Nationwide blood shortage affecting dogs, cats

CORNELL, NY (WBNG) -- The nationwide blood shortage is affecting more than just humans.

Carol Frederick the Clinical Trials and Operations Team Manager at Cornell University Hospital for Animals said this is due to a multitude of reasons: One being the spots pets hold in the family home.

She said people feel that their pets are more than just pets; they are family members and a lot of their money goes towards keeping family members healthy. But many people are also unaware of the process of having a dog give blood.

”Our dogs have full physical exams every year and we do comprehensive blood work like a CBC and a chemistry panel and urine analysis to make sure all their metabolic stuff is still going okay,” Frederick said. “We send out infectious diseases screenings annually to make sure that they are screened and of course, dogs and cats have blood types just like humans do. So, we’re looking for very specific types.”

For a dog to donate blood at Cornell University’s program they must pass these annual exams and be over 62 pounds. Frederick said they make the process very easy for the dogs and always reward them at the end with a treat or a big spoonful of peanut butter.

If your pet passes the exam and is enrolled into the program, Cornell offers you free dog food each month, free exams and annual lab work, free tick and heartworm preventative and vaccinations

If you are interested in joining this program you can email Frederick at c.frederick@cornell.edu.

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