When you adopt a pet, you also get the responsibility of caring for him or her. This includes taking your animal friend for annual health checkups at the vet’s office. When it comes to your pet’s health and wellbeing, preventative care is a critical component, just like it is to humans. 

Therefore, you should ask your veterinarian how often you should bring your pet in for comprehensive examinations. These exams include routine blood work, a physical exam, and a discussion about your pet and how he or she is doing. 

Blood Testing

Pet blood work is a vital part of preventative care. It helps veterinarians accurately diagnose and treat various health conditions. Blood screening will also help the veterinarian monitor the progress of some conditions and understand the pet’s health status. 

Additionally, routine blood work is a critical part of an effective care and prevention program to avoid or catch various diseases. Early detection will improve the odds of recovery. If your veterinarian is considering your pet for surgery, he or she will need to do a blood test. This is to determine whether your pet is healthy enough to survive a surgical procedure. It will also help the vet determine the best type of anesthesia. 

How Often You Should Get Your Pet’s Blood Tested

How often you should take your pet for routine blood work will depend on the age, species, and breed of the animal. Your pet’s veterinarian will determine the ideal intervals between routine blood tests. 

Experts recommend blood work before anesthetics, especially if the veterinarian suspects a problem. There is a good reason why veterinarians recommend regular blood work for pets. Most animals can mask or hide their symptoms until their condition worsens. 

Routine blood tests can provide a clear picture of a pet’s normal levels. This can help the veterinarian identify any changes early or determine how big a change may be. Pets age significantly faster than humans. A yearly blood screening for any developing conditions is important. 

Why Regular Pet Blood Tests Are Important

A typical blood test is the CBC count, which is the complete blood cell count. The number of white and red blood cells that your pet has in his or her blood can reveal whether they are dealing with a health issue or an infection. A low red blood cell count, for example, would indicate anemia. 

A high white blood cell count, on the other hand, would be a sign of possible infection. Your veterinarian will then need to determine the severity and location of the infection. This will help in the determination of the best course of treatment.   

The Process 

A veterinarian can carry out pet blood work quickly and simply during a regular consultation. He or she will clip a small amount of hair from the pet’s neck or limb and then use an alcohol swab to sterilize the area. The vet will then collect a small amount of blood using a syringe needle and place it into special tubes. Processing of the blood may take place on-site or in an external lab.

To learn more about pet blood screenings, visit Port Royal Veterinary Hospital at our office in Port Royal, South Carolina. You can also call 843-379-7387 to schedule an appointment today.