Menu

(757) 355-5694

November Newsletter: The Importance of Bloodwork for Your Pet’s Health

  • Created in Newsletter Library

Cat sits nicely through his blood draw.

The Importance of Bloodwork for Your Pet's Health

Your pet's blood provides valuable information about your furry friend's health. Routine bloodwork can reveal signs of trouble long before symptoms appear and help you protect your pet's health.

Why Bloodwork Is Important

Blood tests help your veterinarian determine if your senior cat has the early signs of kidney disease or your dog has diabetes or an infection. The earlier these and other diseases and illnesses are treated, the less likely your pet will experience serious complications.

Blood tests also ensure that your pet is healthy enough to tolerate anesthesia used for surgical procedures and tooth cleaning. Does your pet take medication for a chronic condition? Regular bloodwork helps your veterinarian determine if the medication is working as expected and also provides important information regarding the progression of the disease.

Does your pet receive yearly blood tests? The tests provide a reference point regarding normal levels for your furry friend. Once a baseline is established, it's easier to spot subtle changes that may mean your pet is developing a health issue.

Bloodwork is particularly important for older pets, as the risk for diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer increases with age. Almost half of dogs and a third of cats over age 10 die from cancer, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Regular bloodwork detects changes triggered by cancer, ensuring that your pet receives prompt treatment.

What Information Does Bloodwork Provide?

Your veterinarian may order a complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistry panel as part of your pet's yearly exam. The CBC measures the amount of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit in your pet's blood. This test provides important information about your pet's immune system and ability to produce blood cells and platelets that transport oxygen, remove carbon dioxide, and stop bleeding.

Your veterinarian looks for levels that are higher or lower than normal. For example, high levels of white blood cells could mean your pet has an infection or disease, while low levels of red blood cells may be a sign of anemia.

The blood chemistry panel evaluates the chemicals, minerals, enzymes, proteins, glucose (sugar), and hormones in your pet's blood. It helps your veterinarian diagnose diseases and conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or liver disease. Depending on your pet's symptoms, your veterinarian may also recommend blood tests to check your pet's thyroid function or heartworm status, or determine if allergies are the reason why your pet can't stop scratching.

Some breeds are prone to developing certain diseases. Bloodwork helps your veterinarian evaluate your pet's risk and make monitoring or treatment recommendations based on the results.

Preparing for Bloodwork

Just like people, some pets need to fast before bloodwork. Ask your veterinarian when your pet must stop eating if fasting is required. Although your pet can't eat food or treats, drinking water is fine before bloodwork. In fact, your pet should be encouraged to drink water to prevent dehydration. PetMD notes that even mild dehydration can affect blood test results. Exertion may also affect bloodwork results. Activities that involve running and jumping should be avoided before your pet's appointment.

Does your pet take daily medication? Some medications may need to be stopped before bloodwork. Your veterinarian will let you know if your pet should take its medication as usual before a blood test.

Bloodwork offers a simple way to safeguard your pet's health. Need to schedule bloodwork or an exam? Contact our office to make your pet's appointment.

Sources:

PetMD: Blood Tests for Dogs and Cats: Costs and How to Read Results, 2/28/2025

https://www.petmd.com/dog/procedure/blood-work-for-dogs-and-cats

American Animal Hospital Association: The ABCs of Dog Blood Work: What Those Results Really Mean, 7/17/2025

https://www.aaha.org/resources/the-abcs-of-dog-blood-work-what-those-results-really-mean/

Colorado State University: Pet Health: Screening tests uncover hidden conditions early, 2/6/2015

https://source.colostate.edu/pet-health-screening-tests-uncover-hidden-conditions-early/

American Veterinary Medical Association: Caring for Senior Cats and Dogs

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/senior-pets

Location

Location

Find us on the map

Monday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:45 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Helpful Reading

Testimonials

Testimonials

Feedback from our clients

  • "Words can not begin to express our gratitude for the care you had given Hunter over the years. When his time came, he watched for you to come through the door and his tail showed his affection towards you. That was most comforting having you there. Thank you.""
    ~R.H
  • ""Thank you so much for taking care of Maggie over the years. Y'all are the best and Dr. Johnson, you are the best vet in the world! God bless you all.""
    ~ J.D.
  • ""Your care for my beloved Mattie these last 10n years made her life, and mine much better….God bless each of you for all you did for us and I'm sure for all your other two and four legged patients.""
    ~E.D.
  • ""Thank you for saving my life." ~T.C."
    ~T.C.
  • ""I can not express how grateful I am for you and your staff… I appreciate everything you did in Beckham's treatment. He was so lucky to have such a wonderful doctor on his side. Thank you for all you do for the benefit of all our beloved pets.""
    ~L.B.
  • ""Dr. Johnson - There are no words that can truly capture your kindness.""
    ~G.B.
  • ""Thank you for the great care you took of Taco and the rest of our family. He is doing great now! He is enjoying running and playing with all four legs again.""
    ~W.C
  • ""People who avail themselves of your services at the clinic certainly are blessed to have such a caring staff....bless you and your devoted staff.""
    ~E.D.
  • ""A sincere thank you for taking such good care of Dulce. We are so thrilled that she is back to her normal self. You gave her the support and care she needed in her darkest hours and kept us confident in her recovery.""
  • ""Just to say how much we appreciate all of you. You all are wonderful people. We feel blessed to have our beloved furry children in your care when they need it. Your professional knowledge and your acts of kindness have a beautiful act all it's own. You are a great vet, compassionate and everything good all in one. You are in our daily prayers.""
    ~T.F.
  • ""Thank you and all of your staff for the excellent care you gave to my wonderful Abbey, who was so much a part of the family. Thank you for all the advice and support you gave to me these last few months. I don't know how I would have gotten through this without your constant support. I will, and I have highly recommended you to family and friends, as I feel you are the best!""
    ~P.B.
  • ""Thank you for taking care of my kitty, Slingshot. He is feeling better and better. My Paw-Paw said that you took extra special care of him and I really appreciate it. So, thank you again for taking care of my cat.""
    ~T.B. (age 6)
  • ""Dr. Johnson, I don't know why you decided to move here from your home in New Jersey, but I absolutely believe it was so you could help me and Mickey. I know coming to someone's home is not what a typical veterinarian would do, but you are obviously an extraordinary man in a world filled with ordinary men….On top of that, your sensitive and wonderful handwritten note arrived and touched my heart…You are one of those quiet, unheralded champions who make life easier for everyone you touch.""
    ~C.W.
  • ""Thank you so much for taking care of Lola when she had her reaction, and your office was already closed. I know you took time away from yourself and your family and I really appreciate it.""
    ~R.M.
  • ""Thank you for giving me more time with my best friend. We are all so grateful.""
    ~A.M.
  • ""Thank you for all of your support for Maxine during her illness. All was very much appreciated and will always be remembered. I have related to all my friends of what a great doctor and staff at Birdneck Animal Hospital.""
    ~O.B.
  • ""Thank you for taking such good care of me over the last 4 years. I am doing well and both legs and feet feel great. You sis an awesome job on me Dr. Johnson, and I'm gonna have a great year this year and I hope to see you only for my check up. You guys are the best!""
    ~Budkus
  • "We can't thank you enough for the wonderful and loving care you gave to"Budkus" while he was in your care. He was so little and so sick and we were so scared for him. Each and every one of the staff members made us feel like we had the only dog in the world. Like nothing else mattered except getting "Budkus" well again. Our deepest gratitude to all of you for the excellent care and attention we received, for your encouragement, comfort, and understanding, and most importantly for saving his life! Thank you so much.""
    ~ J.,B.,C.