Routine veterinary visits are essential for maintaining your pet’s health, but annual bloodwork is one of the most powerful tools for detecting illness before symptoms appear. Subtle changes in your pet’s blood values can indicate kidney disease, diabetes, liver dysfunction, infections, and even cancer—all of which can be managed more effectively when caught early.

At High Point Animal Hospital, in Plano, TX, we offer comprehensive on-site laboratory testing to help monitor your pet’s internal health and ensure they receive the best possible care.

Why Is Annual Bloodwork Important?

Pets age much faster than humans, and diseases can progress rapidly without noticeable signs. Annual blood testing helps detect health concerns early, allowing for:

  • Early intervention before a disease becomes advanced
  • Baseline health monitoring to track changes over time
  • Safer anesthesia procedures by evaluating organ function before surgery
  • Personalized treatment plans based on individual health trends

Routine bloodwork is especially crucial for senior pets, as they are at higher risk for chronic illnesses. Learn more about preventive testing for senior pets from Zoetis Petcare.

What Does Routine Bloodwork Include?

A comprehensive blood panel provides valuable insights into your pet’s overall health. Typical tests include:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

This test measures red and white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin levels, helping detect:

  • Anemia (low red blood cells)
  • Infections or inflammation
  •  Blood clotting disorders

2. Blood Chemistry Panel

This evaluates organ function and metabolic health, checking for:

  • Liver disease – Elevated liver enzymes may indicate damage or dysfunction
  • Kidney disease – Changes in BUN and creatinine levels suggest declining kidney function
  • Diabetes – High blood sugar (glucose) can signal diabetes
  • Electrolyte imbalances – Can affect hydration, heart function, and muscle contractions

Learn more about veterinary diagnostic tests from the Merck Veterinary Manual.

3. Thyroid Function Tests

Thyroid disorders are common in aging pets:

  • Hypothyroidism (common in dogs) – Leads to weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues
  • Hyperthyroidism (common in cats) – Causes weight loss, hyperactivity, and increased appetite

How Bloodwork Helps Detect Common Diseases

Kidney Disease

Early kidney disease may not show symptoms, but bloodwork can detect elevated creatinine and BUN levels, allowing for early dietary changes and treatment.

Liver Disease

Liver function tests assess enzyme levels and bilirubin, helping diagnose liver disease, infections, or toxins affecting the liver.

Diabetes

High blood sugar levels indicate diabetes, a condition requiring dietary changes, insulin therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

Recognizing senior pet health problems is critical—read more from the AAHA.

When Should Your Pet Have Bloodwork Done?

Annual Wellness Exams

Routine bloodwork should be performed yearly for adult pets to monitor ongoing health and detect early warning signs.

Before Surgery or Anesthesia

Pre-anesthetic bloodwork ensures your pet’s liver and kidneys can properly process anesthesia, reducing the risk of complications.

For Senior Pets (Age 7+)

Senior pets should have bloodwork every six months, as they are more prone to chronic conditions like arthritis, kidney disease, and metabolic disorders.

Find out why regular veterinary visits are essential for your pet’s health.

How to Prepare Your Pet for Bloodwork

  • Schedule the test in the morning – Some blood tests require fasting for accurate results.
  • Keep your pet calm – Stress can temporarily alter some blood values, so try to keep your pet relaxed before their visit.
  • Bring any medications or supplements – Some medications can affect test results, so let your veterinarian know what your pet is taking.

At High Point Animal Hospital, our experienced veterinary team ensures a stress-free experience for your pet during laboratory testing.

Prioritize Your Pet’s Health with Annual Blood Testing

Annual bloodwork plays a critical role in early disease detection and long-term wellness. Whether your pet is young and healthy or entering their senior years, routine lab tests provide invaluable insights into their health.

Schedule your pet’s annual wellness exam and bloodwork today.

Contact us to book an appointment at High Point Animal Hospital.