Blood Tests for Dogs & Cats

Why Your Pet Might Need Bloodwork

Blood tests give us a window into your pet's internal health that a physical exam alone can't provide. Your veterinarian may recommend bloodwork if your dog or cat is showing symptoms of illness, before surgery or anesthesia, as part of an annual wellness exam, or to monitor an ongoing condition. For senior pets, routine bloodwork becomes especially important, as it can detect age-related diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid problems before symptoms become obvious.

Even young, healthy pets benefit from baseline bloodwork. Having a record of your pet's normal values makes it much easier to spot changes down the road.

Common Types of Pet Blood Tests

A complete blood count (CBC) measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This test helps detect anemia, infection, inflammation, clotting problems, and certain cancers. A blood chemistry panel evaluates organ function by measuring kidney function, liver enzymes, blood sugar, and electrolytes. Together, these two tests — often called a comprehensive blood panel — give a broad picture of your pet's overall health.

Depending on your pet's situation, we may also recommend specialized tests, such as thyroid panels, heartworm tests, tick-borne disease panels, or clotting time tests, before surgery. Our veterinarians will explain which tests make sense for your pet and why.

What to Expect During Your Pet's Blood Test

Getting blood drawn is quick and generally well-tolerated by most pets. A small sample is taken from a vein, usually in the leg or neck, and the process takes just a few minutes. Our team uses gentle handling techniques to keep your pet calm and comfortable throughout.

With our in-house laboratory, many results are available the same day — sometimes within the hour. For more specialized tests, samples may be sent to an outside lab, with results typically back within a few days. Either way, we'll walk you through the findings and discuss any next steps together.

How much does a blood test cost for dogs and cats?

The cost of pet bloodwork depends on which tests are performed. A basic blood panel is more affordable than comprehensive testing or specialized diagnostics. At Petfolk, we'll recommend only the tests your pet actually needs and discuss pricing upfront. For members, certain wellness bloodwork may be included in your PetfolkCare plan.

Does my pet need to fast before a blood test?

In many cases, yes. Fasting for 8 to 12 hours before bloodwork helps ensure accurate results, especially for blood sugar and certain liver values. Water is usually fine. Your Petfolk team will let you know whether fasting is necessary when you schedule your appointment.

How long does it take to get blood test results for pets?

Many common blood tests can be run in our in-house laboratory, with results available the same day — often within an hour. More specialized tests may need to be sent to an outside reference lab, which typically takes 1 to 3 business days. We'll let you know what to expect and contact you as soon as the results are ready.

What can a blood test detect in dogs and cats?

Blood tests can reveal a wide range of conditions, including infections, anemia, organ disease (kidney, liver, pancreas), diabetes, thyroid disorders, electrolyte imbalances, clotting problems, and certain cancers. Bloodwork can also detect heartworm and tick-borne diseases. The specific conditions we screen for depend on which tests are performed.

How often should my pet have bloodwork done?

For healthy adult pets, annual bloodwork as part of a wellness exam is a good baseline. Senior pets (generally age 7 and older) benefit from bloodwork every 6 to 12 months since age-related conditions can develop quickly. Pets with chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney disease may need blood tests more frequently to monitor their treatment.

Is bloodwork necessary before pet surgery?

Pre-surgical bloodwork is strongly recommended for most procedures requiring anesthesia. These tests help ensure your pet's liver and kidneys can properly process anesthetic drugs and identify any hidden conditions that could increase surgical risk. For young, healthy pets undergoing minor procedures, your veterinarian will discuss whether pre-surgical testing is advised.

What is a complete blood count (CBC) for pets?

A CBC measures the cellular components of your pet's blood: red blood cells (which carry oxygen), white blood cells (which fight infection), and platelets (which help with clotting). Abnormalities in these values can indicate anemia, infection, inflammation, bone marrow problems, immune disorders, or certain cancers.

What does a blood chemistry panel test for?

A chemistry panel measures substances in the liquid portion of blood to evaluate organ function and metabolism. Common values include BUN and creatinine (kidney function), ALT and ALP (liver function), glucose (blood sugar), and electrolytes like sodium and potassium. These results help diagnose conditions like kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, and dehydration.

Can blood tests detect cancer in pets?

Blood tests can sometimes suggest the presence of cancer — for example, certain white blood cell cancers show up on a CBC, and some tumors cause elevated calcium or liver enzymes. However, blood tests alone usually can't diagnose most cancers. If bloodwork raises concerns, additional diagnostics, such as imaging or biopsies, are typically needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Why does my senior pet need more frequent blood tests?

As pets age, their risk for conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, liver problems, and thyroid disorders increases significantly. Many of these diseases develop gradually and don't cause obvious symptoms until they're advanced. Regular bloodwork catches changes early — when treatment is most effective and can slow disease progression.