Do dogs have blood types like humans? Are all dog blood types the same?
The simple answer, believe it or not, is yes.
Dogs have different blood types, just like humans, except dog blood types are identified differently.
As a certified pet first aid instructor, I teach students how to identify different types of bleeding wounds and how to render pet first aid for each type of bleeding wound.
However, many pet parents are unaware that some wounds their dog sustains may require a blood transfusion, which is where dog blood typing comes into play.
In this post, you will learn how many dog blood types are there, the different dog blood types, the most common dog blood type, and how a dog’s blood is typed and identified.
This blog is about dog blood types.
What type of blood types do dogs have?
How Many Blood Types Do Dogs Have?
Typically, seven blood types (also listed and known as blood groups) are identified. Still, the number of blood types is growing because each dog inherits their blood type independently.
Like human blood types, dog blood types also have positive and negative markers.
What Kind of Blood Types Do Dogs Have?
The seven blood types found in the canine community are:
DEA 1.1, 1.2, 1.3
DEA 4
DEA 3 and 5
DEA 7
Dog Erythrocyte Antigen (DEA) is the protein in your dog’s red blood cells.
What is the Most Common Dog Blood Type?
DEA 1.1 negative blood is commonly found in Greyhounds, Boxers, Irish Wolfhounds, German Shepherds, Dobermans, and Pit Bulls.
DEA 1.1 positive blood is commonly found in Golden Retrievers and Labradors.
All dogs are known to have the DEA 4 red blood cell protein.
Still, suppose a dog is found to only have the DEA 4 red blood cell protein.
In that case, they are considered universal blood donors and eligible to donate blood to help a dog needing a blood transfusion.
As a “universal blood donor,” your dog can safely give and donate their blood to any dog, even if that dog has a different blood type.
How Are Blood Types Identified in Dogs?
A small amount of blood is screened and tested to identify a dog’s blood type and which blood group your dog’s blood antigens belong to.
This small sample of blood measures and determines the presence or absence of specific antigens (proteins and sugars) on the membranes of red blood cells.
Do I Need Learn My Dog’s Blood Type?
Generally speaking, there is no need to learn your dog’s blood type.
Still, there’s no harm in asking your vet if they offer blood typing for your general information to document or to satisfy your curiosity.
However, there are some circumstances where it is recommended to know your dog’s blood type due to an increased risk of needing a blood transfusion.
Staying on top of your dog’s health is essential for any dog parent, including learning about your dog’s blood type under particular circumstances.
