A Cedar Rapids Animal Hospital is in Need of Blood

We all know that people donate blood, but did you know that your furry companion can, too?

CBS 2 is reporting that there is a national shortage of blood products for pets, so the Eastern Iowa Veterinary Specialty Center is asking for the help of pet owners. There is apparently a six-week wait to get blood from national banks that has not improved, so the vet center decided to start their own blood bank last year to help out.

If you're interested in volunteering your dog, there are a few things you should know. Your dog first needs to be screened and approved to be a donor. Well-behaved dogs with the universal blood type are the main ones they're looking for. They also need to be less than six years old and weigh at least 50 pounds. If the dog is approved, they will have to be brought in for the procedure, which typically takes around an hour. The actual drawing of blood from the jugular takes 10-15 minutes, so they will likely need to be sedated. The article states that they currently have 13 cat and dog donors, with a wait list for cats in case the need rises. Cats also need to be less than six years old, but only need to weigh over 9 pounds.

For more information about how your best bud can help out other pets in need, you can call the center at (319) 841-5161. Meet Drake, a pup who has donated 12 times, HERE!

[Via CBS 2]