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Understanding Dog Blood Tests


What Are Dog Blood Tests?


Dog blood tests, including a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and blood chemistries, provide valuable information about your dog's overall health. These tests examine white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, glucose, proteins, electrolytes, and more. Blood tests help veterinarians diagnose and treat various conditions and illnesses in dogs, from immune system functionality to organ health.


When Are Blood Tests Recommended?
  • First Veterinary Visit: To rule out congenital diseases and for pre-anesthetic testing.
  • Semi-Annual Wellness Exams: As part of a thorough physical examination.
  • If behavior Changes: Useful even if no overt signs of illness exist.
  • Pre-Surgical Tests: To assess liver and kidney efficiency for anesthesia dosage.
  • New Medication: To ensure the liver or kidney can metabolize the medication.
  • Senior Wellness Exams: To identify age-related issues early on.

Common Tests We Perform
  • Urinalysis: Will check hydration, infections, and other health conditions.
  • Fecal Exam: It is recommended annually to check for parasites and other issues.
  • CBC: Assesses red and white cell count, immunity status, and hemoglobin levels.
  • Blood Clotting Times: Identifies bleeding disorders.
  • Blood Chemistries: Examines internal organ status.
  • Cytology: Tests for skin and ear infections and can also identify cancer cells.

Our In-House Laboratory

Thanks to our state-of-the-art in-house laboratory, we can quickly process all kinds of lab work. This speed is especially crucial in emergencies, allowing us to implement timely medical interventions.


Understanding the Results


We'll thoroughly explain the results because treating your dog effectively requires teamwork. Standard tests include the Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Blood Chemistry tests, which evaluate numerous health parameters ranging from anemia and infection to organ function and electrolyte status.


Schedule an Appointment Today


Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian today to determine which blood tests may benefit your dog.