Normal Canine Blood Test Results

If you take your dog to the veterinarian because she is ill or for her regular checkup, it is likely the doctor will want to do blood work. This is an important diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine. The normal values for each lab test may vary from laboratory to laboratory.

  1. Glucose

    • A dog's glucose level is commonly tested as part of blood work. Normal ranges are usually considered to be 80 to 120 mcg/dL.

    BUN

    • Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), a waste product produced by the liver from proteins in the diet, is normal in the 8 to 29 mg/dL range. BUN is eliminated by the kidneys.

    Albumin

    • Albumin, a small protein produced by the liver, is normal in the 2.6 to 4 gm/dL range. Albumin acts as a sponge to hold water in the blood vessels.

    Cholesterol

    • Cholesterol, a form of fat, is considered normal in dogs if it falls in the 129 to 330 mg/dL range.

    Potassium

    • Potassium, possibly reported as K, is considered to be normal in the range of 4.4 to 6.1 mEq/l.

    Sodium

    • Sodium, possibly reported as Na, is considered to be normal if it is 139 to 164 mEq/l.