Arrowhead Veterinary Centre held its fifth blood donor clinic yesterday (June 23).

Since August 2017, Arrowhead Vet has been hosting blood donor clinics to help animals who may require blood, to ultimately give them the best chance at a healthy future. While some canine owners may be unaware that their pooches could be ideal blood donor candidates, raising awareness around the importance of becoming a donor is starting to pick up.

Twenty-three canines came into the veterinary centre yesterday, and while not all donated or were successful, this blood drive was the best one yet, says Mary Robinson, National Laboratory Coordinator for the Canadian Animal Blood Bank. "This was the smoothest one of them all, it was fantastic."  

While some of the dogs that attended yesterday's clinic were previous donors others were new to the world of donating. In order for a dog to become a donor, certain criteria must be met first off, shares Robinson. "They must be a minimum of 55 pounds, healthy, up to date on vaccinations or titre testing, good temperament, and one year to eight years to start except for your big guys like Mastiffs or Danes, they should wait until 18 months as they are still growing."

A donor registration form filled out by your primary Veterinarian is also required prior to a dog's first donation just to ensure the donor is healthy and given the green light to donate. "We just want to clear your pet to donate and make sure there are no underlying medical issues. We would never want to put any dog in jeopardy." 

It definitely feels good to give, says Robinson, whose own dog has donated nine times. "It feels really good knowing that I am going to give back to help some other dog, and I found out that one of my dog's units went somewhere and actually saved a dog's life. It's unfortunate we don't find out very often what happens to the dogs or the impact."  

When it comes to a dog requiring donated blood, there are more reasons than you may think, shares Robinson. "There are quite a few instances that a dog might need blood; if they were hit by a car, it is great for cancer treatments, if your dog gets into rat poison...plasma is fabulous for that."

Clotting conditions, parvovirus, anemia, and other emergency situations are also where donated blood can also be used to help. Besides the donation, having your four-legged family member donate can save them as well. "Every time a dog donates their blood is sent for reference testing for the DNA  presence of bacteria, flea and tick born diseases as well as brucellosis. It is really helpful because if any of those dogs come back as positive they can't be a blood donor because it is transmissible during a transfusion. The good thing is we can catch some things before most people even know."

For those that become part of the 'donor family,' the experience is celebrated 

For each successful donation of blood collected up to three dog's lives could be saved, says Robinson."That is pretty cool. If your dog is eligible, and if you think this is something you want to be a part of, have a chat with your primary vet or give us a call."

Robinson who travels from Ontario to facilitate the blood donor clinics shares the canines, pet owners, and staff of Arrowhead should all be very proud when they consider the impact the blood donor clinic makes. "Everyone is fantastic for doing this. Not every dog can donate, but the ones that do, we are eternally grateful for because we couldn't do this without the support of the veterinary community as well as the donors' owners. It is so important what they are doing."

Once your pooch is registered as an existing donor they can donate at any upcoming clinic, shares Robinson, which you can find HERE.

For more information on the Canadian Animal Blood Bank check out their website https://www.canadiananimalbloodbank.ca

READ MORE:

Pets Can Donate Too