Dog blood donors needed in Surrey

Pet Blood Bank UK is appealing for dog owners to come forward

Dog owners in Surrey are being urged to bring forward their pets for lifesaving blood donations.

Pet Blood Bank UK (PBBUK) is holding donor recruitment sessions across the country including one in Bletchingley on Sunday.

Nicole Osborne, PBBUK's marketing manager, said: "Canine blood donors and their owners are the hidden helpers of the veterinary world."

Donor admin manager Megan Cooper told the BBC: "Welfare is always our top priority."

PBBUK says it is particularly appealing for happy and healthy dogs that have a negative DEA 1 blood type which is more likely in breeds including German shepherds, dobermanns, flat and curly-coated retrievers, greyhounds, lurchers, boxers and old English sheepdogs.

Negative DEA 1 blood can be used to treat any dog in an emergency yet only 30% of dogs have this blood type.

Every donation a dog gives can help save the lives of up to four other dogs, according to the PBBUK.

A local anaesthetic is used during the procedure to avoid any discomfort

To be eligible to donate a dog must weigh more than 25kg (55lbs), be between the ages of one and eight, have never travelled outside the UK and Ireland, and not be on any medication.

The charity is encouraging all dogs which are confident and comfortable with new experiences to be put forward for donation.

English bulldogs, chow chows and any breeds included in the Dangerous Dog Act 1991 are excluded from donating, as well as those who have had a previous transfusion.

Owners can register their dogs on the PBBUK's website.

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