When it comes to keeping your furry friend healthy, annual pet blood work is one of the most powerful tools veterinarians use to detect hidden issues before they become serious. Just like people, pets can develop health problems that arenāt always obvious. Blood tests provide a window into your petās overall health and can guide preventive care for a longer, happier life.
Why Is Annual Pet Blood Work Important?
Blood work helps your veterinarian:
- Detect early signs of disease
- Monitor organ function (liver, kidneys, thyroid)
- Track changes over time
- Ensure medications arenāt causing side effects
Because pets age much faster than humans, waiting years between tests can allow conditions to progress unnoticed.
FAQ: Annual Pet Blood Work
Do young pets need blood Work every year?
Yes, even young dogs and cats benefit from yearly testing. Baseline results help your veterinarian know whatās ānormalā for your pet, making it easier to spot changes later.
What about senior pets?
Senior pets often need blood work more frequentlyāsometimes every 6 monthsāsince they are at higher risk for conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or thyroid imbalances.
Can blood work detect everything?
Not everything, but itās an essential part of preventive care. Combined with a physical exam, urinalysis, and your petās medical history, blood work gives a clear picture of health.
What tests are included in annual blood work?
Typically, tests include:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Chemistry Panel (organ function)
- Thyroid screening (especially in older cats and dogs)
- Heart worm or tick-borne disease screening (common in Florida)
Is bloodwork really necessary if my pet looks healthy?
Yes. Many conditionsālike early kidney disease or diabetesādonāt show symptoms until theyāve advanced. Annual pet blood work helps catch these issues early, when treatment is most effective.
How to Schedule Annual Pet Blood Work
At Gardens Animal Hospital, we recommend blood work as part of your petās wellness care plan. If youād like to book an appointment, please contact us today
Helpful Resources
For more information about why annual testing matters, check out these trusted sources:
