Hemophilia is a genetic disease in which the blood lacks certain substances necessary for clotting. These substances are referred to as clotting factors. The lack of clotting factors leads to excessive bleeding. While hemophilia can occur in all dogs, it is most common in German Shepherds.

Hemophilia is classified as hemophilia A or hemophila B depending upon which type of clotting factor is missing. If your dog is missing the clotting factor called clotting factor VII, this is classified as hemophilia A. If your dog has hemophilia B it means there is a deficiency in the amount off clotting factor IX. Hemophilia A is more common than hemophilia B.

Symptoms of both hemophilia A and hemophilia B are the same. Any cut or break in your dog’s skin will bleed profusely. For example, you may even notice excessive bleeding from your dog’s gums as the baby teeth are replaced by the adult teeth. Your dog will also be very prone to developing hematomas.

Hemophilia A and B are both inherited diseases.

Your vet will perform bloodwork including specific clotting tests and genetic testing.

Although there is no cure, hemophilia may be temporarily controlled by blood transfusions and limiting your dog's exposure to situations in which it is possible to develop cuts or scrapes.

Since hemophilia is inherited, breeding stock should be tested to determine whether a hemophilia gene is present. Both parents must have the hemophilia gene for an offspring to develop the disease. If only parent carries the gene, offspring may become carriers of the gene.

No, you cannot contract hemophilia from your dog.