Dog Blood Test Results: How to Read Them, Norms and Meaning
Reviewed by the LabReadAI medical team
The vet drew your dog's blood and you got a form with a dozen abbreviations and numbers. Norms in dogs differ from human ones, depend on breed, age and condition, so "comparing with the internet" will not work. Let's break down what a dog's blood test shows, which values are roughly normal and what to watch.
What a Dog's Blood Test Shows
Two blocks are usually run: the complete blood count (CBC) — blood cells (red cells, white cells, platelets), and biochemistry — liver, kidney and metabolic function (glucose, protein). The CBC shows inflammation, anaemia and clotting issues; biochemistry shows the state of internal organs. The test shows measurements; the diagnosis is made by the vet from the whole picture and exam.
Dog Blood Test Norms (Approximate)
| Marker | Approximate norm (dogs) |
|---|---|
| Red blood cells | 5.5–8.5 ×10¹²/L |
| Haemoglobin | 120–180 g/L |
| Haematocrit | 37–55 % |
| White blood cells | 6.0–17.0 ×10⁹/L |
| Platelets | 200–500 ×10⁹/L |
| ALT | up to ~70 U/L |
| Urea | 3.0–9.0 mmol/L |
| Creatinine | 44–159 µmol/L |
| Glucose | 3.3–6.0 mmol/L |
| Total protein | 55–75 g/L |
These are averaged guides — norms depend on the lab, method, breed and age. Always compare with the reference ranges on your own form.
CBC: Blood Cells
Low red cells and haemoglobin mean anaemia (blood loss, parasites, bone marrow disease). High white cells usually mean inflammation or infection; low ones — viral infections or bone marrow problems. Low platelets risk bleeding (including babesiosis after a tick bite).
Biochemistry: Liver, Kidneys, Metabolism
Elevated ALT/AST means liver strain. Urea and creatinine above normal flag the kidneys (a common problem in older dogs). High glucose may mean diabetes; low is a dangerous state. Total protein shifts with dehydration, inflammation, and liver or kidney disease.
Common Deviations and What They Mean
A single off marker rarely means a diagnosis — the combination matters. For example, vomiting and refusing food together with rising urea and creatinine point to the kidneys — more in dog not eating. Organ structure is complemented by ultrasound for dogs and cats.
How to Prepare for the Test
Blood is usually drawn fasting (8–12 hours, water allowed), in a calm state — stress and exertion distort results. Check the clinic's preparation for specific tests (hormones, bile acids may need special conditions).
When to See a Vet Urgently
Urgently — for sharp deviations with symptoms (lethargy, refusing food, vomiting, pale gums, bleeding), very high kidney or liver markers, critical anaemia. Compare with feline norms in cat blood test.
To understand your pet's form in plain language, upload the result (PDF or photo) to the pet results interpretation service: the AI will explain the markers for the species and its norms. This helps you understand the result but does not replace a vet.
This article is informational. Diagnosis and treatment of your pet are the job of a veterinarian.
For informational purposes only
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical guidance.