mild to moderate anemia, your veterinarian may recommend dietary changes, such as iron or vitamin supplements, especially if the cause is a nutritional deficiency. If anemia is caused by blood loss, such as in cases of internal or external bleeding, treatment may include stabilizing the dog with blood transfusions and controlling the bleeding. In the case of hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells), treatment may include immunosuppressive medications or antibiotics if an infection is present. If anemia is the result of a chronic disease, such as kidney failure or bone marrow disorders, treatment will be directed at managing that condition. In all cases, treatment should be supervised by a veterinarian to ensure recovery and prevent complications.

How long does it take for a dog with anemia to recover?

The recovery time for a dog with anemia depends on the cause, the severity of the condition, and the response to treatment. In mild cases of anemia, such as those caused by nutritional deficiencies, the dog may begin to improve within a few weeks with proper treatment. However, if the anemia is severe or related to complex diseases, such as autoimmune diseases or kidney failure, recovery can take months, and some dogs may require constant monitoring or long-term treatment.

What to feed a dog with anemia?

A dog with anemia should be provided with a diet rich in nutrients that help improve red blood cell production and blood quality. Iron-rich foods are essential, such as lean red meats (beef, lamb), liver, and other organ meats, which are natural sources of heme iron, the most easily absorbed type of iron. It is also important to include foods rich in vitamins B12 and folate, which are crucial for red blood cell formation, such as meats, fish, eggs, and green leafy vegetables. Iron or vitamin supplements (such as B12 and folate) may be recommended by your veterinarian if necessary. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet with high-quality protein and an adequate supply of antioxidants (such as vitamin E and C) will help strengthen the immune system and support recovery. However, you should always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes or administering supplements.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, anemia in dogs is a serious condition that can affect their overall well-being, but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, it is possible to help your pet recover. It is essential to keep an eye out for symptoms such as fatigue, pale gums, and difficulty breathing, and to visit your vet to identify the underlying cause. Make sure you are providing a balanced diet, rich in essential nutrients, and consider options such as Waggy's Bites treats to support your dog's health and recovery. Take care of their health and well-being with the right support!