What they're not telling you: why preventative Lab work Matters

Your pet is a cherished member of your family. They share your routines, comfort you during tough times, and fill your life with joy. Dogs, cats, and small animals have adapted beautifully to our homes and routines—curled up on couches, begging for snacks, and greeting us at the door. But while your dog or cat may seem fine on the outside, remember that animals have the same instincts as their wild ancestors—to hide signs of pain, sickness, or weakness. It’s part of how they’ve survived for generations. Unfortunately, this means that by the time we notice something is wrong, a disease process may already be advanced.

That’s why preventive lab work is one of the most important tools we have in veterinary medicine. Routine bloodwork allows us to “see” what your pet isn’t showing us—catching early changes before clinical symptoms appear. Annual testing is a powerful way to screen for underlying disease, monitor chronic conditions, and establish baselines for future comparison. It helps us get ahead of potential health issues now and create a personalized plan to support your pet’s long-term well-being.

At Aardvark Animal Hospital, we customize each lab panel to fit your pet’s age, lifestyle, and medical history. A healthy young adult pet may need a more basic screening panel, while senior pets or those with ongoing conditions may benefit from more comprehensive testing. Common components include:

CBC (complete blood count), which measures red and white blood cells and platelets. This helps detect anemia, infection, inflammation, and other systemic issues.

Chemistry Profile evaluates vital organ functions such as the liver, kidneys, heart health, thyroid function and pancreas.  It also checks electrolytes and metabolic markers which provide essential insights into your pet’s overall health and internal balance.

Fecal Testing – Screens for intestinal parasites, which are often microscopic and may not cause obvious signs. These parasites can affect your pet’s health and, in some cases, pose a risk to your family as well.

Urinalysis – Assesses kidney function, detects urinary tract infections, crystals, or early signs of bladder disease, and helps interpret findings from the bloodwork more accurately.

Heartworm testing is also critical, especially for dogs, since heartworm disease can develop silently and cause serious damage before symptoms are visible. Cats can also develop heartworm disease, which can lead to sudden death. Unfortunately, there is no approved treatment for heartworm disease in cats—making prevention absolutely essential.

These tests are not one-size-fits-all—they are curated to match where your pet is in life. From adventurous young dogs and cats to aging seniors with multiple medical concerns, the right lab work helps us make thoughtful decisions—whether it’s prescribing medication, adjusting care, or choosing the next diagnostic step.

For pets with ongoing medical concerns, or those in their senior years, these lab results help us make thoughtful and informed decisions—whether it’s choosing the safest medication, adjusting treatments, or exploring further diagnostics. Preventive bloodwork plays an especially key role when pets are experiencing complex or subtle signs that are hard to interpret at home.

The importance of preventive lab work simply cannot be overstated. It’s one of our most powerful tools for catching disease early, managing complex conditions, and helping your pet live a longer, healthier, and more comfortable life. And when something unusual does show up, we have access to a wide range of additional diagnostics to dig deeper and get answers.

If you’re not sure whether your pet is due for lab testing—or what type of panel is right for their current stage of life—just ask. We’re here to help, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with you on your pet’s care.