Bloodwork is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine. It detects illness before symptoms appear, monitors organ function before anesthesia, tracks chronic conditions, and helps diagnose everything from infections to cancer. Most dogs need bloodwork at least once a year, and more often as they age.
The average cost of dog bloodwork is $150, with most owners paying between $80 and $350 depending on the panel and tests ordered.
Dog Bloodwork Cost by Panel
| Test/Panel | Cost Range | Average | What It Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBC (Complete Blood Count) | $40–$100 | $70 | Red/white blood cells, platelets — infection, anemia, clotting |
| Chemistry panel (basic) | $80–$200 | $120 | Liver, kidney, blood sugar, electrolytes |
| Comprehensive panel (CBC + chemistry) | $150–$350 | $200 | Full organ function screen — most common |
| Thyroid panel (T4, free T4) | $50–$150 | $100 | Thyroid function — hypothyroidism in dogs |
| Heartworm test (antigen test) | $25–$50 | $35 | Annual heartworm screening |
| Tick-borne disease panel | $60–$120 | $80 | Lyme, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma |
| Pre-surgical bloodwork | $80–$200 | $150 | Required before anesthesia — organ function check |
| Bile acids test (liver function) | $80–$200 | $120 | Assesses liver function — portosystemic shunt diagnosis |
| Cortisol (Cushing's/Addison's) | $100–$300 | $200 | Endocrine disease testing (ACTH stim, LDDS) |
| Coagulation panel (clotting) | $60–$200 | $120 | Bleeding disorders, pre-surgical clotting check |
Cost by Clinic Type
| Clinic Type | Comprehensive Panel | CBC Only |
|---|---|---|
| General practice vet | $150–$250 | $40–$80 |
| Low-cost clinic / vaccine clinic | $80–$150 | $25–$50 |
| Emergency hospital | $200–$350 | $80–$150 |
| Specialty hospital | $200–$350 | $80–$150 |
| Teaching hospital | $100–$200 | $30–$60 |
| Online mail-in (Zoetis, IDEXX home) | $80–$150 | N/A |
When Does Your Dog Need Bloodwork?
- Annual wellness exam: Baseline bloodwork for early disease detection (especially dogs over 7)
- Before anesthesia/surgery: Required before any surgery or dental cleaning to check organ function
- Sick visit: Diagnose the cause of vomiting, lethargy, weight loss, or other symptoms
- Medication monitoring: Dogs on long-term medications (NSAIDs, thyroid meds, seizure meds) need regular bloodwork
- Senior screening: Dogs over 7 should have bloodwork every 6–12 months
- Pre-breeding: Health screening before breeding
- Emergency visit: Immediate bloodwork to assess organ damage, toxin exposure, or internal bleeding
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dog bloodwork cost?
Dog bloodwork costs $80 to $350 for a comprehensive panel, with an average of $150. A CBC alone costs $40–$100. A basic chemistry panel costs $80–$200. Pre-surgical bloodwork costs $80–$200. Heartworm test costs $25–$50. Thyroid panel costs $50–$150. Low-cost clinics offer panels for $80–$150.
Does pet insurance cover bloodwork?
Yes, most pet insurance covers bloodwork when it's medically necessary — for illness diagnosis, pre-surgical screening, or medication monitoring. Reimbursement is 70–90% after your deductible. Routine annual bloodwork may be covered under wellness add-ons or may not be covered at all on accident/illness-only plans.
How often should my dog get bloodwork?
Healthy adult dogs (1–7 years): annually. Senior dogs (7+ years): every 6–12 months. Dogs on long-term medications: every 3–6 months. Before any surgery or anesthesia: required. Sick dogs: as recommended by your vet.
What does a CBC show in dogs?
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) shows red blood cells (anemia), white blood cells (infection, inflammation), and platelets (clotting ability). It's the most basic blood test and is included in most bloodwork panels. A CBC alone costs $40–$100 but is usually paired with a chemistry panel for $150–$250.