CANINE BLOOD DRIVE IN MORDEN HELPING DOGS ACROSS CANADA

On Wednesday, Morden welcomed the Canadian Animal Blood Bank to the local veterinary clinic. During this event, nine generous dogs stepped up to donate blood, contributing to a noble cause with far-reaching benefits for dogs across Canada.

“The procedure involves owners bringing in their dogs, where we conduct a weight check and take a preliminary sample to ensure they have sufficient red cells and no underlying issues. Additionally, we offer free heartworm and tick testing for our donors. Once everything is in order, we collect the blood through the jugular vein, a process dogs tolerate quite well,” explained Michael Philippot, central operations manager with the Canadian Animal Blood Bank.

Each unit of blood collected from these canine donors has the potential to save up to four other dogs, providing crucial life-saving support in emergencies and medical treatments. This process not only benefits the recipient dogs but also the donors themselves. If a donor dog ever requires a blood transfusion during its lifetime, it is entitled to receive a free unit of blood component for every unit it has donated.

Tim Hodge, accompanied by his dog Tux, a universal blood donor, stressed the significance of canine blood donation. “We believe it’s crucial for everyone to donate blood. The entire process takes about 15 minutes. It’s incredibly quick and simple. Michael and his team are fantastic. It’s something that’s extremely important but often overlooked,” he remarked.

The blood donation process is uncomplicated and conducted with precision to ensure the well-being and security of the canine donors. It entails shaving and cleansing a small area on the dog’s neck to access the jugular vein, from which approximately one pint (450 ml) of blood is collected. This procedure is safe, and dogs can donate blood once every three months.

Samantha Wiebe, a receptionist and assistant, shared her heartfelt experience with her rescue dog, who selflessly donated blood throughout his lifetime and later required a transfusion himself. “He was a universal donor, so much of his blood went towards aiding those in critical situations. When he needed a transfusion, he received a complimentary bag from the Canadian Animal Blood Bank. It was a tremendous relief and made me realize the immense significance of canine blood donation,” she reflected.

To qualify as a donor, dogs must meet specific health and eligibility criteria: they should be in good health, up-to-date with vaccinations, aged between 1 and 8 years, and weigh at least 55 lbs.

The contributions of these nine dogs will undoubtedly save numerous lives, underscoring the vital role our four-legged companions play in times of medical emergencies.