Our pets are masters at hiding discomfort. By the time they show visible signs of illness, a condition may already be advanced. In addition to the annual wellness exam, annual lab testing helps monitor your pet’s health by allowing your veterinary team to look beneath the surface and identify changes long before illness becomes obvious.
In fact, a recent study found that 20% of dogs and cats over the age of four had clinically relevant abnormalities detected on routine wellness lab testing, despite appearing healthy at the time of their visit. This highlights just how valuable preventive lab screening can be.
What Does Annual Lab Testing Tell Us?
For dogs and cats under six years of age, we recommend annual wellness lab testing that includes a Complete Blood Count (CBC), blood chemistry panel, and heartworm and tick testing.
A CBC evaluates red and white blood cells and platelets, helping us identify anemia, infection, inflammation, and immune system concerns. A blood chemistry panel assesses vital organ function, including the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and electrolytes. Heartworm and tick testing screens for potentially serious diseases that are often transmitted silently and can go unnoticed without routine testing.
Even young, seemingly healthy pets can have early changes that are only detectable through lab testing. Annual screening also helps establish a “normal” baseline for your pet, making it easier to recognize subtle changes over time.
Why Senior Pets Need More Frequent Lab Testing
As pets enter their senior years—typically around seven years of age—their bodies age more rapidly. For this reason, we recommend bi-annual lab testing for senior pets.
In addition to a CBC and chemistry panel, senior wellness testing includes a urinalysis and thyroid (T4) testing. A urinalysis provides valuable insight into kidney function, hydration status, and urinary tract health. T4 testing helps detect thyroid disease, which is common in aging pets and can significantly impact energy levels, weight, and overall health if left untreated.
More frequent monitoring allows us to detect age-related conditions earlier, often before symptoms are noticeable, when treatment options are most effective.
The Importance of Intestinal Parasite Screening
Intestinal parasites aren’t just a puppy or kitten problem. We recommend fecal (intestinal parasite) screening every six months for pets of all ages. Many parasites are microscopic and may not cause visible symptoms, yet they can lead to digestive upset, weight loss, and potential health risks for both pets and people.
Regular screening ensures we catch and treat parasites promptly, helping protect your entire household.
Preventive Care That Makes a Difference
Routine lab testing is one of the most powerful tools we have to keep pets healthy. It supports early detection, helps guide treatment decisions, and gives your veterinary team a clearer picture of your pet’s overall health at every life stage.
At Native Palm Animal Hospital we offer affordable lab testing to make preventive care accessible for every family. Schedule your pet’s lab testing today and take an important step toward protecting their long-term health.