'My dog needed vital blood transfusion to beat deadly virus - here's how your pet can be a lifesaver'

Bay Vets in Lancaster is one of the charity’s host venues and they are looking for happy, healthy, and confident dogs to register for their donation sessions.

It comes as one of their staff’s puppies needed a vital blood transfusion to help fight off a potentially-deadly parvovirus infection at just 12 weeks old.

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 other dogs in need. Every donation a dog gives can help to save the lives of up to four other dogs. Dogs in Lancaster, as well as all dogs across the UK, have access to the lifesaving blood should they ever need it, so it really is a vital service.

Coco’s story

Gorgeous Cocker Spaniel, Coco owes her life to the blood donation and fantastic veterinary care she received after contracting Parvovirus, every puppy owner’s worst nightmare.

Initially a full of beans spaniel pup, at just 12 weeks old, Coco went off her food, became nauseous, and was unusually quiet. Her owner Suzanne works at Bay Vets in Lancaster, so knows how quickly puppies can go downhill. She brought Coco into the vets immediately and tests revealed that she was suffering from Parvovirus, despite being fully vaccinated.

Coco deteriorated quickly and on her second day of hospitalisation, she required a feeding tube to get some much needed nutrition into her. She was becoming weaker and weaker and developed severe anaemia. A blood transfusion was her best chance to give her some strength to fight off the virus.

Slowly, Coco began to improve and after 10 days, while still weak, she was well enough to go home and continue her recovery there.

Suzanne said: “I can’t thank the vets and nurses who cared for Coco enough. I believe the blood donation she received helped her enormously. I will be forever grateful to the dogs (and their human helpers) who donate their lifesaving blood, but also to the team at Pet Blood Bank who keep this service running as efficiently as it does.”

Fast forward to now, three years on, and you would never know Coco went through such a traumatic start in life. Suzanne added: “Coco is loving life and has bundles of energy, the super blood has made her the fastest spaniel I know!”

How your dog can become a lifesaver

To become a donor, your dog must weigh more than 25kg, be between the ages of 1 and 8, and be fit and healthy. It is also important that they are confident, enjoy meeting new people, and having new experiences.

The donation itself only takes 5-10 minutes, but owners should expect their dogs to be with the team for around 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, as well as the pride of being a lifesaver.

Blood types

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. 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 Greyhounds, Dobermanns, Flat and Curly Coated Retrievers, Lurchers, Boxers, 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 Bay Vets on Sunday, March 8, please visit www.petbloodbankuk.org or call 01509 232222.