Blood tests for dogs are important as they offer an in-depth picture of their health, which cannot be seen from mere outer glance. Blood group tests can convey a lot about the condition of the organs in their bodies, especially if they are suffering from any serious infections. Blood tests for dogs can give a clear picture to the animal doctor about the dog’s inner health status without resorting to mere guesswork. Blood Tests Conducted in Pets Dogs are not sedated during the process of drawing blood. Depending on the age of the dogs, the tests are taken as per their breed type. Around 2 ml to 4 ml, blood is drawn for the entire panel of blood tests. A veterinarian collects blood with a clean sterile needle that is inserted into the dog’s leg vein. The assistant doctor or nurse then comforts the dog. It is advisable to put an e-collar around the pet dog during the blood work so that the animals do not move and the collection process goes on smoothly. Types of Blood Tests for Dogs & The Reason Behind Performing The Tests There are several types of blood tests for dogs. The prominent ones are mentioned below: CBC or Complete Blood Count – CBC for dogs is taken to analyse their red and white blood cells. It also measures their platelet count to note if there is some infection anemia, or other grave disorders such as leukemia. CBC blood tests for dogs are essentially performed when a dog has fever, vomiting, whitish pale gums, severe weakness, or partial or full loss of appetite. CBC tests can also find out if the dog has diarrhea. In some cases, a vet may order a CBC test just before a surgical operation to check the platelet levels. Blood Chemistry Test – This blood test is taken to check the organ functions of dogs. It can give information about a dog’s kidneys, pancreas, and liver functions. This is a vital test to confirm or spot any symptoms of organ dysfunction in the animals. Vet may order a blood chemistry test for several reasons such as for general health assessment, for monitoring the effect of certain medications, for evaluation of the health of senior dogs, for diagnosing chronic diseases like diabetes, Addison’s disease, or kidney disease. Some dogs may fall sick and showcase symptoms like vomiting or loose motions, a blood chemistry test could find whether these animals have diarrhea or have been exposed to any toxins. Other reasons may include risk evaluation during surgery and checking the electrolyte levels. Thyroid Function Tests – This blood work helps the vets to understand the thyroid glands of dogs and whether they are in good condition. Thyroid, if they are underactive or overactive, both can complicate the dog’s health. Yet, with proper diagnosis and care, thyroid issues in dogs can be managed with medications. This blood work is typically taken to diagnose hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroiditis. Thyroid tests are also conducted during the treatment of prevailing thyroid conditions in a dog. Likewise, underlying health issues for symptoms such as weight gain, sudden skin changes, disoriented or sluggish behavior can be found out with the help of a thyroid test. Stray Dogs & Their Medical Checkups Stray dogs are taken care of by reputed NGOs and animal shelter homes in India. Stray dogs’ medical help is necessary to keep the stray population healthy and controlled. Stray dogs like other house pets should get their dose of routine medical checkups and annual vaccinations. This is crucial for their health and vitality. Vaccinations for Dogs Apart from annual blood tests for dogs, vaccinations are also equally important. Anti rabies vaccination and 7 in 1 vaccinations are very helpful in preventing grave diseases such as hepatitis, rabies, parvovirus, and more. According to the age of a dog, a vet may advise vaccinations and consequent booster doses. Certified animal shelters like Earthlings Trust along with government organizations often run vaccination campaigns for stray dogs. Stray health checkups are also arranged by animal welfare groups to provide free medical services. Regular checkups help prevent major health problems and vets can treat them at an earlier stage before they become severe. Stray dog’s medical help nurses or care workers often watch out for signs of diseases or injuries to offer prompt medical attention. Similarly, periodic CBC blood tests for dogs in animal shelters is unavoidable to assess their overall health. Preparing Dogs for Blood Work Getting dogs ready for medical examinations and blood tests is not simple work. Dog care workers at animal shelters work hard to ensure that the dogs are calm and kept on fasting (for blood tests). They also need to ensure that the whole process happens quickly in a stress-free way so that the animals do not get agitated or scared. Reports After the Blood Tests After the blood tests are conducted in a successful manner, expert medical team members will check or analyze the blood and prepare the report. The next steps are discussed with the vet or the concerned animal care worker for treatment plans or any lifestyle changes to help the dogs. The main aim is to keep the pet owners or care workers in the loop to pass on important health information related to the dogs’ condition and health care plans. For instance, if your dog has been advised for a blood chemistry test, it is conducted to check whether the dog’s kidneys or other organs are functioning normally. Most often kidney or liver tests for dogs are done to determine the levels of hormones, proteins, and electrolytes in their blood. Diagnostic Treatment – The Best Way To Fast Recovery At Earthlings Trust, we know the value of adopting preventive measures to ensure the safety and health of stray dogs. We are 100% committed to offering the best medical care and support to keep the stray population healthy and disease-free. Canine blood tests are an essential part of our ‘rescue and shelter homeless animals’ mission. Blood tests help detect major health issues quite early on so that we can provide the most relevant diagnostic treatment and care. In the absence of these blood tests, there is no way to know whether a dog is suffering from any serious illness, especially with a lack of outward symptoms. In the same way, caring for these furry angels is also not possible without the help of our valued monetary donors and volunteers. Urging all dedicated animal lovers to connect with us and donate towards medical care efforts. To prevent the onset of serious diseases and to provide a comprehensive care plan, we at Earthlings leave no stone unturned. Team Earthlings is forever devoted to ensuring the health and happiness of our four-legged companions and it fills our lives with immense joy.