Why Annual Bloodwork Can Save Your Pet’s Life
Your pet can’t tell you when something’s wrong—but their blood can.
Even if your dog or cat looks perfectly healthy, changes may be happening beneath the surface. That’s why annual bloodwork is one of the most powerful tools in preventive veterinary care. It helps us spot hidden health issues early—often before symptoms show—and gives your pet the best chance at a longer, healthier life.
At Creature Comforts, we believe that prevention is better than cure—and annual blood testing is one of the easiest ways to protect your pet’s wellbeing.
🧠 What Does Annual Bloodwork Check?
A wellness blood panel can reveal a wealth of information about your pet’s internal health, including:
- Kidney function (creatinine, SDMA, BUN)
- Liver health (ALT, ALP, bilirubin)
- Blood sugar levels (glucose)
- Thyroid function (T4, especially in older pets)
- Electrolyte balance (sodium, potassium, calcium)
- Red and white blood cell counts (to check for anemia, infection, or inflammation)
- Protein levels (albumin, globulin)
🧪 These values act like “early warning signs” to help us detect diseases long before your pet shows any outward symptoms.
🚨 Why Early Detection Saves Lives
Many common and serious conditions start quietly. Your pet may seem fine, eat well, and act normally—but inside, something could be changing.
Here are just a few examples of conditions we often catch early with bloodwork:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism in cats / hypothyroidism in dogs
- Liver disease or inflammation
- Infections or immune disorders
- Cancer-related blood changes
Early diagnosis often means:
- Less invasive treatment options
- Lower long-term medical costs
- Better quality of life
- Longer lifespan
🐾 How Often Should You Do Bloodwork?
- Once a year for healthy adult pets (age 1–7)
- Every 6–12 months for senior pets (age 7+)
- More frequently for pets with chronic illnesses or on long-term medications
Just like you go for an annual health check, your pet deserves the same attention—especially as they age.
🧪 What to Expect During a Blood Test
The process is quick, simple, and safe:
- Fasting is usually required for 8–12 hours before the test
- A small blood sample is taken from a vein (usually in the front leg or neck)
- Results are reviewed by your vet and discussed with you within 1–2 days
- If anything abnormal is found, we’ll recommend follow-up testing or a tailored care plan
Most pets tolerate the procedure extremely well, and many don’t even notice the needle.
❓ Common Questions About Annual Bloodwork
Q: My pet seems perfectly healthy—why test now?
Because the goal is to catch illness before your pet looks or feels sick. Many serious conditions are already well underway before external symptoms appear.
Q: Isn’t bloodwork just for older pets?
While it’s especially important for seniors, adult pets benefit too. Annual bloodwork helps create a baseline so we know what’s normal for your pet—and can spot changes early.
Q: Is it expensive?
Wellness panels are a small investment compared to the cost of treating advanced illness. Early detection can help prevent emergency vet bills and more invasive procedures later on.
Q: What if the results are normal?
That’s great news! Normal results give peace of mind and create a reference point for future care.