Chronic Pet Blood Shortages Put Fido At Risk

Recent Fox News story warned of vets grappling with chronic shortage of pet blood donations putting many sick Fido’s at risk, but what the story doesn’t address is whether those countless souls in shelters can help out …

It’s of course important to realize that “depending on a dog’s size, one blood donation can save up to three other pets” while “blood donations for pets are frequently overlooked,” at least, until it’s too late. Said one South Carolina resident, “That’s what’s scary, especially when you hear we might not have enough blood in order for your dog to survive.” Since the Covid pandemic, we’re told the situation got worse as pet blood donations have reportedly dropped by double digits. There are pet blood banks in many communities that try to bridge the gaps. And, some vets go so far as to bring their own healthy dog or cat in to their office to meet emergency blood needs. But, much more blood is usually needed. Said one vet: “Knowing that your pet needs help and may not have the blood product they need – that is heartbreaking & it’s fixable if the community comes together.”

Just asking: Does that mean local animal shelters as well as rescue organizations work with the local animal blood banks to meet local blood needs? They apparently do, e.g., at the Las Vegas Animal Blood Bank. Note, however, animal rights advocates have long warned of unethical blood collection practices in a largely unregulated industry. As far back as 2017, e.g., The Washington Post did a sad story of “neglect” at one blood bank operation in Texas that allegedly harvested aka got its blood supply “from a colony of 150 greyhounds that live in squalor in dirt-floored pens.” Other stories like it can be found. It need not be this way if more owners would volunteer their pet to donate.

Davd Soul