The Role of Bloodwork in Wellness Checkups: What It Can Reveal About Your Pet’s Health

When it comes to your pet’s health, what you see on the outside doesn’t always tell the full story. That’s where bloodwork comes in. Routine blood tests during annual or semi-annual checkups can uncover hidden issues long before your pet shows symptoms. This allows for early intervention and better outcomes.

Read on for a breakdown of the types of veterinary blood tests available, what they can reveal, and how they help you make informed decisions about your pet’s care and long-term wellness.

Why Bloodwork Matters

Even if your pet seems perfectly healthy, internal conditions like kidney disease, liver dysfunction, diabetes, thyroid issues, and infections can go unnoticed without a diagnostic look inside the body. Bloodwork provides a window into how your pet’s organs are functioning and whether there are any underlying imbalances that need attention.

Regular blood testing is especially important for:

• Senior pets

• Pets on long-term medications

• Animals with chronic health issues

• Pre-anesthetic evaluations before surgery

• Establishing a baseline for healthy pets

Common Types of Veterinary Blood Tests

There are several different tests your veterinarian may recommend during a wellness visit, depending on your pet’s age, health history, and symptoms.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

This test evaluates red and white blood cells and platelets. It can detect anemia, infection, inflammation and clotting disorders.

Blood Chemistry Panel

Veterinary blood chemistry tests measure levels of chemicals, proteins, and enzymes in a pet's blood to diagnose diseases, monitor organ function, and assess overall health. These tests can often detect issues like kidney disease (via BUN and creatinine), liver problems (via ALT, ALP), and metabolic conditions (via glucose, electrolytes). They’re either administered during wellness checks or pre-surgery.

Thyroid Function Tests

These are commonly used for both dogs and cats as they age. Hyperthyroidism is common in older cats, while hypothyroidism often affects middle-aged and older dogs.

Heartworm and Tick-Borne Disease Testing

Screening for parasites like heartworm, Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma is a key part of wellness care, especially if your pet spends time outdoors. Even though we are in Colorado, we are sadly seeing an increased incidence of tick-borne diseases every year.

Colorado is also one of the states where heartworm disease is the fastest growing, highlighting the importance of testing for heartworm disease yearly. 

How Often Should Bloodwork Be Done?

For most adult pets, annual bloodwork is recommended during their wellness checkup. For senior pets (typically over age 7) or those with ongoing health conditions, testing may be recommended every 6 months. Your veterinarian will guide you based on your pet’s individual needs and lifestyle.

Pet Wellness and Care 

Bloodwork is a crucial part of preventive care, offering peace of mind and helping your vet catch issues before they become serious or harder to treat. By understanding your pet’s internal health, you’re taking an active role in keeping them happy and by your side for years to come.

If your pet is due for a checkup, visit our pet wellness clinic to schedule an appointment. Our experienced team at Coyote Ridge Veterinary Clinic is here to provide compassionate, comprehensive care, including blood testing tailored to your pet’s stage of life and unique needs.