Canine blood bank
There are many reasons why a dog would require a blood transfusion, including but not limited:
- Serious trauma
- Blood clotting and bleeding disorders
- Anaemia
- Rat bait toxicity
- Snake bite
- Blood loss during surgery
- Cancer patients
As with humans, the success of the program is dependent on the availability of suitable donors.
Dogs can donate if they:
- are fit and healthy
- are between 1 and 8 years of age
- are up to date on vaccinations and deworming
- are receiving treatment for heartworm, tick and flea prevention
- are able to lay still for 10–15 minutes
- weigh more than 20kg
- are desexed
- have a good temperament
- have never traveled outside of Australia
- have never been pregnant
- are not receiving any medication
- have never received a blood transfusion
Thank you for your lifesaving donation
As a token of our appreciation participants are given a $100 voucher that can be redeemed at our clinic.
In addition, donors are given some tasty treats and parasite prevention (NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA) to acknowledge their valuable contribution.
FAQs
A dog can donate blood every three months provided that all criteria are met.
Dogs will come to our clinic for a meet and greet with their owners. During this time, we can confirm their eligibility to participate in the program.
This includes prescreening blood tests, a temperament assessment, and lots of treats to ensure a positive experience.
The donor usually visits the clinic in the morning and is ready to return home that afternoon.
The donor will have a physical examination before every donation and some further blood tests.
The process for collection is similar to that for humans. It takes approximately 10 – 15 minutes.
If the donor doesn't require sedation, this process can be coordinated while the owner waits. This will take around 90 minutes.
Some excitable dogs do require mild sedation to feel relaxed and comfortable in the hospital environment. Donors will be aware, awake, and walking even with sedation.
If you have any concerns, please discuss this with your experienced nurse during the prescreening. All of our donors' comfort and welfare is our primary priority.