Annual Bloodwork for Pets: Catch Issues Early | Townsgate

Your dog eats well, plays every day, and hasn’t missed a beat at your last few vet visits. So why would they need bloodwork if they appear perfectly fine? It’s a question we hear often—and the answer may surprise you.

At Townsgate Pet Hospital, we recommend annual bloodwork for most pets, even those that seem outwardly healthy. These tests provide a deeper look into your pet’s internal health and help us detect subtle changes before they become major issues. Early detection is the foundation of effective treatment—and in many cases, it can even prevent illness altogether.

When we run annual bloodwork, we’re typically looking at two main components: a complete blood count (CBC) and a blood chemistry panel. The CBC tells us about red and white blood cell levels, which can signal infections, anemia, inflammation, or immune issues. The chemistry panel checks organ function—especially the liver and kidneys—as well as glucose levels, electrolytes, and more.

Why does this matter? Because many diseases start developing long before symptoms appear. A dog with early-stage kidney disease, for example, may still be eating and acting normally. But bloodwork might reveal reduced kidney function that we can begin managing early, delaying the progression and helping your pet live a longer, more comfortable life.

Annual bloodwork is also valuable for spotting trends. When we have data from previous years, we can track your pet’s values over time. Small changes may not be alarming on their own, but when viewed as part of a bigger picture, they can reveal important clues.

For older pets, annual or even semi-annual bloodwork becomes even more essential. Senior dogs and cats are at increased risk for conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, and liver problems. The sooner we catch these issues, the more options we have for managing them successfully.

Even younger pets benefit from baseline testing. Establishing what’s “normal” for your pet gives us something to compare to in the future—so if something changes, we’ll know right away. It’s especially useful if your pet ever becomes ill, needs surgery, or is placed on long-term medication.

At Townsgate Pet Hospital, we believe preventive care is the key to long-term wellness. Routine bloodwork gives us peace of mind, helps us tailor your pet’s care, and offers you greater confidence in the decisions you’re making for their health.

So, the next time we recommend bloodwork at your pet’s wellness exam, know that it’s not because we think something’s wrong—it’s because we want to keep it that way. Contact Townsgate at (805) 230-1999 or visit us at 2806 Townsgate Road Suite C, Westlake Village, CA 91361.