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My dog had severe anemia. Was putting him down the only option?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | unneutered | 31 lbs

My dog passed away two days ago with anemic of 13% Dr told me it was better to put him down. I felt like I made the wrong choice. Was the doctor right?! Where there's any other way I could have saved him dropping down to 13% ?? please let me know. it's eating me up inside If I could have did something different.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 9th, 2018

I'm very sorry you recently lost Scooters! The answer to your question depends on what caused his anemia. Sometimes things happen to dogs where they cannot be saved, and letting them go peacefully is the best option. The vet would not have suggested that if he felt that Scooters could be saved. Don't let this eat you up inside, you did the best you could for him, and I'd try to focus on what a wonderful life he had with you. Best of luck.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 8th, 2018

    Hi and thanks for your question. I am sorry to hear about your loss. Unfortunately there is not a straight answer to your comment as anemia can be caused by a variety of differentials and without more clinical informations (if you have the blood tests results you could attach a pic of them for example or tell us if more investigations were performed what was suspected) it is going to be difficult to tell you if anything else was possible to treat him. I can say that this type of anemia is severe and possibly a blood transfusion would have been necessary. Having said that I would suggest to repost a question on the forum (with more clinical informations) or ask for a consultation so we can discuss it more in depth.

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