Lab Work for Dogs: What Every Life Stage Needs — From Dogwood’s Internal Medicine Team

Your dog’s healthcare needs evolve dramatically from puppyhood through senior years. Routine blood work is one of the most important investments you can make — not just to detect disease, but to prevent it.

 

Puppies & Adolescents (0–12 months)

First bloodwork establishes a health baseline and screens for congenital conditions, infections, and organ development issues. A follow-up CBC and chemistry panel around 6–12 months confirms everything is on track as your dog matures.

 

Adult Dogs (1–7 years)

Annual wellness visits should always include lab work. Core annual tests:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Chemistry Panel: liver, kidney, and pancreatic function
• Heartworm + tick-borne disease panel: essential every year in Georgia
• Thyroid function: if behavioral or metabolic symptoms are present

 

Senior Dogs (7+ years; earlier for large breeds)

Twice-yearly visits with lab work at each. Senior additions:

• Urinalysis and kidney function panels
• Blood pressure measurement
• Glucose monitoring for diabetic dogs
• Testing for Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, liver conditions

 

Breed-Specific Testing

Large breeds may need early joint monitoring. Dobermans benefit from regular cardiac screening. Tell your veterinarian your dog’s breed at every visit — it changes the testing picture significantly.

At Dogwood, our 24/7 internal medicine team can order, analyze, and act on lab results immediately — including in the middle of the night.

Schedule your dog’s diagnostic bloodwork: (404) 609-1234 | info@www.dogwood.vet