Bloodwork for Cats and Dogs

All cherished pets – young or old, healthy or unwell – will need to have a small sample of their blood drawn and analysed at some point in the year. It is a key component of a full veterinary exam, providing us with important information about their health. Your veterinarian may also request bloodwork when diagnosing your pet for certain conditions. It is also an important pre-operation test, allowing us to see if your pet is a good candidate for anesthesia. For more details about our bloodwork services, please feel free to call us at 905-576-3031.

How are blood tests performed on pets?

The process is quite similar to that in us humans. We usually draw blood from one of their legs, in an area near the paw. Approximately 2 to 5 ml of blood is taken per sample. (Teams will typically not take more than eight samples within a 24-hour period). The technician will then apply slight pressure on the area to stop the bleeding and sanitize it with an antiseptic solution. The whole process is over within a few minutes.

Do pets need sedation for bloodwork?

Not usually. The process involves very little to no pain for the patient. It will feel like a slight sting or a vaccination injection. If your pet is nervous, our team is trained in positive reinforcement and calming techniques to reduce any stress they may feel. We only administer sedation for non-invasive procedures like this for patients with severe cases of anxiety.

Are there any risks involved with bloodwork?

This is a minimally invasive diagnostic exam. Most patients walk away with no adverse effects. On extremely rare occasions, a patient may experience swelling, rashes and infection on the area where the blood is drawn.