A charity has made an urgent appeal for owners to come forward and donate their dog’s blood to help save the lives of others in need.
Pet Blood Bank UK is running a blood donation session on May 6 at Vets4Pets in Carlisle.
Pet Blood Bank is just like the human blood service, but for dogs. They collect blood donations from donor dogs across the UK which then go towards helping to save the lives of others in need.
Every donation a dog gives can help to save the lives of up to four other dogs. Dogs in Cumbria, as well as all dogs across the UK, have access to the lifesaving blood should they ever need it, so it is a vital service.
To become a donor, your dog must weigh more than 25kg, be between the ages of one and eight, and be fit and healthy.
It is also important that they are confident, enjoy meeting new people, and new experiences as the dogs will go into their donation appointment alone while owners wait outside in order to minimise risk during the pandemic.
The donation itself only takes between five and 10 minutes, but owners should expect their dogs to be with the team for about 35-40 minutes.
Dogs receive a full health check from the Pet Blood Bank vet before donating and get showered with treats, fuss, and attention throughout their appointment.
They even get a goody bag and toy to take home.
Like humans, dogs have different blood types and negative blood is in very high demand as this can be given to any dog in an emergency.
However, with only 30 per cent of dogs having this blood type, keeping up with supplies is challenging, particularly during the pandemic.
Therefore, Pet Blood Bank is also calling for certain breeds to come forward, as they are more likely to have his vital blood type.
These breeds include German shepherds, Dobermanns, flat-coated retrievers, pointers, greyhounds, lurchers, boxers, old English sheepdogs, and Weimaraners.
If you are interested in registering your dog to become a lifesaver or would like to book an appointment for the donation session at Vets4Pets Carlisle, visit www.petbloodbankuk.org or call 01509 232222.
