A canine blood drive is returning to Diamond Valley, giving local pet owners a chance for their dogs to help save the lives of other pets.
Eastern Slopes Veterinary Services in Diamond Valley is hosting its second canine blood drive on June 28.
Laurie Dyrgas, Calgary Regional Unit Manager for the Canadian Animal Blood Bank explained that after the blood is collected, it’s processed and shipped either locally or across Canada to help dogs in need.
“The blood is used for similar things to what we would use blood products for,” Dyrgas said. “Things like trauma, surgeries, cancer support therapy, and toxicities.”
To be eligible to donate, a dog must weigh 55 lbs. or more, be between one and eight years of age, and be up to date on their core vaccinations.
“They can be really excited, happy, and be a busy dog. If they have a nice temperament and they're able to settle, that’s what we're looking for,” Dyrgas said.
The appointments are 30 minutes long and begin with a small sample of blood taken from one of the legs to test for anemia and hydration.
New donors are also tested for heartworms, Lyme disease, and other tick-borne diseases.
After the tests, a quick assessment is completed, and if the dogs' values fall within the normal range, the collection begins.
“For that part of the appointment, we need the dog to be up on a table laying on their side. We would have a couple of people gently restraining them on the table, and we like their owner to be at their head for comfort,” Dyrgas said.
The blood collection is taken from the jugular vein and takes between five and eight minutes.
During the first blood drive at Eastern Slopes Veterinary Services, 10 dogs donated blood, with nine being new donors.
“Our organization relies on the generosity of clinics to host us. They provide us with space in their clinic, and they help us recruit donors to be a part of the program,” Dyrgas said. “The clinics play a crucial role for us, and we're always grateful for any support.”
Going into the summer months, the Canadian Animal Blood Bank is looking for new donors.
“It's a busy time of year for everybody, but unfortunately, similar to the human side, the need for blood doesn't necessarily stop,” Dyrgas said. “We're always looking for donors especially during this time of demand.”
Hosting a donation clinic is a community effort.
“We're always grateful for people who participate in the program, our partners at the vet clinics, and the volunteers that help us,” Dyrgas said. “We have so many people that help us to do our job.”
The blood drive in Diamond Valley runs June 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donors must have an appointment already scheduled to attend.
For more details about the program, or to register your pet to donate, visit the Canadian Animal Blood Bank website here.