If you have ever wondered how to draw blood from a dog, this article will teach you how to safely collect a sample of the animal’s blood. Firstly, the best vein to draw blood from is the cephalic vein. This is a superficial vein that is easy to access and can yield a large amount of blood in a short period of time. You can obtain a good sample of blood from the dog’s blood by alternating between the veins located at the jugular groove. You will need to lift the jugular vein by compressing it either ventral or dorsal to the thoracic inlet.
To draw blood from a dog, you should first make sure that the dog is restrained and not moving. Place one arm around the head and another around its back. Apply alcohol to the area where you’re going to poke the dog to sterilize it and avoid any bacteria from entering with the needle. Then, place the syringe needle over the raised cephalic vein. Once the blood has entered, pull back the plunger.
A canine’s total blood volume is approximately 80 ml/kg or about 8% of their body weight. In order to obtain a reasonable amount of blood for testing, you need to take no more than 10 ml/kg BW. If you have to take multiple samples over a short period of time, you can use a needle to extract as much blood as you need. You should note that a dog’s blood volume is very small, and it is recommended to collect as much blood as you can before administering a diagnostic procedure.
Aside from the blood chemistry, the complete blood count is also a useful test to perform on a dog’s health. It identifies the number of red and white blood cells, as well as platelets. It also analyzes their shape and condition. Getting a complete blood count of the blood can give you a better idea of a dog’s immune system and oxygen carrying capacity. If you see any problems, a veterinarian may recommend that the blood test be repeated.
After completing the procedure, you should ensure that you have the proper equipment to collect the blood. During the procedure, you should ensure that the blood is properly protected by a protective covering, such as gauze. You should never use any alcohol or other substance that can affect the sample. Also, make sure that the blood has clotted for at least a minute. So, remember that you should keep your hands clean to avoid contamination.
