Arrowhead Veterinary Centre is hosting a canine blood donor clinic on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Janine Simpson, a registered veterinary technician at the clinic, said canine blood services, which are handled by the Canadian Animal Blood Bank, are a vital resource.
"It's very important for dogs to donate blood. Like humans, dogs need blood transfusions for different reasons – for emergencies, for diseases, for surgery and also for cancer procedures," she said. "Especially coming up to the summer, we have a lot of trauma so there is a lot of need for blood over the summer."
Also similiar to humans, canine blood is typed negative or positive and a universal.
"There is quite a big need at all times," said Simpson as to why she encourages dog owners to consider volunteering their animals for the procedure.
"There's lots of times that the fridge is empty, so (Canadian Animal Blood Bank) is trying to host clinics all the time throughout Canada."
According to the Canadian Animal Blood Bank's Facebook page, there is also a clinic on Saturday in Calgary at VCA Canada Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To qualify to give, dogs must be between the ages of one and eight, have their vaccinations up to date, be in good health and weigh more than 55 pounds. Simpson said they should also be of good temperament. Dogs are eligible to give blood once every three months.
The last time Arrowhead hosted a clinic back in December, it had 26 dogs register to give blood. Simpson said 20 have registered and spots are still available. "One donor can help three animals," she added of the value of donating.
According to Canadian Animal Blood Bank's literature, the donation procedure consists of shaving a small area on the dog's neck for jugular vein collection and approximately 450 ml of blood is collected. Animals are not sedated and the procedure takes less than five minutes.
It also states the donation is not painful nor will it jeopardize and animal's health.
"Your dog will experience only the inconvenience of lying still for a few minutes," the literature reads.
To register call Arrowhead at 403-932-2370.
For more details on donations and blood uses, go to www.canadiananimalbloodbank.ca
