Dog Bloodwork Results Explained

What CBC and Chemistry Values Really Mean

Getting your dog’s bloodwork results back can feel overwhelming. You open the report, see a page full of abbreviations and numbers, and suddenly you’re spiralling.

Is this bad?

Is my dog sick?

Why didn’t anyone explain what ALT means?

If you’ve felt that way, you’re not alone. I’ve stood on the other side of that counter many times, and I promise you, most of those numbers need context before they mean anything scary.

In this guide to dog bloodwork results explained, I’ll walk you through what those common values actually mean and when you should be concerned.

What Is a CBC?

Think of it as a snapshot of your dog’s blood cells. It tells us how their body is handling oxygen, fighting infection, and clotting properly.

Here’s what it looks at:

Red blood cells (RBCs)

These carry oxygen. If they’re low, your dog could be anemic. That might show up as fatigue, pale gums, or weakness.

White blood cells (WBCs)

These are your dog’s immune defenders. High levels can mean infection or inflammation. Low levels can suggest immune suppression or bone marrow concerns.

Platelets

These help with clotting. If platelets are low, your dog may bruise easily or bleed longer than normal.

A slightly high white blood cell count in a stressed dog at the clinic? Not uncommon. A dramatically high count in a dog who’s lethargic and feverish? That’s a different conversation.

Context matters.

What Is a Chemistry Panel?

If the CBC looks at the cells, the chemistry panel looks at the organs.

It measures enzymes, proteins, sugars, and electrolytes to help us understand how organs like the liver and kidneys are functioning.

Some common values you’ll see:

ALT (a liver enzyme)

This rises when liver cells are irritated or damaged. Mild elevation can happen with medications, inflammation, or even temporary stress. Large elevations usually mean we need more answers.

Creatinine (a kidney marker)

This tells us how well the kidneys are filtering waste. Higher numbers can signal kidney dysfunction.

Glucose

Blood sugar. Stress alone can raise it in some dogs.

Electrolytes (sodium, potassium)

Important for hydration, muscle function, and heart rhythm.

Proteins

These reflect hydration status, inflammation, and immune health.

One mildly elevated value doesn’t automatically mean disease. It means we look closer.

What “Mildly Elevated” Actually Means

This is where so much panic happens.

Lab machines have reference ranges. When a value sits just outside that range, it gets flagged.

Mildly elevated

Slightly above normal. Often monitored. Could be temporary.

Significantly elevated

Well outside normal. Usually needs follow-up testing or treatment.

For example:

• A mildly elevated ALT in a dog acting completely normal may just be something we recheck in a few weeks.

• A significantly elevated ALT in a dog who isn’t eating and is vomiting is more urgent.

Numbers don’t live alone. They live alongside your dog’s symptoms.

Why Trends Matter More Than One Result

One abnormal number doesn’t tell the full story.

Veterinary medicine is often about patterns over time.

If creatinine creeps up slowly over six months, that’s very different than a sudden spike overnight.

If ALT has been mildly elevated but stable for years, that may just be your dog’s “normal.”

This is why your vet sometimes recommends rechecking labs instead of jumping straight to aggressive treatment. Watching trends prevents overreacting and helps us catch true problems early.

Common Values Explained Simply

ALT

Liver irritation marker. Mild rise can be temporary, like from medication or minor inflammation. Big rise means we should investigate further to see what’s stressing the liver.

Creatinine

Kidney filtration marker. Higher numbers suggest reduced kidney function, but mild increases can sometimes happen with dehydration. Trends over time are especially important here.

White blood cells

High can mean infection, inflammation, or even stress. Low can suggest immune suppression or bone marrow concerns. How your dog is acting helps determine how worried we should be.

Platelets

Low counts can increase bleeding risk. Sometimes mild drops are lab-related, but true low platelets should always be taken seriously and followed up.

The goal isn’t to memorize ranges. It’s to understand what direction things are moving and how your dog is feeling overall.

When to Monitor vs When to Act Fast

Most abnormal lab values are not emergencies.

You’ll usually monitor and follow up if:

• Liver enzymes are mildly elevated

• Kidney values are just slightly outside normal

• Your dog is eating, drinking, and acting like themselves

You should call your vet promptly if your dog has abnormal labs and shows:

• Weakness or collapse

• Severe vomiting or diarrhea

• Trouble breathing

• Unusual bleeding or bruising

• Signs of pain or distress

Lab results + symptoms together guide urgency.

When in Doubt, Ask

If you’re staring at a lab report and feeling anxious, call your vet. Ask the questions. Ask what it means for your dog.

Every dog is different. Age, breed, medications, and history all matter.

Your veterinary team is there to explain, not to judge. No question is too small.

The Bottom Line

Bloodwork isn’t meant to scare you. It’s a tool. A way for us to see what’s happening inside the body before bigger problems appear.

And most of the time?

The story is much less dramatic than the numbers make it seem.

If you ever feel overwhelmed by a lab report, take a breath. You don’t have to interpret it alone.