'Life saving' dogs needed to give blood this winter
Dog owners are being encouraged to donate their pets' blood this winter as demand for it rises.
Charlotte Mantell's greyhound Wonder Woman has just completed her third blood donation at Banbury's Hawthorne Lodge Veterinary Practice and she is urging more owners to come forward.
"It doesn't take much time or effort to come along and do it," she said. "She'll be back again."
The Pet Blood Bank charity said it had seen an 18% decline in the number of new dogs registering to become donors.
And to make sure no dog goes without the blood they need, the charity predicts it needs to collect about 800 units this festive period.
'Saving other dogs'
"It's worth trying, everybody here is so patient and goes at the dogs pace... If you can help other dogs why wouldn't you do it," said Ms Mantell.
Donor assistant from the charity Gareth Jolly said donation sessions took place across the country and last about 45 minutes.
"Wonder Woman's donation could save up to four dogs lives," he said.
"If people can sign up and go on our website, you can see where your local sessions are.
"We find winter is tougher for us because there's a higher demand for blood products and through the winter it's colder, which makes people less reluctant to come out of the house and see us."
Ms Mantell said Wonder Woman's family was incredibly proud of her, adding: "She enjoys it, gets lots of treats and is saving other dogs."
Negative blood is most in demand because it can be given to any dog in an emergency.
The charity breeds of dog more likely to have a negative blood type included German Shepherds, Dobermanns, Flat Coated Retrievers, Greyhounds, Lurchers and Boxers.
To register dogs need to be:
- Fit and healthy
- Weigh over 25kg
- Aged between one and eight
- Confident and enjoy meeting new people
Mr Jolly said; "A lot of people will say my dog won't donate, he or she won't lie down but I think they'd be very shocked.
"When they come to donate they get the upmost care and we make sure they have the best time possible.
"Every dog always leaves with treats and a toy."
