Prepare your pet for blood collection

Why is it important to prepare my pet for blood collection?

Having your pet properly prepared before blood collection helps to ensure that test results are as accurate and reliable as they can be. Sometimes abnormal test results say more about how the pet was prepared than about true illness. Having confidence in the results avoids unnecessary worry, and eliminates the need for repeat testing to verify the results.

For some special tests, specific preparations may be essential to the accuracy of the test. These may involve specific fasting periods, withdrawal of medication, or administration of medication. If special tests are planned, your veterinarian will provide the necessary details in before your appointment.

"You may be able to save valuable time and money by having your pet properly prepared before your visit."

Any routine visit from us may include collecting a blood sample; if your pet is not feeling well, it is even more likely that we  will recommend testing if we consider that by doing that it will provide us with invaluable information to get a diagnose. You may be able to save valuable time and money by having your pet properly prepared before our visit.

How do I prepare my pet for routine blood collection?

The first step is to fast your pet before the appointment. If possible, take food away (but not water) for 4 to 6 hours prior to the appointment. This allows the pet to clear fats from the bloodstream that may be present following eating. Fat in the blood stream (called lipemia) may interfere with some blood tests, making the results difficult to interpret.

Be sure the pet has access to water. Even mild dehydration may introduce changes in blood results, so keeping the pet well hydrated, especially in warm weather is important.

Avoid exercise or active play just prior to our visit, since either can introduce changes into blood test results. Try to keep your pet calm. This may be difficult if the pet is nervous or frightened. Handling your pet calmly and using a soothing tone of voice may help to reduce anxiety.

One of the advantages of choosing us as mobile vets is that blood samples are taken in the comfort of your home and that reduces the stress for your pet and provides a perfect calm situation for a more accurate diagnosis.