A BLOOD bank is calling for lifesaving dogs to put their best paws forward and help their fellow canines by donating vital supplies.

Pet Blood Bank is asking for donors as it searches to boost supplies of a rare blood type among dogs.

Just 30 per cent of dogs have a negative blood type – and the blood bank says that keeping up with supplies has been challenging “particularly during the pandemic”.

“We really need more dog blood donors to come forward in Brighton,” said a spokesman for Pet Blood Bank.

The Argus: Supplies of specific blood types have been difficult to replenishSupplies of specific blood types have been difficult to replenish

“We are just like the human blood service, but for dogs, and every unit of blood a dog gives can help to save the lives of up to four other dogs.”

The group is asking for owners of specific breed – including German shepherds, dobermanns, flat and curly coated retrievers, greyhounds, lurchers, boxers, old English sheepdogs, and weimaraners - to come forward and help save the lives of other dogs.

The full list of dogs likely to be of a rarer negative blood type:

• Airedale terrier

• American bulldog

• Basset hound

• Bearded collie

• Border collie

• Boxer

• Curly coated retriever

• Dobermann

• Dogue de Bordeaux

• English bull terrier

• Flat coated retriever

• German shepherd

• Greyhound

• Lurcher

• Old English sheepdog

• Saluki

• Weimaraner

The Argus: Some of the Pet Blood Bank teamSome of the Pet Blood Bank team

Dogs should be fit and healthy and of a happy and confident temperament to give blood.

The full list of criteria to donate:

• Fit and healthy

• Happy, confident and enjoy meeting new people

• Between one and eight years old

• Weigh more than 25kg

• Have a good temperament

• Have never travelled outside of the UK and Ireland

• Not on any medication

The Argus: The process will last for approximately 40 minutesThe process will last for approximately 40 minutes

New Priory Vets in Brighton is a host venue for Pet Blood Bank, and owners should expect their pets to with the team for around 40 minutes, though the procedure last for approximately ten minutes.

Those interested in signing up their pooch for a donation session can visit the Pet Blood Bank website to book in for the next session on Sunday, August 21.