For a long time now, there has been a blood donation service for dogs and cats at the Small Animal and Pet Clinic of the FU Berlin. We are always looking for dogs and cats who can donate blood regularly (on request),
but also at short notice in an emergency.

This is how blood donation works with us
Firstly, your pet's preliminary report is recorded. This is followed by a general examination (general condition, mucous membrane colour, pulse, listening, body temperature, palpation of the abdomen) and a blood sample is taken.
If the laboratory values are normal (the blood group is also determined), the actual blood donation follows.

Dogs lie on their side or in a chest-to-belly position and are lightly restrained.
It is best if you remain at your dog's head and talk to him. The blood is now taken from the jugular vein (10 ml of blood per kilogram of body weight). Depending on the amount, this takes 5-10 minutes, during which the dog must lie still.
The puncture site is then squeezed for several minutes, after which your pet can slowly stand up again.
On the day of the blood donation, the dog should not be put under too much strain.

As cats rarely undergo this procedure voluntarily, they must be given a sedative injection. Here too, blood is taken from the jugular vein (7 ml of blood per kilogram of body weight). The blood is then usually donated in a quiet room at our centre.
In total, you should allow around 90-120 minutes for the blood donation in cats.

Requirements that a blood donor must fulfil

Dogs: - Age: 1-10 years - Weight: at least 20 kg - Calm, relaxed disposition - Regularly vaccinated and wormed - No underlying diseases - No regular medication - No stay in southern or eastern foreign countries - Must not have received a blood transfusion themselves - Donation possible every 3-4 months

Cats: - Age: 1-8 years - Weight: at least 3.5-4 kg - Regularly vaccinated and wormed - Only kept indoors - No underlying diseases - No regular medication - No stay in southern or eastern foreign countries - Must not have received a blood transfusion themselves - Donation possible every 6 months

If you and your pet are interested, we will be happy to add you to our database and contact you as soon as there is a need.
Contact details: Tel. 838 62422, e-mail:  kleintierklinik@vetmed.fu-berlin.de