The first tube is sent for blood typing. If your dog is a universal donor, we will use the remaining tubes of blood to screen your dog for blood-borne infectious diseases and von Willebrand factor. CBC and chemistry profiles are run to determine your dog s general health. If all the screens are satisfactory, we will call and schedule your dog s first donation. If your dog is not a universal donor, you will be notified of your dog s blood type for your records.
Blood donation is a simple procedure.
It does not require anesthesia or sedation. Dogs donate either sitting or lying down. Blood is taken from a jugular vein, a large vein in the neck. Donors do not need to fast before giving blood. Dogs donate 450 milliliters of blood.