Dogs are known to be our loyal companions and we all want them to be healthy all the time. Regular checkups and blood tests play an important role in keeping our furry friends healthy.

Blood tests can detect underlying health issues in your dog and provide insights to the vet about your dog’s overall health condition. You might be wondering, which blood tests does your dog need? In this article, we will take a look at some of the important blood tests your dog should consider.

Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC)

A complete blood cell count test measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your dog’s blood.

It provides an overall assessment of your dog’s health and helps to diagnose health issues such as infections, anemia, and leukemia. This test is usually recommended if your dog has symptoms such as lethargy, weakness, and loss of appetite.

Blood Chemistry Panel (BCP)

The blood chemistry panel test measures the levels of different chemicals in your dog’s blood. These chemicals include electrolytes, enzymes, glucose, and proteins.

This test can help to detect different health issues such as liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid problems. Blood chemistry panels are usually recommended for senior dogs and those taking long-term medications.

Blood Parasite Tests

Blood parasite tests are usually done to detect parasites, such as ticks and fleas, in your dog’s blood. These parasites can cause health issues such as anemia and infections that can lead to serious diseases.

Blood parasite tests are especially important if you live in a region where tick-borne diseases are prevalent. Blood parasite tests are also important for dogs that travel to regions with a high risk of tick-borne diseases.

Heartworm Test

Heartworm is a common disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted through mosquito bites. The parasite grows and lives in the heart and lungs. Heartworm tests can detect the presence of parasites in your dog’s blood.

This test is usually recommended for dogs that live in regions with a high prevalence of heartworm and those that have not been regularly receiving heartworm prevention medication.

Urinalysis

Urinalysis is a test that analyzes your dog’s urine to detect infection, inflammation, or other health issues. This test can help to detect urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, and bladder stones.

Urinalysis is usually recommended if your dog is showing symptoms such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, and blood in urine.

Thyroid Test

The thyroid test measures the levels of thyroid hormones in your dog’s blood. The thyroid hormones are responsible for regulating your dog’s metabolism. A low level of thyroid hormones can cause weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues.

High levels of thyroid hormones can cause weight loss, hyperactivity, and anxiety. This test is usually recommended if your dog is showing symptoms related to the thyroid gland.

Blood Coagulation Test

The blood coagulation test measures the clotting time of your dog’s blood. This test is usually recommended if your dog has bleeding issues such as excessive bleeding or bruising.

This test helps to detect health issues such as hemophilia and certain medications that can affect blood clotting.

Blood Work for Cancer Detection

Blood work for cancer detection can help detect cancer cells and tumors in your dog’s blood. This test is usually recommended for dogs that are showing symptoms such as weight loss, loss of appetite, and lethargy.

This test can detect different types of cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia.

Coomb’s Test

Coomb’s test is a blood test that looks for antibodies that attack red blood cells. This test is usually recommended if your dog has anemia of unknown cause.

Coomb’s test is most commonly performed in dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, a condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys the body’s red blood cells.

Blood Gas Analysis

Blood gas analysis is a test that measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your dog’s blood. This test is usually recommended if your dog has lung or heart issues such as heart failure or pulmonary disease.

Blood gas analysis can help to determine the effectiveness of treatment and to monitor your dog’s response to therapy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, regular blood tests are an important aspect of your dog’s health. It can help detect underlying health issues and prevent long-term complications.

The blood tests mentioned above are some of the important tests your dog should consider. Talk to your veterinarian and create a regular checkup plan for your furry friend to ensure they live a healthy and happy life.