Surrey Dog Owners Encouraged to Provide Lifesaving Blood Donations

An appeal has been made to dog owners in Surrey to present their pets for vital blood donations. Pet Blood Bank UK (PBBUK) is conducting donor recruitment sessions nationwide, including one scheduled in Bletchingley this Sunday. According to Nicole Osborne, PBBUK’s marketing manager, “Canine blood donors and their owners are the hidden helpers of the veterinary world.” Megan Cooper, a donor admin manager, informed the BBC that “Welfare is always our top priority.” The PBBUK is especially seeking canine companions that are content and in good health, possessing a negative DEA 1 blood type, a type more commonly found in breeds such as German shepherds, dobermanns, flat and curly-coated retrievers, greyhounds, lurchers, boxers, and old English sheepdogs. Blood of the negative DEA 1 type is universally compatible for emergency treatment in any dog, despite only 30% of the canine population having this specific blood type. The PBBUK states that each donation from a dog has the potential to save the lives of as many as four other canines. Eligibility criteria for canine donors include a weight exceeding 25kg (55lbs), an age range of one to eight years, no history of travel beyond the UK and Ireland, and not currently receiving any medication. The organization encourages the submission of all dogs that exhibit confidence and comfort in novel situations for donation. Breeds such as English bulldogs, chow chows, and any breeds listed under the Dangerous Dog Act 1991 are ineligible for donation, along with dogs that have previously received a blood transfusion. Registration for dogs can be completed by owners via the PBBUK’s official website.