Lab Tests

What Are Blood Tests for Dogs and Cats? 

Blood tests are one of the most reliable ways to understand what's happening inside your pet's body. With just a small sample, we can uncover health concerns that wouldn't be obvious during a physical exam alone.

Lab work is typically part of your pet's wellness visit, but we also use it when your pet isn't feeling well, has been injured, or is getting ready for anesthesia. The process is fast and straightforward. We draw a small amount of blood, usually from a leg or the neck, while our Fear Free certified team helps your pet stay relaxed.

Types of Lab Tests We Offer

Lab work analyzes key components in your pet's blood, including cells, proteins, hormones, minerals, and electrolytes. Based on your pet's age, breed, and overall health, we may recommend one or more of the following:

• A complete blood count (CBC) evaluates your pet's red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help identify conditions such as infection, dehydration, and anemia.

• A biochemistry profile measures organ function, electrolyte balance, and enzyme activity to show how your pet's liver, kidneys, and other organs are functioning.

• Heartworm and tick disease screening checks for heartworm disease and tick-borne conditions like Lyme disease, all from one blood draw.

• The thyroid panel evaluates thyroid activity, screening for hypothyroidism in dogs and hyperthyroidism in cats, two of the most frequently seen hormonal issues in pets.

• Cancer screening is a blood-based test that can detect markers linked to certain cancers in dogs, including those that are hard to detect by physical exam.

• Allergy testing helps determine which environmental or food triggers are behind your pet's allergy symptoms.

• Gastrointestinal (GI) panel screens for digestive conditions such as pancreatitis and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).

• Urinalysis assesses kidney health, checks for urinary tract infections, and can reveal early signs of kidney problems before they appear in bloodwork.

Why Lab Tests Matter More Than You Might Think

Pets are naturally good at hiding when something is wrong. Many serious health issues, including kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer, can progress quietly for months or even years without any outward signs. By the time symptoms become noticeable, the condition may already be well advanced.

Cats are particularly difficult to read. Their instinct is to mask pain and discomfort, and research shows they can lose up to 75% of kidney function before any visible symptoms appear. Dogs face their own risks, too. About 1 in 4 will be diagnosed with cancer at some point, but studies show only around 4% of those cases are discovered during a standard wellness exam.

Routine lab work helps close that gap. It enables us to detect problems early, when treatment is more effective and less expensive. It also creates a health baseline unique to your pet, so even minor shifts become easier to recognize over time.

Fast Results, Clear Answers

Our in-house lab is equipped to run a wide range of diagnostics on-site, so most results are available the same day. In urgent situations, we can have answers within the hour. Beyond the speed, what matters most is understanding. We take the time to explain every result, connect it to your pet's overall health picture, and outline a clear path forward.

Does my pet need to fast before blood work? 

In most cases, yes. We recommend holding off on food for 8 to 12 hours before the visit. Water is perfectly fine. Eating too close to the appointment can skew certain values and lead to less reliable results. If your pet has a condition where fasting isn't safe, just let us know beforehand.

How long does it take to get results? 

For tests processed in our in-house lab, results are typically available the same day. If a test needs to go to an outside reference lab, you can expect results within 2 to 5 business days.

How much does bloodwork cost? 

That depends on the type and number of tests your pet needs. A routine wellness panel will be less than a full senior workup or more specialized diagnostics. We always review what we're recommending and the associated costs before moving forward.

Does the blood draw hurt my pet? 

Most pets tolerate it very well. The needle is small, and the process is quick. We draw from veins because they're closer to the skin's surface and cause less discomfort. Our team is trained to keep your pet at ease from start to finish.

Will my pet need to be sedated? 

Very rarely. The majority of pets do just fine with calm, gentle handling. If your pet tends to be highly anxious at the vet, we may recommend a calming supplement ahead of the visit.

How often should my pet have bloodwork done? 

For healthy adult pets, every 1 to 2 years is a good routine. Senior pets (generally 7+ for dogs and 10+ for cats) benefit from screening once or twice a year since age-related conditions can develop quickly. Pets taking ongoing medications may need more frequent testing, as some drugs can gradually impact organ function.

My pet seems healthy. Why do they need lab tests? 

That's exactly why it's valuable. Many health conditions are already in progress long before your pet shows any symptoms. Testing while your pet feels well helps establish their personal baseline, making it much easier to catch changes early down the road.

Does my puppy or kitten need bloodwork? 

Yes. Testing early helps us understand what's normal for your pet from the start. It's also a key step before spay or neuter procedures to confirm your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia.

Can bloodwork detect cancer? 

For dogs, yes. Newer blood-based screening tests can pick up signals associated with cancers like lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma, types that often grow in areas a physical exam can't reach. We generally recommend screening starting around age 7, or sooner for breeds with higher cancer risk.

Can urine tests catch things bloodwork misses? 

They can. Urine testing is especially useful for detecting early kidney changes, bladder infections, and crystal formation, often well before these issues appear on a blood panel. That's why we frequently recommend running both together.

What happens if the results are abnormal? 

We'll reach out and go over everything with you in plain terms. A mildly elevated value might just need a follow-up recheck in a few weeks. If something more concerning comes up, we'll explain the next steps clearly so you can make an informed decision about your pet's care.

Does my pet need a heartworm test every year? 

Yes, we recommend annual screening for all dogs, even those on year-round prevention. No preventive is 100% effective, and finding heartworm early makes treatment significantly easier.

Can you test for allergies with bloodwork? 

Yes. We offer blood-based allergy panels that screen for both environmental and food allergens. Once we identify the triggers, we can create a targeted management plan that may include dietary changes, medication, or immunotherapy.

Is bloodwork needed before surgery? 

Yes. Pre-surgical blood work helps us confirm that your pet's organs and clotting function can handle anesthesia safely. We recommend this step for all pets, regardless of age.

Does pet insurance cover bloodwork? 

Many wellness-focused plans include coverage for routine lab work. We'd suggest checking with your insurance provider for the specifics of your plan.