Dog spleens are wildly different from human spleens

Dog spleens are wildly different from human spleens - Hemp Well

There are many misconceptions about the spleen, which is often viewed as an expendable organ. In fact, the spleen is one of the most important organs in the body. The spleen is located on the left side of the abdomen and is about the size of a fist. It is one of the few organs that can regenerate itself. The spleen is responsible for many vital functions, including filtering and purifying the blood, fighting infection, and producing blood cells.

The Role of the Spleen in Dogs

The spleen’s primary role in humans is to filter out old or damaged blood cells, and to produce white blood cells that fight infection. For dogs, the spleen’s role is mainly to produce red blood cells. Unlike humans, dogs do not rely on their spleen to fight infection – they have other organs that perform this function.

Dogs do not typically get sick in the same way that humans do, so they do not need the same level of function from their spleen. A dog’s spleen will typically enlarge if it is affected by an illness, and will shrink back to its normal size when the dog recovers.

Dog spleens are different from human spleens in their size, function, and location.

Dogs have much smaller spleens than humans, and they are located in a different place in the body. Dogs’ spleens are located near their stomachs, while human spleens are located near the heart.

The primary function of the spleen is to filter blood and remove old or damaged red blood cells. The spleen also produces new blood cells and stores blood platelets.

Dogs’ spleens are not as important as human spleens for maintaining overall health, but they still play an important role in their bodies. If a dog’s spleen is removed, they will not die, but they may experience some health problems.

Before You Buy Any Pet Supplement

Article review

How this Hemp Well article is reviewed.

Written by Thomas Bowers

Author bio: Hemp Well’s editorial team writes pet wellness articles using Hemp Well product knowledge, label directions, customer questions, and responsible hemp education.

Reviewed by Hemp Well Product & Quality Team

Reviewer bio: Reviewed for product accuracy, claim discipline, label consistency, and Hemp Well quality standards.

Last reviewed April 07, 2026

Veterinary note: This article is educational and is not a substitute for diagnosis, treatment, or advice from your veterinarian. Veterinary credentials are listed only when a specific veterinary reviewer is named.

Editorial policy, veterinary note & source citations

Editorial policy: Hemp Well content is written to help pet parents understand pet hemp products, serving-size considerations, product formats, quality standards, and safer shopping decisions. We avoid disease-treatment claims and update articles when product labels, regulations, or available guidance changes.

Veterinary note: Hemp Well educational content is not veterinary medical advice. If your pet has a medical condition, takes medication, is pregnant, intended for breeding, or symptoms worsen, consult your veterinarian before starting or continuing any supplement.

Sources and references:


Find your formula

Learn by pet.

Dogs, cats, birds, and horses use hemp in different ways. Start with the animal you care for and move from education to the right product faster.