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Canine Anemia

Canine anemia is a condition in which dogs do not have enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to different parts of their bodies.

Canine Anemia

Anemia in dogs is a symptom of an underlying problem. If your dog is anemic, it is therefore important that a check-up be conducted to find out and accordingly deal with the root cause.

When we think of anemia, many of us will connect the condition with iron deficiency. While anemia caused by iron deficiency is common in people, this condition is rare in dogs, although it can sometimes be found in dogs with malnutrition and puppies with hookworm infestations.

Causes of Canine Anemia

In many cases, anemia in dogs is as a result of blood loss caused by any of the following:

Occassionally, canine anemia indicates some more serious diseases, such as:

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Symptoms of Canine Anemia

It is not difficult to detect anemia in dogs. Here are the telltale signs:

  • The dog's gums and the insides of her eyelids are pale (or white);
  • The dog is lethargic and weak;
  • The dog has labored breathing and a fast pulse.

If the dog anemia is caused by internal bleeding due to ulcers for example, the dog's stools are much darker - even black and tarry-looking.

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Natural Remedies for Canine Anemia

As mentioned above, canine anemia is a symptom or indication of another, usually more serious, condition. Instead of just dealing with the condition of anemia, it is important to get veterinary help so that the root cause can be properly diagnosed and dealt with.

While the underlying condition is being treated, natural remedies can be used to stimulate the growth of new red blood cells so that the strength and energy of the anemic dog can be restored.

Herbs

Herbs that are rich in iron and are liver tonics (liver is important in producing blood cells as well as cleansing the blood) are effective in helping dogs with anemia.

Some herbs that fall into this category include:

  • Yellow dock (rich in iron; an effective blood cleanser);
  • Red clover (nutritive; an effective blood cleanser);
  • Burdock (nutritive; a liver tonic; an effective blood cleanser);
  • Raspberry (rich in iron and calcium).

Vitamins

Vitamin supplements should also be given to an anemic dog. In particular, B vitamins are essential in strenthening a dog's bone marrow, which is responsible for producing red blood cells. Supplementing an anemic dog with B vitamins (especially B12) is therefore helpful.

Vitamin C helps the body to absorb iron from the intestinal tract.

An Effective Blood Building Natural Product

Genesis Resources Blood & Energy Formula for Dogs and Cats

This formula contains ingredients such as liver powder, herbs like yellow dock, red clover, raspberry, etc., which are rich in RNA/DNA, iron and vitamin B12 - all essential for the formation of red blood cells.

Diet

A diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and protein is essential in helping the production of red blood cells.

Suitable foods include:

  • Liver (iron, B-complex vitamins, protein);
  • Green vegetables (the chlorophyll in the veggies can help the body to produce healthier blood);
  • Kelp (iodine and trace minerals);

Homeopathic Remedies

In addition to the above natural remedies, you can also try one of these homeopathic remedies if your dog has anemia due to blood loss:

Phosphorus

This remedy is effective for treating bleeding and anemia. Dogs needing this remedy are thin, chilly, hungry and thirsty. You can start off by giving your dog 3 pellets (30C) three times a day for about 3 days.

Sulphur

If Phosphorus does not help, try this remedy especially if your anemic dog is flea- or worm-infested. Dogs needing this remedy also tend to have skin problems (dry, rough coat and flaky skin) and a poor immune system. You can give your dog 3 pellets (6X) two times a day for up to 2 weeks.



References

A.D. Shojai, New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats (Rodale Press, Inc., 1999).

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