The Importance of Routine Blood Tests for Pets

When your pet looks well, it’s easy to assume everything is fine. But not all health problems show visible signs straight away - and by the time symptoms appear, the condition may already be advanced. That’s where routine blood tests come in.

Whether your pet is young, ageing, or facing a specific health issue, regular blood work plays a crucial role in early detection, ongoing monitoring, and preventive care.

Contents

• What Do Blood Tests for Pets Show?

• Why Run Blood Tests on Healthy Pets?

• Key Times Your Pet Might Need Blood Work

• Common Conditions Detected by Blood Tests

• How Often Should Blood Tests Be Done?

• When to Contact Us

What Do Blood Tests for Pets Show?

Veterinary blood tests provide a detailed snapshot of your pet’s internal health. They help assess the function of vital organs and systems, giving insight into:

• Kidney and liver function

• Blood sugar levels

• Thyroid function (especially in older cats)

• Red and white blood cell counts

• Hydration status

• Electrolyte balance

• Signs of infection, inflammation, or anaemia

These tests can also detect early changes that may not yet be causing symptoms — allowing intervention before the issue becomes serious.

Why Run Blood Tests on Healthy Pets?

Just like with humans, routine blood

work in pets can identify problems at an earlier and more treatable stage. Even if your pet seems perfectly fine, blood tests help establish a baseline for what’s normal for them.

This becomes incredibly valuable later, especially if they fall ill — as it allows your vet to compare current results with past data and spot subtle trends that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Early detection often leads to:

• Less invasive treatment

• Lower medical costs

• Better long-term outcomes

Key Times Your Pet Might Need Blood Work

Your vet may recommend blood tests:

• Before surgery or anaesthesia to assess organ function and recovery potential

• During annual health checks, especially for pets over 7 years old

• When new symptoms arise, such as lethargy, weight loss, vomiting, or increased thirst

• To monitor long-term conditions, like diabetes or kidney disease

• Before starting certain medications that may affect the liver or kidneys

Even if your pet is young and healthy, blood tests are a powerful tool for prevention and peace of mind.

Common Conditions Detected by Blood Tests

Routine blood work can reveal the early stages of many health conditions, including:

• Chronic kidney disease

• Hyperthyroidism (common in senior cats)

• Diabetes mellitus

• Liver disease

• Infections or immune disorders

• Anaemia or clotting problems

By catching these early, vets can begin treatment before your pet experiences more serious complications or discomfort.

How Often Should Blood Tests Be Done?

As a general guide:

• Healthy adult pets (1–7 years): Every 12–24 months

• Senior pets (7+ years): Every 6–12 months

• Pets on long-term medication: As advised by your vet, often every 3–6 months

• Pre-anaesthetic cases: Always before any planned surgical procedure

Your vet will tailor the timing based on your pet’s age, breed, health history, and lifestyle.

When to Contact Us

If your pet is due for a check-up, has a chronic condition, or you simply want peace of mind, routine blood tests can offer valuable insight. Whether it’s part of an annual review or a one-off investigation, we’ll help you understand what’s going on beneath the surface.

📞 Call us on 020 8459 4729 or book an appointment online to discuss routine blood testing for your pet.

We believe preventing disease is a far better way of helping your pet stay fit, comfortable, happy and healthy. So we’ve created the Vital Pets Club to make sure every pet owner has easy access to the best pet care at an affordable price.