Dogs are being invited to give blood to save other canines at Lumbry Park Vets in Alton on April 6.

The charity Pet Blood Bank UK is holding a dog blood donor session at the vets in Selborne Road.

Donor dogs need to be happy, healthy and confident, weigh more than 55lbs, and be aged between one and eight.

They must have never travelled outside of the UK and Ireland, should not be on any medication, and should have a good temperament.

Donations take between five and ten minutes but the whole process lasts between 35 and 40 minutes. Each donation can save the lives of four other dogs.

Dogs receive a full health check from a Pet Blood Bank vet before donating, and get showered with treats, fuss and attention throughout their appointment. There is also a goody bag and a toy for them to take home.

Dogs either have the DEA 1 positive or DEA 1 negative blood type. Only 30 per cent of dogs eligible to donate in the UK have the negative blood type. which can be given to any dog in an emergency.

Breeds more likely to have the rarer negative blood type are the 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 Sheepdobg, Saluki and Weimaraner.

Pet Blood Bank plans to continue visiting Alton every two or three months, so owners who cannot attend on April 6 are encouraged to register their dogs for future dates.

To register, or book an appointment at Lumbry Park Vets on April 6, visit www.petbloodbankuk.org or call 01509 232222.

For more information visit www.petbloodbankuk.org