As a pet owner, you may be wondering: “Is anemia in dogs serious?” Anemia is a common blood disorder in dogs that can range from mild to life-threatening depending on the underlying cause and severity. But, how would you know if your dog has it? And if your dog does have anemia, what should you do?

In this article, we’ll explore what causes anemia in dogs, common symptoms of anemia in dogs, and treatment for anemia in dogs. If your dog is experiencing emergency symptoms, VEG ER for Pets emergency vets are available 24 hours every day, including weekends and holidays to provide immediate care.

What causes anemia in dogs?

Anemia is a condition in which a dog has a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells resulting in a reduced level of hemoglobin. Because hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen throughout the body, low levels impair oxygen delivery to tissues and can become a veterinary emergency.

There are three primary causes of anemia in dogs:

1. Destruction of red blood cells

   This occurs when red blood cells are broken down faster than the body can replace them. It is most often linked to autoimmune or immune-mediated diseases, where the dog’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own blood cells.

2. Blood loss

   Anemia can result from significant blood loss from either internal or external wounds. Common causes include trauma, surgery complications, parasites (like fleas or ticks), or internal bleeding from ulcers or tumors.

3. Decreased red blood cell production

   In this type of anemia, your dog’s body does not produce enough red blood cells. This is often associated with underlying health conditions, such as bone marrow disorders, chronic disease, or certain infections.

Lethargy is just one sign that anemic dogs will display. If you suspect anemia, call and speak with a vet at VEG ER for Pets. We're open 24/7 to help your pup.

Dog anemia: signs and symptoms

It’s important to learn how to tell if your dog is anemic and the  emergency signs of anemia in dogs. And, when it may be time to talk to your primary care vet or your local VEG emergency vet about your dog’s concerning symptoms, It will also help you to understand your vet’s treatment recommendations a bit better, too.

The symptoms of dog anemia include:

Loss of gum color can indicate anemia in dogs

One of the more serious signs of anemia in dogs is a loss of color in the gums. Where a normal dog’s gums may be pink, or black, they may appear very pale pink to white in an anemic dog. 

Lethargy and weakness can be due to dog's anemia

Lethargy and weakness are symptoms that go along with a wide variety of canine health problems. However, they are also related to anemia. Anemic dogs do not have the energy to get up and move around, and so they may simply stay in one place most of the time.

Dog anemia may show as rapid heart rate

A rapid heart rate on its own can indicate many health problems. However, when coupled with other symptoms on this list, it may further show that your dog is becoming anemic. A consistent heart rate greater than 130 bpm at rest is greatly concerning.

You may not be comfortable in assessing your dog’s heart rate; we recommend taking your pet to your primary care vet to determine an accurate heart rate. If it is increased, your vet can determine what’s causing your pet’s rapid heart rate.

An anemic dog may have difficulty breathing

Difficulty breathing can be a serious and life-threatening symptom. Although not always associated with anemia, it is commonly found along with more serious cases of anemic dogs. Any time your dog is having trouble breathing, regardless of what you believe may be causing the symptom, they need to see the emergency vet right away. The emergency vet can help you determine what is causing this symptom and can provide valuable information to your dog’s regular vet as well.

Dogs with anemia may have blood in stool, vomit, and urine

Dogs who are anemic may have blood in their stool, vomit, and urine. This blood may appear as dark red blood mixed together with the bodily fluids, or it may look more like blood clots throughout the fluids instead.

Blood in either the stool or urine does not always mean your pet is anemic, but it does indicate illness. Take your pet to the emergency vet immediately if you notice this symptom.

You know your dog best. If their behavior has changed, bring your pet to your nearest VEG emergency vet hospital for immediate vet attention.

Treatments for dog anemia

For any of the symptoms above, bring your dog into your nearest VEG emergency vet hospital for evaluation. Our highly-trained and skilled veterinarian will need to diagnose the cause of your dog’s anemia. The problem will only continue unless our vet can determine the source and then work to treat the underlying issue at hand.

Can anemia in dogs be cured?

Listed below are the treatments for anemia in dogs:

Steroids can help combat anemia in dogs

Steroids are given in situations when dogs suffer from anemia due to autoimmune disorders. Some other causes of anemia may be treated with steroids, depending on the specific dog and the situation. Follow your vet’s guidance for steroid treatment for your pet.

Surgery may remedy anemia in dogs

If anemia is caused by some types of cancer, our vet may recommend surgery as a treatment. We'll talk with you about the risks and benefits of having surgery for your dog’s condition and will help you decide whether or not this is right for you and your pet.

Medication for underlying causes

Some underlying causes of anemia, such as severe parasitic infection or ingestion of a toxin, can be treated with medication. If your dog is diagnosed with one of these causes, the vet will help you understand how much and what type of medication your pet needs to recover.

Blood transfusion for severe case of dog's anemia

In severe instances of acute anemia, dogs may sometimes need a blood transfusion. Blood transfusions can help your dog stay in a stable condition while our vet determines what is causing your pet to become anemic. When proper treatment can be given, the blood transfusions can be tapered off.

Contact VEG emergency animal hospital if your dog is having complications from anemia

Anemia is often a sign of a more serious underlying health problem, such as cancer. By calling or coming in to VEG ER for Pets, we can help your dog find the right treatment or management plan moving forward, too.

Contact any VEG emergency animal clinic if you notice any of the symptoms above. We have locations all over the country that are open 24/7, including holidays. When you call any VEG animal hospital, you’ll talk with an emergency veterinarian who will help guide you and your pet in the right direction and find the right treatment plan moving forward.