Iron deficiency

What are the causes of iron deficiency in dogs?

Iron deficiency in dogs can have various causes. The most common are

• Blood loss: If your dog has an injury, an operation, a parasite infestation or internal bleeding, it can lose a lot of blood and therefore also iron. This can lead to an acute or chronic iron deficiency.
• Malnutrition: If your dog is fed an unbalanced or low-iron diet, it cannot absorb enough iron. This can occur especially in puppies, pregnant or nursing bitches or older dogs.
• Diseases: Some diseases can impair the absorption or utilization of iron in the body. These include, for example, kidney or liver disease, inflammation, infections or cancer.

What are the symptoms of iron deficiency in dogs?

Iron deficiency in dogs can manifest itself in various symptoms. The most common are

• Paleness: If your dog has too few red blood cells, his mucous membranes around his eyes, mouth or ears may look pale. This is a sign that he does not have enough oxygen in his blood.
• Weakness: If your dog has too little oxygen in his blood, he may feel weak and tired. He may be less active, breathe faster or have a racing heart. He may also lose weight or lose his appetite.
• Hair loss: If your dog has too little iron, he may also have problems with his coat. He may have hair loss, dandruff or dry skin.

How is iron deficiency in dogs treated?

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from iron deficiency, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible. The vet can do a blood test to determine the iron level in the blood. Depending on the severity of the iron deficiency and the underlying cause, the vet may recommend various treatment options. These include:

• Iron supplements: If your dog has a mild to moderate iron deficiency, they may be given iron tablets or injections to increase their iron levels. This usually needs to be done over several weeks or months.
• Blood transfusion: If your dog has a severe iron deficiency that threatens his life, he may need a blood transfusion to replenish his red blood cells. However, this is only a short-term solution and must be combined with further treatment.
• Treating the cause: To prevent a recurrence of iron deficiency, the cause of the iron deficiency must also be treated. This could be a worming cure, surgery, antibiotic therapy or chemotherapy, for example.

How can you prevent iron deficiency in dogs?

There are a number of measures you can take to prevent iron deficiency in your dog. These include:

• Balanced diet: Make sure your dog gets a balanced diet that is rich in iron. For example, you can feed him red meat, offal, eggs or fish. You can also buy a special food for anemic dogs or add an iron supplement.
• Regular check-ups: Have your dog checked regularly by a vet to detect and treat possible diseases or parasites at an early stage. You can also look for signs of blood loss or paleness yourself and take your dog to the vet if necessary.
• Avoid stress: Try to protect your dog from stress, which can affect their health and immune system. Provide a calm and safe environment, enough exercise and play, and a good bond with your dog.