Call for more dog blood donors amid growing demand

Dogs Zeus and Hades at a recent session held in Wells, Somerset

Pet owners have been urged to donate their dog's blood as demand continues to rise, a charity has said.

Pet Blood Bank UK said a number of dogs that donate regularly are set to retire, which could result in a lack of life-changing supplies.

Donation sessions take place at Mount Vets Veterinary Hospital, Wellington, Somerset, and at Wells Vets, with the next session in Wellington on 14 June.

Nicole Osborne, from the charity, said: "Some of our dogs have been donating for a long time and they retire when they reach nine years old, so we always need more dogs to come forward to take their place."

Dog Fergus recently gave his first donation for the charity

The charity says there is a big demand for the service, with vets across the country needing blood every day.

Dogs have different blood types, either positive or negative.

Only 30% have the negative blood type but it is in high demand as it can be given to any dog in an emergency.

Ms Osbourne said: "We're looking for any dogs that are confident and enjoy meeting new people. They need to be between the ages of one and eight and they need to weigh over 25kg (3.9st)."

She added: "Dogs can give blood up to every eight weeks and that's because dogs replenish their blood stock more effectively than humans do.

After their donation, dogs get their 'tea and biscuits', which is a drink of water and snack and are given a goody bag to take home.