Key Takeaways:

• Early Detection Is Key: Blood tests catch kidney disease, diabetes, liver issues, and infections before symptoms appear.
• Recommended Testing Schedule: Annual bloodwork for adult pets, bi-annual for seniors, and pre-anesthetic testing before procedures.
• What Bloodwork Checks: CBC detects infections and anemia, while chemistry panels assess kidney, liver, and pancreas function.
• Prevention Saves Money & Lives: Early diagnosis prevents emergency treatments, reducing long-term veterinary costs.
• Fast & Painless Process: A quick blood draw provides vital health insights, with results typically available in 24-48 hours.

Why Routine Pet Bloodwork Is a Must for Lifelong Health

Pets can’t tell us when they feel unwell, making early detection of health problems critical. That’s where pet bloodwork comes in. Routine blood tests help veterinarians catch diseases before symptoms appear, ensuring your pet stays happy and healthy for years to come.

Many pet owners only think about pet bloodwork when their furry friend is sick. However, regular testing—even in healthy pets—provides a baseline for detecting changes over time. Whether your pet is a playful puppy, an active adult, or a senior companion, pet bloodwork is one of the most valuable tools in preventive care.

What Does Pet Bloodwork Check For?

A comprehensive blood panel gives veterinarians insight into your pet’s organ function, immune system, hydration levels, and overall wellness. The two most common types of pet bloodwork include:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

✔️ Detects infections, inflammation, and anemia.
✔️ Measures red and white blood cells and platelet levels.
✔️ Helps identify immune system disorders or underlying infections.

2. Blood Chemistry Panel

✔️ Evaluates kidney, liver, and pancreas function.
✔️ Checks for electrolyte imbalances and dehydration.
✔️ Screens for conditions like diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease.

Additional tests, such as thyroid panels and heartworm tests, may also be included depending on your pet’s age and health history.

When Should Your Pet Have Bloodwork Done?

While many pet parents think blood tests are only necessary when their pet is sick, veterinarians recommend routine pet bloodwork at key life stages:

1. Puppies & Kittens (Under 1 Year Old)

✔️ Helps detect congenital conditions early.
✔️ Ensures proper organ development.
✔️ Establishes a healthy baseline for future blood tests.

2. Adult Pets (1-7 Years Old)

✔️ Recommended once per year during annual wellness exams.
✔️ Screens for early signs of kidney disease, liver issues, and diabetes.
✔️ Identifies hidden infections or inflammation.

3. Senior Pets (7+ Years Old)

✔️ Should be done every 6 months due to increased health risks.
✔️ Monitors chronic conditions like arthritis, thyroid disease, and kidney disease.
✔️ Helps adjust diet, medication, or supplements based on results.

💡 Fact: By the time symptoms of disease appear, significant damage may have already occurred. That’s why routine pet bloodwork is key to early intervention.

How Bloodwork Detects Hidden Illnesses

Some of the most common health conditions diagnosed through pet bloodwork include:

✔️ Kidney Disease: Often shows no symptoms until 75% of kidney function is lost. Early detection allows for dietary changes and medication to slow progression.
✔️ Liver Disease: Elevated liver enzymes can signal liver dysfunction before symptoms appear.
✔️ Diabetes: High blood sugar levels indicate diabetes, which can be managed with insulin and diet.
✔️ Infections & Inflammation: Increased white blood cell counts may point to an infection, immune disorder, or chronic inflammation.
✔️ Anemia: Low red blood cell counts may indicate internal bleeding, parasites, or chronic disease.

Because pets instinctively hide pain and discomfort, pet bloodwork helps uncover problems that might otherwise go unnoticed until it’s too late.

The Role of Bloodwork in Pre-Anesthetic Testing

If your pet needs surgery, dental cleaning, or any procedure requiring anesthesia, pre-anesthetic bloodwork ensures they are healthy enough for sedation.

Why Pre-Anesthetic Testing Matters:

✔️ Identifies hidden kidney or liver problems that affect anesthesia processing.
✔️ Reduces the risk of unexpected reactions or complications.
✔️ Helps veterinarians adjust anesthesia protocols for safety.

Even young, seemingly healthy pets should have bloodwork before any medical procedure to avoid preventable risks.

How Often Should You Schedule Pet Bloodwork?

The best approach to pet bloodwork depends on your pet’s age, breed, and health history. However, general recommendations include:

🐾 Annual bloodwork for adult pets (1-7 years old).
🐾 Bi-annual bloodwork for senior pets (7+ years old).
🐾 Before any surgery or dental procedure.
🐾 Whenever your pet shows signs of illness (even mild symptoms).

💡 Tip: Regular pet bloodwork helps establish a health baseline, making it easier to spot subtle changes over time.

What to Expect During a Blood Test

✔️ Fast & Painless: A small blood sample is drawn from your pet’s leg or neck.
✔️ Quick Results: Most tests return results within 24-48 hours.
✔️ Follow-Up Plan: Your vet will explain the findings and discuss any necessary treatments or dietary changes.

Pet bloodwork is one of the simplest ways to ensure your pet stays healthy—yet it provides lifesaving information about their well-being.

The Cost of Not Doing Routine Bloodwork

Skipping pet bloodwork can lead to missed diagnoses, late-stage disease detection, and expensive emergency treatments. Here’s why prevention is always better:

🚨 Untreated Kidney Disease → Emergency hospitalization: $3,000+
🚨 Unmanaged Diabetes → Insulin & intensive care: $2,500+ per year
🚨 Liver Failure Diagnosis Too Late → Costly treatments or surgery

By catching diseases early, pet bloodwork saves pet parents thousands in medical costs—while giving pets a longer, healthier life.

Is Your Pet Due for Routine Bloodwork? Let’s Keep Them Healthy!

Routine pet bloodwork is a simple but powerful way to ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy at every stage of life.
📞 Is your pet due for a blood test? Schedule an appointment at Heron Lakes Animal Hospital today to stay proactive about their health.

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Because early detection saves lives—and your pet deserves the best care possible.

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