Dog With Low Platelets? See How To Help Him Upload Them!
It is important to have the precise amount of platelets, since these have a fundamental role in blood clotting so that it can circulate through our body. A dog with low platelets can have serious health problems.
Therefore, today we will talk about how to help our dog to have the necessary amount of platelets in case they are low.
Why are platelets lowered
When we notice that our dog is down, weak or not even willing to spend time with us, it is possible that his platelets are low. This is caused by different factors:
- Leukemia. This blood disease causes platelets to weaken. They end up disappearing while the immune system is affected.
- Lymphoma Any type of cancer cell causes enormous damage to the blood, and therefore to the number of platelets.
- Immune-mediated thrombocytonemia. Due to this disease, the dog’s body creates antibodies that fight against platelets and destroy them.
- Bleeding wounds. Due to the loss of blood, the loss of platelets is also generated.
- Infections such as tick or ehrlichiosis. It also destroys platelets in your pet’s body.
Symptoms of low platelets
How can you tell if your dog has low platelets? Observing their behavior, as there are several signs that will show you that something is not working as it should.
These are some of the signs:
- Apathy, not only when playing games, but also when eating
- Fever
- Bruising on the skin due to poor blood clotting
- Blood in the urine, stool, or nose
- Problems when joining
How to raise low platelets in dogs
Once we have recognized the causes and symptoms, let’s see how we can help our pet. Above all, remember that it is very important that the veterinarian has diagnosed the lack of platelets in the animal.
You must follow the indicated treatment that will counteract the situation. Normally the vet can suggest a transfusion, corticosteroids, iron or some medication that is administered orally or intravenously.
Now, there are things you can do at home to reinforce the vet’s treatment. But all without forgetting that this must be followed to the letter.
- Hydration is very important, since the drop in platelets normally causes fever.
- Although it sounds strange to you, chicken broth is one of the best foods to raise platelets. Make one with plenty of veggies and let it cook through. The vegetables can be shredded later and take advantage of them too. Both in broth and in vegetable cream, it will be ideal for your dog to raise his platelets and at the same time to keep him hydrated.
- As we discussed before, the vet will prescribe iron for your pet, so giving it foods rich in this mineral such as chicken liver will be good for its recovery.
- Let it sit for a few days and prevent it from exercising. Do it like this not only because of fatigue, but because on the street you could be in contact with ticks that could make the situation worse.
- The natural coconut water, that is, it does not serve in a can, provides a lot of vitamins and minerals that will help you put your platelets in their place.
- Shredded chicken cooked without additives will be great to bounce back.
These are only home remedies and in no case replace the veterinarian’s precepts, but rather complement it. Remember that observing your dog and being attentive to his changes is key to his recovery.