Owners are being asked to donate their dog's blood as demand continues to rise, a dedicated charity has said. Pet Blood Bank UK said a number of dogs that donate regularly are set to retire, which could result in a lack of life-changing supplies.

Nicole Osborne, from the charity, said: "Some of our dogs have been donating for a long time and they retire when they reach nine years old, so we always need more dogs to come forward to take their place."

The charity says there is a big demand for the service, with vets across the country needing blood every day. Anderson Moores vets near Winchester is the nearest donation centre to the New Forest. 

For your dog to be a blood donor, they must meet certain criteria. Your dog’s welfare is always our priority and so for them to become a lifesaver, they must be:

•          Fit and healthy

•          Between one and eight years old

•          Weigh more than 25kg

•          Confident and enjoy meeting new people

•          Have never travelled outside of the UK and Ireland

•          Not on any medication

Dogs have different blood types, either positive or negative. Only 30% have the negative blood type but it is in high demand as it can be given to any dog in an emergency.

Ms Osbourne added: "Dogs can give blood up to every eight weeks and that's because dogs replenish their blood stock more effectively than humans do."

After their donation, dogs get their 'tea and biscuits', which is a drink of water and snack and are given a goody bag to take home.

You can find the Pet Blood Bank charity here: www.petbloodbankuk.org