Donor dogs needed in Cleveleys as pet blood banks run low

Pet Blood Bank UK, which provides blood transfusions to dogs in need all over the country, is in dire need of new canine volunteers as it is running low on stocks of a rare negative blood type.

Vet nurse Perry Smith, of Norcross Vets, owes her pet’s life to dog blood donation. Betty the English bulldog received a transfusion from Perry’s other dog, Millie, after undergoing an emergency C-section in 2016.

Perry, 28, said: “Betty went rapidly downhill over a few days, and her blood count was really low, so we brought Millie in.

“Often vets have to bring their own dogs in to donate because it’s not freely available.

“If people have dogs that meet the criteria for being a blood donor, they should put them forward. If Betty hadn’t received a blood transfusion, she wouldn’t be here today.”

Wendy Gray, 52, has four greyhounds, Hassie, Atlas, Rio and Woodie - all of whom are dog blood donors. Together, they have provided life-saving transfusions to 156 other dogs.

She said: “People don’t think about whether their dog might need a blood transfusion, and they don’t think about where that comes from. They don’t think about dogs having to donate. But even the most simple and routine operation on a dog could result in them needing blood that will save their life. The dog gets a complete health check every time they go. They are treated so well, they get lots of treats, cuddles and fuss. They get far more than we do with just a cup of tea and a biscuit!

“We hand them over to the staff and they go absolutely willingly. The wellbeing of the donor dog is top priority. They will only take from a donor dog if the dog is healthy and happy.”

Such healthy and happy dogs between the ages of one and eight years old are wanted to give blood at a donation session at Vets4Pets on Victoria Road West, Cleveleys, next month.

Friendly, adventurous pooches are preferred, as they will go into their donation appointment alone while owners wait outside in order to minimise risk during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A single blood donation can potentially save the lives of four dogs.

Amanda Bennett, 50, whose golden retriever Bertie gave blood at Vets4Pets Cleveleys, said: “A friend at the vet’s rung me and said a very poorly little dog had come in and blood wouldn’t arrive from the blood bank in time. Knowing this little dog wouldn’t stand a chance without Bertie, I took him straight round.

“Bertie suffered no ill effects and was bounding around as usual afterwards. I would definitely allow any future dogs to donate.

“I’m sure people don’t know about it, but there are some dogs who get really poorly or have accidents, and then it’s really important."

A Pet Blood Bank spokesman said: "The donation itself only takes five to ten minutes, but owners should expect their dogs to be with the team for around 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.

"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 and curly coated retrievers, greyhounds, lurchers, Boxers, Old English Sheepdogs, and Weimaraners."

To be an eligible donor, a dog must be between ages of one and eight years old, and weigh more than 25kg. They must not be on any medication, and must not have travelled outside of the UK and Ireland. The donation session at Vets4Pets Cleveleys will take place on Sunday, September 12. If you are interested in registering your dog or would like to book an appointment at one of the upcoming donation sessions, call 01509 232222.

DOGS MOST LIKELY TO HAVE RARE NEGATIVE BLOOD TYPE

Airedale Terrier

American Bulldog

Basset Hound

Bearded Collie

Border Collie

Boxer

Curly Coated Retriever

Dobermann

Dogue de Bordeaux

English Bull Terrier

Flat Coated Retriever

German Shepherd

Greyhound

Lurcher

Old English Sheepdog

Saluki

Weimaraner