How To Treat Anemia In Dogs At Home

Owning a dog can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s important to remember that they’re not just furry companions – they’re members of the family. Like humans, dogs can suffer from health problems, and one of the most common is anemia.

When red blood cells aren’t present enough in the blood stream, anemia develops. Anemia can be quite serious if it isn’t treated.

Fortunately, anemia in dogs can often be treated at home with simple remedies. In this blog post, we will discuss what anemia is, its symptoms, and how to treat anemia in dogs at home using natural methods.

But first…

What Is Anemia In Dogs?

Anemia occurs when the bloodstream doesn’t contain enough red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, so when there is a lack of them, the body tissues and organs don’t receive the oxygen they need to function properly.

What Are the Different Types of Anemia In Dogs?

Blood Loss Anemia

This type of anemia is caused by blood loss, either internally or externally. Internal blood loss can be caused by ulcers, tumors, or other gastrointestinal conditions that cause bleeding. External blood loss can be caused by injury, surgery, heatstroke, or snake bites.

Hemolytic Anemia

This type of anemia occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced. Hemolytic anemia can be caused by immune-mediated disease, infection, toxins, or certain medications.

Aplastic Or Non-regenerative Anemia

This type of anemia occurs when the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough red blood cells. Aplastic anemia can be caused by cancer, infection, or certain medications.

Methemoglobinemia

This type of anemia occurs when there is an abnormal amount of methemoglobin in the blood. Methemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin that cannot carry oxygen. Methemoglobinemia can be caused by certain medications, chemicals, or gasses.

What Are The Signs Of Anemia In Dogs?

The signs of anemia in dogs vary depending on the severity of the condition. These are the most common to look for:

Vomiting

This is a common sign of anemia, especially if the vomit is tinged with blood. It can be a sign of internal bleeding.

Weight Loss

If your dog is losing weight without changing its diet or exercise routine, it could be a sign of anemia. It happens by gradual degrees at first but can become more pronounced as the anemia progresses.

Swelling

If your dog’s abdomen is swollen, it could also be a sign. This is caused by fluid buildup due to the lack of oxygen in the blood.

Lethargy

If your dog is suddenly less active than usual and seems tired all the time, it could be anemia. This is because their body isn’t getting the oxygen it needs to function properly.

Loss Of Appetite

This is a common sign of anemia. If your dog is not interested in food or is eating less than usual, it’s a cause for concern. They lose their appetite because their body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs.

Rapid Breathing

If your dog is panting more than usual or breathing faster than normal, it could be a sign of anemia. This is because their body is trying to get more oxygen by taking deeper and faster breaths.

How To Treat Anemia In Dogs At Home – 5 Natural Remedies

If your dog is showing signs of anemia, it’s important to take them to the vet for a diagnosis.

However, in the meantime, there are some natural remedies you can use to help treat anemia in dogs at home.

1. Give Your Dog Collard Greens Or Other Green Vegetables

One of the best ways to treat anemia is to give your dog iron-rich foods rich in minerals. This will help increase the level of hemoglobin in their blood and improve oxygen circulation.

Some good iron-rich foods for dogs include:

• Beef liver
• Cooked chicken
• Cooked turkey
• Oatmeal
• Pumpkin seeds
• Spinach

2. Provide Beef Liver Food

These are rich in iron, protein, and B vitamins. B vitamins are essential for the production of red blood cells. They can be found in many different foods, but the best sources are liver and leafy green vegetables.

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help increase the production of red blood cells. It also helps the body absorb iron more effectively. You can give your dog vitamin C by adding it to their food or giving them a supplement.

4. Kelp Powder

Kelp powder is a type of seaweed that is rich in iron, magnesium, and other minerals. It’s a great natural remedy for anemia and can be added to your dog’s food.

5. Nutritional Yeast

This is a type of yeast that is rich in B vitamins and iron. It’s a great natural remedy for anemia and can be added to your dog’s food. Most health food stores carry nutritional yeast so it should be easy to find.

How To Treat Anemia In Dogs Caused By Blood Loss

Anemia caused by blood loss is treated differently than other types of anemia. This is because the goal is to stop the bleeding and replace the lost blood. Here are 4 ways to treat anemia caused by blood loss:

Identify The Cause Of Blood Loss

If your dog is bleeding, it’s important to find the source of the bleeding and stop it. This could be a cut, a tumor, a parasite, inflammation, or something else. Once the source of the bleeding is found, it can be treated accordingly.

Stop The Bleeding With A Bandage

If your dog is bleeding from a cut or wound, you’ll need to apply pressure to the area with a clean cloth or bandage. This will help stop the bleeding. Apply pressure for 5-10 minutes or until the bleeding slows or stops.

Consider Medication Or Surgery

In some cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary. This is a procedure where healthy blood is transfused into your dog’s body. A blood transfusion can be done at the vet’s office and is usually reserved for severe cases of anemia.

How To Treat Anemia In Dogs Caused By Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune disease is a condition where the body attacks healthy cells. This can cause inflammation and damage to the blood cells, which can lead to anemia.

There is no cure for autoimmune disease, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. The goal of treatment is to reduce the amount of damage caused by the disease and improve the quality of life for your dog.

1. Steroids

Steroids are a type of medication that can help reduce inflammation and damage caused by autoimmune disease. They can be given orally or injected and are usually reserved for severe cases.

2. Immunosuppressants

Immunosuppressants are a type of medication that helps to suppress the immune system. This can help to reduce the amount of damage caused by autoimmune disease.

How To Treat Anemia In Dogs Caused By Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a condition that affects the kidneys and can lead to anemia. There is no cure for kidney disease, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms.

1. Dialysis

Dialysis is a medical procedure that helps to filter the blood and remove toxins from the body. It can be done at the vet’s office or at home with a special machine.

2. Medication

There are various medications that can help to treat the symptoms of kidney disease. These medications can help to reduce the number of toxins in the blood and improve kidney function.

3. Specialized Diet

There is a special diet that is designed for dogs with kidney disease. This diet is low in protein and phosphorus and can help to improve kidney function.

4. Supplements

Various supplements can help to treat the symptoms of kidney disease. These supplements can help to reduce the number of toxins in the blood and improve kidney function.

How To Treat Anemia In Dogs Caused By Parasites

Various types of parasites can cause anemia in dogs. The most common type of parasite is the tick. Ticks are small, blood-sucking insects that attach themselves to the skin. They can often be found in wooded or grassy areas.

Several products can help to prevent ticks, including tick collars and spot-on treatments.

If your dog already has ticks, they will need to be removed. This can be done with a pair of tweezers or a special tick remover tool. Be sure to wear gloves when removing ticks and dispose of them properly.

Other types of parasites that can cause anemia in dogs include fleas, hookworms, and roundworms. 

These parasites can be treated with medication. Your vet will be able to prescribe the appropriate medication for your dog.

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Conclusion

Anemia is a condition that can be caused by various factors. In most cases, it can be treated with medication and supportive care. In severe cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary.

The different treatments depend on the underlying cause of the anemia.

There are a few things you can do at home to help your dog with anemia such as a high-quality diet that is rich in nutrients. You can also give your dog supplements that are specifically designed for dogs with anemia.

In addition, take your dog to the vet for regular checkups.

If you think your dog may be suffering from anemia, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible for a diagnosis and early treatment.

Did you have to deal with an anemic dog in your life? What was your experience in treating anemia?