Keeping our dogs healthy involves more than just feeding them well and giving them exercise. Routine blood and urine testing plays a vital role in detecting early signs of illness, monitoring existing conditions, and ensuring overall well-being. These tests provide valuable insights into a dog’s internal health, often before visible symptoms appear.
Why Are Blood and Urine Tests Important?
Dogs, like humans, can develop health issues that may not be immediately obvious. Routine blood and urine testing can:
• Detect diseases early, including kidney disease, diabetes, and infections.
• Establish a baseline of normal values for your dog’s health.
• Monitor chronic conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, or diabetes.
• Ensure safe anesthesia before surgery or dental procedures.
• Check the effects of long-term medications on organ function.
Routine Blood Tests for Dogs
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A CBC evaluates:
• Red blood cells (RBCs): Detects anemia and oxygen-carrying capacity.
• White blood cells (WBCs): Indicates infection, inflammation, or immune disorders.
• Platelets: Assesses blood clotting ability.
2. Blood Chemistry Panel
This test measures:
• Kidney function: High levels of creatinine and BUN (blood urea nitrogen) can signal kidney disease.
• Liver function: Abnormal liver enzymes may indicate liver disease or infections.
• Blood sugar levels: Helps detect diabetes.
• Electrolytes: Imbalances can indicate dehydration, kidney disease, or hormonal disorders.
3. Thyroid Function Test
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism. Low levels can indicate hypothyroidism, a common issue in dogs, leading to weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.
Routine Urine Tests for Dogs
Urinalysis provides information about kidney and bladder health and helps diagnose metabolic diseases like diabetes. It includes:
• pH level: Abnormalities can suggest infections or kidney issues.
• Protein levels: Excess protein may indicate kidney disease.
• Glucose (sugar): High levels suggest diabetes.
• Red & white blood cells: Presence may indicate infection, inflammation, or urinary tract problems.
• Crystals: Certain types of crystals can lead to bladder stones.
When Should Dogs Get Blood and Urine Tests?
• Puppies & Young Dogs: Typically tested during early vet visits and before spaying/neutering.
• Adult Dogs (1-7 years): Usually before surgery and when your pet is ill – however routine screening (annually or biennially) is being introduced in some practices to pick up early signs of disease.
• Senior Dogs (7+ years): Annually as they are more prone to age-related diseases.
• Sick or Symptomatic Dogs: Any time a dog shows symptoms such as lethargy, weight loss, excessive thirst, or urinary issues.
• Before Surgery: Ensures organ function is adequate for anesthesia.
How Are Blood and Urine Samples Collected?
Blood is usually taken from a vein in the front leg or neck. The process is quick and relatively painless.
For urine samples, vets may:
• Collect a free-catch sample (dog urinates into a sterile container).
• Use a catheter (for a more sterile sample).
• Perform cystocentesis (drawing urine directly from the bladder using a needle for precise analysis).
Conclusion
Routine blood and urine testing is a simple yet powerful way to monitor your dog’s health. Early detection of diseases can lead to more effective treatments and a longer, healthier life. Talk to your vet about including these tests in your dog’s regular checkups to keep them happy and thriving.
Leigh Sobye BVSc MRCVS