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Here at Paragon, we have issued an urgent appeal for dog owners to sign their pets up to be potentially lifesaving blood donors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We have issued the appeal as donations for emergency blood banks has declined rapidly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are one of many vet practices across the country which receives often lifesaving blood and plasma from the national charity Pet Blood Bank UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, a recent survey in Veterinary Record<\/em> showed\nthat while 88 per cent of pet owners in the UK said their quality of life had\nimproved since owning a pet, 70 per cent were actually unaware their pets could\nbe blood donors for other animals in need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The necessity for blood on standby for emergencies here at Paragon was highlighted by a dachshund called Molly, who could have died had it not been for the blood transfusion she received there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maddie Enderby, one of our registered veterinary nurses, said: \u201cThe Pet Blood Bank is a vital resource for us, highlighted by cases such as Molly. She needed an operation on her ear, during which there were complications which resulted in her losing a lot of blood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThankfully, Molly fully recovered but had we not had blood\navailable to give her immediately, it could have been a very different story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhile COVID-19 has reduced donations drastically, we know\nthat our biggest challenge is a lack of knowledge. Many owners are unaware\ntheir pet can donate blood, therefore raising awareness is key to saving more\nlives.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Launched in 2007, Pet Blood Bank UK is the only charity that\nprovides a canine blood bank service for all UK veterinary practitioners across\nthe UK. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To be a blood donor, dogs must be: <\/p>\n\n\n\n