A blood test or lab test allows us to learn information about your dog’s body which can only be found from collecting a sample of blood and having it analyzed. This includes a CBC (complete blood count) and blood chemistries that analyze chemical components in the blood.

A CBC for dogs identifies and quantifies white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in a given amount of blood. This includes analyzing the shape and condition of the cells for health and functionality. This information is helpful in learning more about your dog’s immune system (white blood cells) and oxygen-carrying capacity (red blood cell count).

Additionally, blood tests for dogs can also identify:

  • Glucose
  • Proteins
  • Electrolytes
  • Cholesterol
  • Endocrine levels
  • Digestive enzymes

Because chemicals found in the bloodstream can also correlate with specific organs, lab work for dogs can help determine more than just blood count. For example, if dog blood tests show a deficiency in albumin levels, then a veterinarian knows to examine a dog’s liver because albumin is produced in the liver.

Lab work for dogs can also detect and help identify complex problems with body systems. For example, blood tests for dogs can detect abnormal hormonal-chemical responses to environmental and internal stimuli, which alerts a veterinarian to a potential issue with the patient’s endocrine system.

So when understood in this way, canine blood tests serve as very valuable tools in a veterinarian’s toolkit for helping to detect, identify, diagnose, and even treat illness or disease.

When Will a Veterinarian Recommend Dog Blood Tests?

The following situations can result in dog blood work being ordered:

  • On the first veterinary visit: We recommend puppies have blood tests to rule out congenital diseases, for baseline information, and for pre-anesthetic testing prior to spay or neuter.
  • During semi-annual wellness exams: Dog blood work, along with other bodily fluids like urine, can help identify conditions a physical exam alone cannot.
  • If a dog seems not quite right: Blood tests are suitable even when no obvious signs of illness are present.
  • Pre-surgical tests: Blood work helps evaluate liver and kidney efficiency and determine anesthesia safety.
  • Prior to starting a new medication: Especially medications metabolized by the liver or kidneys.
  • During senior wellness exams: Blood tests are highly beneficial for mature and senior dogs and often identify treatable conditions early.

Although our in-house dog laboratory can process any type of dog blood work or culture, some of the most common lab work for dogs we perform includes:

  • Urinalysis: Evaluates hydration status, infections, kidney or bladder disease, diabetes, and other conditions.
  • Fecal exam: Evaluates stool for parasites, fungus, protozoa, blood, or mucus.
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): Assesses red and white blood cell counts, immunity status, and oxygen-carrying capacity.
  • Blood clotting times: Screens for bleeding disorders.
  • Blood chemistries: Evaluates organ function and pre-anesthetic health.
  • Cytology: Examines skin, ear, or mass samples for infection or cancer cells.

We recommend discussing lab tests for dogs with your veterinarian to determine whether your canine friend may benefit from blood work.

How Our Dog Laboratory Processes Blood Work

In addition to having veterinary staff on duty around the clock to handle pet health emergencies, Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital, Inc also has its own in-house laboratory.

Processing blood work on-site allows us to quickly analyze results and implement appropriate treatment, especially in emergency situations when time is critical.

Understanding Canine Blood Tests

If dog blood work is ordered, it is typically a Complete Blood Count (CBC) or a Blood Chemistry (serum) test.

A CBC evaluates hydration status, anemia, infection, blood clotting ability, and immune response. It is essential for dogs showing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, pale gums, or loss of appetite.

  • Hematocrit (HCT): Measures red blood cell percentage.
  • Hemoglobin (Hb) and MCHC: Oxygen-carrying components of red blood cells.
  • White blood cell count (WBC): Measures immune system response.
  • Granulocytes and lymphocytes/monocytes: Types of white blood cells.
  • Eosinophils (EOS): May indicate allergic or parasitic disease.
  • Platelets (PLT): Cells responsible for clotting.
  • Reticulocytes (RETICS): Immature red blood cells.
  • Fibrinogen (FIBR): Evaluates clotting and pregnancy status.
  • Albumin (ALB)
  • Alkaline phosphatase (ALKP)
  • Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
  • Amylase (AMYL)
  • Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
  • Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
  • Calcium (Ca)
  • Cholesterol (CHOL)
  • Chloride (Cl)
  • Cortisol (CORT)
  • Creatinine (CREA)
  • Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT)
  • Globulin (GLOB)
  • Glucose (GLU)
  • Potassium (K)
  • Lipase (LIP)
  • Sodium (Na)
  • Phosphorus (PHOS)
  • Total bilirubin (TBIL)
  • Total protein
  • Thyroxine (T4)

Schedule a Veterinary Appointment Today!

To determine which dog blood tests may benefit your dog, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian today.