How much does dog blood work cost?
How much does dog blood work cost?
$100 – $200 average cost
Dog blood test cost
The average cost of blood work for a dog is $100 to $200 for a routine test that includes a CBC and chemistry panel. Blood work to evaluate your dog's thyroid function costs $70 to $200, while blood testing for allergies costs $200 to $700.
Veterinarians use blood tests to get a comprehensive picture of your dog's overall health, identify abnormalities, diagnose a variety of health conditions and infections, and monitor chronic conditions and treatment.
| Test type | Average cost* | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Complete blood count (CBC) & chemistry panel | $100 – $200 |
|
| Thyroid function panel | $70 – $200 |
|
| Allergy panel | $200 – $700 |
|
*Not including exam or office visit fee
How often should dogs get blood work?
Most veterinarians recommend annual blood work for dogs. This allows your vet to spot internal changes or health conditions that are not physically obvious yet. Your vet may recommend a blood test in these situations:
On your dog's first visit
During annual wellness exams
Before starting a new medication
If you notice a change in your dog's health or behavior
As a pre-surgical test to identify potential risks for anesthesia or surgery
To rule out congenital diseases in a puppy
What affects the cost of blood work for a dog?
The following factors will impact the cost of a blood test for your dog:
Exam / office visit fee: Veterinarians typically charge a separate exam or office visit fee in addition to the cost of the blood test itself. A routine vet visit costs $40 to $80, while prices for an emergency visit can reach $800, depending on the other tests needed and services provided.
Type of blood test: A comprehensive panel that tests for additional health conditions costs more than a routine CBC and blood chemistry test. Prices are also significantly higher for a blood test to detect allergies.
Vet's office vs. lab: Blood work analyzed in-house at your vet's office typically costs less than if the sample must be sent to an outside lab for analysis.
Dog's age: Senior dogs may need blood work to detect health conditions that often develop with age, like cancer or thyroid problems. Older dogs are also more likely to be on medications that require blood tests more often to monitor liver and kidney functions.
Location: Veterinary costs are usually higher in major cities and urban areas with a higher cost of living.
Dog blood test FAQs
How long does dog blood work take?
Drawing your dog's blood for the test typically takes only a few minutes. The blood test results take 30 minutes to a few days, depending on the type of test.
Veterinary clinics often have in-house testing equipment to analyze a CBC and biochemistry panel, but your vet may need to send the sample to an outside lab for further testing.
Can a blood test detect epilepsy in dogs?
On its own, a blood test can't detect epilepsy in dogs. However, abnormal test results can help your vet determine if your dog's seizures are caused by a different condition or if epilepsy is the most likely cause. Epilepsy is usually diagnosed only by ruling out other potential causes.
Can a blood test detect cancer in dogs?
Blood work does not detect cancer in dogs. However, major changes in blood composition, like a high white blood cell count or a low red blood cell count, indicate health problems. This information can help your vet determine which additional testing your dog needs in order to diagnose the problem correctly.
Do dogs need to fast before blood work?
Your dog should fast for at least 6 hours prior to their blood test. Fasting allows time for lipid levels in the bloodstream to dissipate before the appointment.
Does pet insurance cover blood work costs?
Pet insurance covers blood work and other types of basic diagnostic testing if your dog gets hurt or sick. However, most plans don't cover routine, preventative blood work unless you purchase a plan with a wellness coverage add-on policy. Pet insurance costs $35 to $75 per month for a standard plan.
Questions to ask your veterinarian
If your vet recommends blood work for your dog, ask these important questions to ensure you understand the reason and the process:
What is the purpose of the blood work?
Which conditions will the blood test detect?
Does my dog need to fast before the blood test? If yes, for how long?
What post-test care will my dog need immediately after the test, if any?
How soon will the results be available?
What is the next step after getting the test results?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.