We’re calling on owners to put their pooches forward to become potential lifesavers as we are planning to hold a Pet Blood Bank event in January.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The need to have blood on standby for emergencies was highlighted by a recent case where a dachshund called Molly would have died had it not been for the blood transfusion she received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The event is being organised by Paragon nurses Lydia Barry and Maddie Enderby, who see first-hand the vital role blood plays in saving dogs\u2019 lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lydia said: \u201cMolly needed an operation on her ear and there were complications which resulted in her losing a lot of blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThankfully Molly has recovered but had we not had blood available to give her immediately, then it could have been a very different story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMany people are simply not aware that the Pet Blood Bank exists and that their dog could help save the life of another dog.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the Pet Blood Bank event, potential pooch lifesavers will be tested to see if they are suitable donors and if they are, their owners are contacted at a later date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dogs who donate get a special bandana, a free health check and even a free meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Launched in 2007, Pet Blood Bank UK is the only charity that provides a canine blood bank service for all UK veterinary practitioners across the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be eligible to donate blood, dogs must be fit and healthy, between one and eight years old, weigh more than 25kgs, have a good temperament, have never travelled abroad, be vaccinated and must not be on any medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dogs who show signs of stress will not have blood taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As well as using the blood for their own patients, Paragon also makes it available to other vets in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n