Doggy Donors are needed in Newport Pagnell

At a time when organisations are talking about the power of all things positive, charity Pet Blood Bank UK (PBB) is in need of more negative.

PBB is the only charity that provides a canine blood bank service for all veterinary practitioners across the UK.

Just like their human owners, dogs have different blood types and PBB is in particular need of doggy donors with a Negative blood type at its session hosted by local veterinary centre, Willow Veterinary Centre in Newport Pagnell this Thursday (December 8).

Katrina Wilkinson of PBB explains: “Every unit of blood donated helps save up to four lives, saving thousands of lives every year.

“PBB blood type for DEA 1.1 in the UK, and dogs can either be DEA 1.1 Negative or DEA 1.1 Positive. From research, 70% of dogs appear to be Positive and only 30% are Negative. Moreover, Negative can be given to any dog whereas dogs with Negative blood type can only receive Negative. Therefore the demand for Negative blood is higher than for Positive, but with less dogs being Negative it means keeping up with demand can be challenging.”

Although owners of qualifying dogs with both Negative and Positive blood are welcome to contact the charity about donating, there is a particular need for negative blood at the moment, which is more common to certain breeds.

Katrina said: “We’re particularly keen to bolster our Negative blood supplies so we can help even more sick and injured dogs in the future.

“To keep our negative blood supplies at a healthy level we are particularly looking for Dobermans, Greyhounds, Boxers, German Shepherds, Flat Coated Retrievers, Airedale Terriers, Weimaraners, Lurchers, American Bulldogs, Pointer (English), English Bull Terriers and Mastiffs.

“Of course all owners with dogs of negative and positive blood types who meet our criteria would be very welcome to contact us about the session so please get in touch so we can book you in.”

Doggy donors need to meet the following criteria:

• Fit and healthy

• Between one and 8 years old

• Weigh more than 25kg

• Have a good temperament

• Have never travelled abroad

• Vaccinated

• Not on any medication

Help save another dog’s life by registering your dog to donate this Thursday. Call 01509 232 222 or visit www.petbloodbankuk.org