The Vet Hospital in Belfield at University College Dublin (UCD) is in urgent need of dogs to donate blood to the hospital.

In particular, UCD is looking for the DEA 1.1 negative blood type, which Karolina Jankowska, who works in the hospital, said it is not a very common blood type.

She said that it is common in certain breeds, such as Boxers, Greyhounds, Airedale Terriers and German Shepherds.

In order for a dog to donate blood, the hospital will organise a trial for the dog – to determine if the dog is a suitable donor.

These are the criteria for canine blood donation:
  • Dog must be over 25kg.
  • Never been outside of Ireland.
  • Never received a blood transfusion.
  • No health issues at present.
  • Between one and eight years old.

Jankowska said that during the trial, the veterinary staff will check the blood type of the dog and if it fits the criteria.

If the dog is suitable it will be slightly sedated to “take the edge off” for donating the blood and the dog will be back to normal about two hours after the procedure.

Donation takes about one hour overall, (the extraction takes about 10-15 minutes) which includes the vet checking the blood to see if the dog is anaemic, according to Jankowska.

So, if your dog fits the bill contact the UCD Veterinary Hospital on 01-716 6000 or by email on [email protected].

Benefits for your dog, if it is a successful donor, include free pre-inclusion health screen, blood typing and annual health screening for donors.

DOGS UCD