How Much Is Blood Work for a Dog?

Blood tests can be used as a preventive or diagnostic measure when your pup goes to the vet. Whether it’s an expected or unexpected trip, knowing the cost can help you budget. Blood work costs for dogs could reach $200 or more, depending on a few factors.¹

Let’s go over what can impact the cost, the types of blood tests your dog might need, and how pet insurance can help you save money on those costs.

How Much Does a Dog Blood Test Cost?

For routine blood work, the average cost of a full blood panel for a dog can be around $100 to $200.¹ However, some factors that can affect the total cost, like:^1,2,3

• The type of test needed: Special blood tests may cost more than a routine blood panel.
• The frequency: Your dog’s age or a condition requiring monitoring may increase the frequency at which tests are needed.
• Your location: Where you live and where the test is performed and analyzed — in-house, emergency vet, or in a lab — can affect cost.

If your pup has routine blood work coming up, ask your vet for a breakdown of the costs so you can be financially prepared. It may also be a good idea to ask what their prices are for other blood tests, so you can plan for how you’ll pay for vet bills if your dog gets sick or injured.

Additional costs you may encounter

If your dog’s blood work is for diagnosing or monitoring a health condition, you may need to pay for additional tests based on the results. These additional diagnostics can include specific blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, a urinalysis, and more. You may also need to prepare to pay for treatment like prescriptions, surgery, therapy, or follow-up appointments.

Types of Blood Tests

Blood tests can be done for different purposes. Sometimes they’re used to diagnose illnesses, infections, diseases like parvo, digestive issues, heartworm, and more. They can also be used to routinely check your dog’s health or as a pre-operative measure if they require anesthesia or surgery. Additionally, blood tests can help monitor chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer, allergies, or kidney disease.^2,3

Some of the common types of blood work your vet may perform include:^2,3

• Complete blood count (CBC): Typically the most common routine panel, this test shows the levels of platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells.
• Biochemistry profile: Another common routine test, this panel can provide information on the health of internal organs and tissues.
• Thyroid panel: This test shows certain hormone levels and can help identify thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism. Routine thyroid testing is typically reserved for middle-aged and senior pups.

Outside of these common tests, veterinarians may recommend special blood tests to help diagnose or monitor specific health conditions.

Why dog blood tests are important

Routine blood tests for your dog may be worth it because they can help vets spot potential health issues. This can be crucial in preventing conditions from getting worse or for maintaining them earlier on. And when your dog isn’t feeling well, blood tests can help vets figure out what’s wrong so you can get your pet the care they need to feel better.

How Often Do Dogs Need Blood Work Done?

It’s a good idea to bring your dog to the vet regularly to help maintain their health.^1,2 Regular wellness tests, like blood work, allow your vet to spot anything abnormal — even when your dog isn’t displaying symptoms.²

How often your pup needs blood work done can depend on your dog’s age, health, and your vet’s recommendations. Your vet may recommend routine blood work with your dog’s annual checkups. They may also advise that older dogs be tested more often to either maintain their health or monitor health conditions.^1,2

If your pet has a health condition, this can be another factor in how often they need blood work. A newly diagnosed condition may require frequent blood work for a short time to ensure treatment is working. A chronic condition may require regular blood work to ensure proper maintenance of it.

MetLife Pet Insurance Can Help You Cover Dog Blood Work Costs

MetLife Pet Insurance provides coverage that can help you with the costs of maintaining your dog’s health. Diagnostic blood tests can be covered under a dog insurance policy when they’re related to accidents and illnesses. And if you opt into our Preventive Care add-on plan, routine blood work during wellness checkups is reimbursable up to your selected benefit limit.

Coverage like this helped MetLife Pet members with their dog’s blood work costs. For Ripper, his $80 routine blood panel was reimbursed at $65 thanks to his Preventive Care add-on. And for senior pup Opal, who has pancreatitis, the cost of her vet visit with blood work was nearly $350. Her family was reimbursed over $300 through Opal’s dog insurance policy.⁴

Keeping your pup healthy and vet visit costs lower can be easier with the help of MetLife Pet. Enroll in a customizable dog insurance policy and receive other benefits, like an easy-to-use mobile app with a 24/7 vet chat,⁵ grief counseling⁶ for tough times, and discounts that can reduce your premium.⁷ Start by getting your free personalized quote today.