Many pet owners are surprised when bloodwork is recommended for a dog or cat that seems perfectly healthy. At Norgate Animal Hospital, this is one of the most common questions we hear: “If my pet looks fine, why do we need blood tests?”
Bloodwork is one of the most valuable tools we have in veterinary medicine. It allows us to look beneath the surface and understand how your pet’s body is functioning long before visible symptoms appear.
Why Bloodwork Matters Even When Your Pet Seems Healthy
Pets are experts at hiding illness. By the time changes in appetite, energy, or behavior become obvious, disease may already be well advanced.
Bloodwork helps us detect subtle changes early. It gives us insight into organ function, hydration, infection, inflammation, and metabolic health. In many cases, it allows us to act early, when treatment is simpler and outcomes are better.
At Norgate Animal Hospital, we use bloodwork as a preventive tool, not just a diagnostic one.
What Bloodwork Actually Looks At
Organ Function
Blood tests give us important information about how major organs are working.
Kidney values help us identify early kidney disease, especially in cats and senior pets.
Liver enzymes can signal inflammation, infection, or long-term stress on the liver.
Pancreatic markers can help explain digestive issues or sudden illness.
Early organ changes often show up in bloodwork long before symptoms appear at home.
Red And White Blood Cells
Red blood cells tell us about oxygen delivery and anemia. Low levels may explain weakness or lethargy.
White blood cells give us clues about infection, inflammation, immune response, and stress. Changes here can help us understand whether your pet’s body is fighting something internally.
Blood Sugar And Metabolism
Blood glucose levels help identify diabetes or blood sugar instability.
Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium reflect hydration, kidney function, and hormonal balance. Even small imbalances can have a big impact on how your pet feels.
Thyroid And Hormonal Health
In certain pets, especially senior dogs and cats, bloodwork can assess thyroid function. Hormonal imbalances often cause vague symptoms like weight changes, lethargy, or coat issues that are easy to overlook.
When Bloodwork Is Commonly Recommended
Annual Wellness Exams
Routine bloodwork during annual exams establishes a healthy baseline. This allows us to compare future results and spot trends over time rather than relying on a single snapshot.
Senior Pet Screening
As pets age, the risk of chronic disease increases. We often recommend bloodwork every year or even every six months for senior pets to catch changes early.
Before Surgery Or Anesthesia
Pre-anesthetic bloodwork helps ensure your pet’s organs can safely process anesthesia and medications. It allows us to tailor anesthesia plans to your pet’s specific needs.
Monitoring Chronic Conditions Or Medications
Pets with conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, or allergies often require periodic bloodwork to monitor disease progression and medication safety.
What Bloodwork Can Catch Early
Many serious conditions begin quietly.
- Early kidney disease
- Liver stress or inflammation
- Diabetes
- Chronic infections
- Hidden inflammation
- Hormonal imbalances
Catching these issues early often means better treatment options, slower disease progression, and improved quality of life.
What Bloodwork Cannot Tell Us Alone
Bloodwork is powerful, but it is not the whole picture. It works best when combined with a physical exam, medical history, and sometimes imaging or additional tests.
Normal bloodwork does not always mean everything is perfect, and abnormal results do not always mean something severe. Interpretation matters.
At Norgate Animal Hospital, we review results carefully and explain what they mean in the context of your pet’s overall health.
How Often Should Bloodwork Be Done?
There is no one schedule that fits every pet.
- Healthy adult pets often benefit from annual bloodwork.
- Senior pets may need testing every six months.
- Pets with chronic conditions may need more frequent monitoring.
We tailor recommendations based on age, lifestyle, breed tendencies, and medical history.
Why Early Detection Makes A Real Difference
When disease is caught early, treatment is usually less invasive, more affordable, and more effective. Bloodwork allows us to move from reactive care to proactive care.
It helps answer questions before problems become emergencies.
Our Approach At Norgate Animal Hospital
We believe in using diagnostics thoughtfully and transparently. We recommend bloodwork when it adds real value to your pet’s care, and we take the time to walk you through the results so you understand what is happening and why it matters.
If you have questions about bloodwork or want to know whether testing is right for your pet, our team is always happy to talk.
You can reach Norgate Animal Hospital at +1 (604)-980-2222 to book an appointment or discuss your pet’s preventive care needs.