When our little Meko was diagnosed with IMHA and in the hospital for a week, she received 4 blood transfusions. I have no doubt that with her blood count around 17 (normal is between 35 - 55) that she would not have lived if she didn't receive the transfusions. I remember wondering, where do they get the blood from?
Just like people donating blood during blood drives, dogs and cats need to donate blood to help save the lives of dogs and cats when they are in need. Dog plasma can be stored frozen for up to a year and red blood cells can be stored in a fridge for up to five weeks. With cats it's a little different - it is taken directly from one cat and given to another when it is needed in an emergency.
And who are these heros who give their blood to save others? It can be your dog or cat. If they are between one and seven years old, they can donate blood once every two months.
And remember, while helping to save another dog's life, you may need blood for you own dog sometime in the future. And isn't it great that the blood is there to save your pet's life!