Blood Banks for Dogs

If your dog was to become ill and require a blood transfusion, you would probably just accept that the blood was available to make it happen. We all understand the concept of blood banks for humans but did you know a blood bank program exists for dogs too?

dog donating blood at Pet Blood Bank UK

The charity organisation Pet Blood Bank UK manages a national network to ensure the supply and demand of blood products for vets and sick dogs can happen when required.

There are a number of common dog emergencies which may require blood including:

  • poisoning
  • surgery
  • internal bleeding
  • sepsis
  • trauma
  • accidents
  • bloat

Launched in 2007, Pet Blood Bank UK is the only charity that provides a canine blood bank service for all veterinary practitioners across the UK. Donating is easy. Simply register at the Pet Blood Bank UK website www.petbloodbankuk.org

Pet Blood Bank UK for dog blood donation

Could my dog be a blood donor?

A blood donation session takes about 45 minutes, with 5-10 minutes of that session being the actual blood collection.

To be a canine life-saving hero, you dog needs to be:

  • Aged 1 to 8 years old
  • More than 25kg in weight
  • Healthy and not on medication
  • Vaccinated
  • Have never traveled abroad

The infographic below highlights some interesting information including what you and your dog can do to get involved. For example did you know that every unit of donated blood helps up to 4 other dogs. Woof!

Every donation helps save lives. Please share and help spread the message.

Dog Blood Banks infographic

Image creative license to DoggyDreamTeam ©

To donate blood you can register at the Pet Blood Bank UK website www.petbloodbankuk.org/pet-owners/