Dogs too can donate blood

Hyderabad: Donors Matters!? started by a city-based certified animal trainer and dog behaviorist, Bohbby, is an NGO that aims to save the lives of animals that need blood transfusions by providing a city-wide list of animals registered as blood donors. The services are provided free of cost.

DonorMatters!? is the sister organisation of 'PettingMatters!?' that provides multi-services including vaccination of stray dogs, help pet owners understand dog behaviour and help owners train dogs to be disciplined. Donors Matters!? focuses on dogs with the negative blood type, as these supplies are often low. Only 30% of dogs have this blood type.

"Our primary concern is always the happiness and safety of the dog, and we have a strict welfare first policy with any donation," says Bohbby. "We currently have over 190 registered and active dog donors of Hyderabad. On average we have at least 5-6 dog donors every month and the demand for the blood is also increasing.

Last year, 5,000 units of blood was facilitated for more than 250 sick dogs and it is an ongoing challenge to keep stocks up. One of the most important things for us is to ensure that people know that their dog can become a donor and that any concerns around the process are addressed," he added.

Labradors are one of the most common dogs registered with us, but they generally tend to be positive blood type. Breeds that are most likely to have a negative blood type include Dobermanns, Pointers, Canis lupus familiaris and German Shepherds. Other breeds as well that serve the purpose are Pugs, Laboradors and Dachshund.

DonorMattersI? located in Shamshabad celebrated its one year anniversary on July 8 and extended their celebrations with a felicitation ceremony for 'Donor Dogs' in no time. "We hope by working with DonorMatters!? will help increase the numbers of people registering their dogs as donors, particularly negative blood type breeds, so we can continue our work of helping to save pets' lives," say pet lovers.