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Veterinary care

Understanding Your Pet's Blood Tests

What common blood tests show, and why a single result slightly outside the range isn't always a worry.

By Dr Hana LindqvistVeterinary review: Dr Elena Marsh6 min readPublished 2026-09-29Updated 2026-09-29
Veterinarian gently examining a dog in a bright clinic

The two main panels

A haematology panel counts red cells, white cells and platelets. A biochemistry panel measures substances that reflect how organs such as the kidneys and liver are working.

Common values

  • Urea and creatinine — kidney function
  • SDMA — an earlier kidney marker
  • ALT and ALP — liver
  • Glucose — diabetes
  • T4 — thyroid, usually in older cats

Reference ranges

Ranges cover most healthy animals, so some healthy pets fall just outside. Vets interpret results alongside examination and history.

Why baseline tests help

Tests while your pet is well give a comparison for later life.

Dog and cat body condition progression from underweight to obese
Body condition is assessed by touch as well as appearance. Ask your veterinary team to score your individual pet.

References

  1. Senior care guidelines — AAHA
  2. IRIS staging of CKD — International Renal Interest Society