As a pet parent, it is important to ensure that your furry friend is healthy and happy. One of the ways to do this is by taking them for regular check-ups, which may involve blood tests.

Blood tests are important as they can help detect diseases, infections or other conditions before they become severe. In this article, we will discuss which blood tests are necessary for dogs and why.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a blood test that checks the number and types of blood cells in your dog’s body. This test helps detect if your dog has anemia, inflammation, infection or leukemia.

The CBC test checks for:.

• Red blood cells (RBCs) – the CBC checks the number and size of RBCs in your dog’s body. A decrease in RBCs can indicate anemia or blood loss, while an increase can indicate dehydration.
• White blood cells (WBCs) – the CBC checks the number and types of WBCs in your dog’s body. An increase in WBCs can indicate infection or inflammation.
• Platelets – the CBC checks the number of platelets in your dog’s body. Platelets help form clots, and a decrease in platelets can lead to bleeding disorders.

Blood Chemistry

Blood chemistry tests measure the levels of various chemicals in your dog’s body. This test helps detect if your dog has any organ dysfunction, such as liver or kidney disease, or if they have abnormal electrolyte levels.

Blood chemistry tests typically check for:.

• Blood glucose – High blood glucose levels can indicate diabetes while low levels can indicate hypoglycemia.
• Albumin – Low levels of albumin can indicate liver or kidney disease.
• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) – High levels of BUN can indicate kidney disease.
• Creatinine – High levels of creatinine can indicate kidney disease.
• Electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potassium) – Abnormal electrolyte levels can cause heart and nervous system problems.

Thyroid Function

Thyroid function tests are used to detect if your dog has an underactive or overactive thyroid gland.

The two thyroid function tests that your vet may use are:.

• Total T4 (thyroxine) – Elevated T4 levels may indicate hyperthyroidism while low levels may indicate hypothyroidism. Total T4 tests can be affected by medications and other health conditions, so your vet may also recommend a free T4 test.
• Free T4 (thyroxine) – Free T4 tests measure the amount of unbound T4 in your dog’s blood, which makes it a more accurate test for thyroid function.

Heartworm Test

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms that live in your dog’s heart and lungs. A heartworm test is a simple blood test that can detect if your dog has this disease.

The American Heartworm Society recommends yearly heartworm testing for dogs, even if they are on heartworm prevention medication.

This is because heartworm prevention medication may not be 100% effective, and early detection is crucial for effective treatment.

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Lyme Disease Test

Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi that can be spread by the bite of an infected tick. A blood test can detect if your dog has Lyme disease.

Some symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, joint inflammation and lameness.

Blood Clotting Tests

Blood clotting tests are important if your dog is undergoing surgery or has a history of unexplained bleeding.

The two blood clotting tests that your vet may perform are:.

• Activated Clotting Time (ACT) – The ACT test evaluates the ability of blood to clot.
• Prothrombin Time (PT) – The PT test measures the time it takes for blood to clot. This test is used to evaluate blood clotting disorders.

Cushing’s Disease Test

Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition in which there is an overproduction of cortisol hormone in the adrenal glands. A blood test can detect if your dog has Cushing’s disease.

Some symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs include increased thirst and urination, hair loss, muscle weakness, and a pot-bellied appearance.

Parvovirus Test

Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral infection that affects dogs, especially puppies. A blood test can detect if your dog has been exposed to parvovirus.

Some symptoms of parvovirus in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and fever.

Summary

Blood tests are an important part of your dog’s routine health care. While there are several types of blood tests available, your vet may recommend specific ones based on your dog’s age, breed, health history and clinical signs.

Remember, early detection of disease or infection can help ensure prompt treatment and a better prognosis for your furry friend.