Cross Breeds

Humans have different blood types depending on which antibodies are made, what about dogs?

Do dogs have multiple blood types among the canine species? Just wondering......

Public Comments

1. Yes, there are. The first time any dog receives blood-- it can use any type-- but IF they need blood again-- they need to be typed because their bodies would have formed a defense against the different antibodies. EDIT TO ADD: Canine blood groups Over 13 canine blood groups have been described. Eight DEA (Dog Erythrocyte Antigen) types are recognized as international standards. [2] [3] [4] Of the DEA, DEA 4 and DEA 6 appear on the red blood cell of ~98% of dogs. Dogs with only DEA 4 or DEA 6 can thus serve as blood donors for the majority of the canine population. Any of the DEA may stimulate an immune response in a recipient of a blood transfusion, but reactions to DEA 1.1+ and 1.2+ are the most severe. A simple blood card typing system is available to determine if a dog has DEA 1.1+ or 1.2+ antigens on their red blood cell. From DMS Laboratories, Inc [1] : The most important canine blood type is DEA 1.1. Dogs that are DEA 1.1 positive (33 to 45% of the population) can be considered to be universal recipients - that is, they can receive blood of any type without expectation of a life-threatening Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction ("HTR"). Dogs that are DEA 1.1 negative can be considered to be universal donors. Blood from DEA 1.1 positive dogs should never be transfused into DEA 1.1 negative dogs. If it is the dog's first transfusion the red cells transfused will have a shortened life due to the formation of alloantibodies to the cells themselves and the animal will forever be sensitized to DEA 1.1 blood. If it is a second such transfusion, life-threatening conditions will follow within hours. In addition, these alloantibodies will be present in a bitch's milk (colostrum) and adversely affect the health of DEA 1.1 negative puppies.
2. Good question. Actually they don't. This is great because one dog can be a blood donor for any other. There are dog blood banks and the donors are usually large breeds where losing a bit of blood doesn't harm them. Also one donation could end up going to two or three little dogs. :-)
3. I saw on a show that dogs do give / receive blood - and the owner of the clinic said she was glad to have a greyhound because they are the 'universal doner'