Dog Health Checkup Costs and Test Items

ImmunityQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

We’ve compiled a clear breakdown of the differences between basic and comprehensive health screenings for dogs, age-specific screening intervals, blood test components, and the factors that determine costs, all based on veterinary textbooks.

Dog Health Checkup: Which Tests Should You Get?

Illustration of a puppy undergoing a health check-up at a veterinary clinic

A comprehensive health checkup is the most reliable way to catch hidden diseases early, even if your dog appears healthy on the surface. Health checkups are generally divided into basic exams and comprehensive exams. Basic exams focus on physical examinations and blood tests, while comprehensive exams add imaging studies and additional tests. Since costs vary significantly depending on the scope of the tests and the clinic, it’s important to confirm exactly which tests are included beforehand.

Screening Intervals Vary by Age

A dog’s physical condition and blood and biochemical test results vary slightly with age, so the recommended frequency of health check-ups and the key areas to focus on also change accordingly.

Under 1 year: The veterinarian performs a basic physical exam in line with the vaccination schedule. The main goal is to detect congenital issues such as heart defects or patellar luxation.

1–6 years: Annual check-ups are generally recommended. Establishing baseline values while your dog is healthy provides a useful reference for future comparisons if abnormalities arise.

7 years and older: More frequent check-ups, typically every six months, are advised. This is a critical time for thorough examinations, as the kidneys, liver, heart, and other organs require closer monitoring.

Basic vs. Comprehensive Checkup: What’s the Difference?

While the exact composition may vary slightly from clinic to clinic, general health check-up items are typically categorized as follows:

Test Item	Basic Check-up	Comprehensive Check-up
Physical Examination	✅ Included	✅ Included
Complete Blood Count (CBC)	✅ Included	✅ Included
Blood Chemistry Panel	Basic Items	Extended Items
Urinalysis	Optional	✅ Included
X-ray	Not Included	✅ Included
Abdominal Ultrasound	Not Included	✅ Included
Cardiac Examination	Not Included	Optional
Thyroid Examination	Not Included	Optional

What Blood Tests Can Reveal

Blood tests are a cornerstone of any health checkup, and they’re generally divided into two main categories. Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, helping us identify anemia, infections, or inflammation. Blood Chemistry Panel: This evaluates liver and kidney function, blood sugar, electrolytes, and more. Importantly, these values often change before any outward symptoms appear, allowing us to detect potential liver or kidney issues early. Since the liver and kidneys can lose a significant amount of function before symptoms become noticeable, early detection through blood testing is truly essential.

An illustration of a puppy sitting next to a blood test sample.

Important Things to Check Before a Health Checkup

For accurate blood test results, your pet should fast for 8–12 hours before the exam. Small amounts of water are fine. Please let us know in advance if your pet is currently taking any medications or supplements, as they can affect the results. For female pets, urine test results may be inaccurate during their heat cycle, so it’s best to schedule the appointment accordingly.

When Are Imaging Tests Necessary?

If blood tests reveal the “numbers” inside the body, imaging tests let us directly examine the “shape and size” of organs.

X-ray: Checks heart size, lung condition, and abnormalities in bones and joints. It can detect conditions such as cardiomegaly, arthritis, and calculi.

Abdominal ultrasound: Evaluates the internal structure of abdominal organs, including the liver, kidneys, spleen, and bladder. It is especially useful for identifying the cause when blood test results show abnormal values.

Echocardiogram: Provides a detailed assessment of the heart’s structure and function when a heart murmur is heard or heart disease is suspected.

Illustration of a dog undergoing an ultrasound examination

How Health Checkup Costs Are Determined

The cost of a health checkup can vary significantly depending on the number of tests included, the size of the clinic, and the location. Even packages labeled as "health checkup packages" may include different tests. When comparing costs, be sure to check which tests are included. A seemingly affordable package might only cover basic blood work, while a pricier one could include imaging and more comprehensive tests. It’s a good idea to call the clinic before booking to ask about the specific tests and prices for each package. Some veterinary clinics also offer seasonal discounts or package deals for health checkups.

Senior Dogs Aged 7 and Older: Must-Have Tests

Senior dogs are at higher risk for disease, so a basic checkup may not be enough.

Comprehensive kidney function testing: Kidney function often declines significantly before blood test markers (such as blood urea nitrogen and creatinine) rise into the abnormal range. Because early kidney disease can be missed when relying on blood values alone, it’s important to combine blood tests with urinalysis for early detection.

Thyroid hormone testing: Hypothyroidism is a relatively common condition in middle-aged and senior dogs. It can cause symptoms such as lethargy, weight gain, and changes in skin and coat condition. Testing is helpful if these symptoms are present or if regular monitoring of thyroid status is needed.

Blood pressure measurement: High blood pressure often occurs alongside kidney or heart disease. It may be recommended as part of a comprehensive assessment of overall health.

Ophthalmic examination: The risk of eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma increases with age. Be sure to have your dog’s eye health checked during regular wellness exams.

Illustration of a senior dog undergoing a health checkup

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should puppies start getting health checkups?

It's a good idea to have your pet undergo annual check-ups starting from the age of one. For pets under one year old, veterinarians typically perform basic physical exams during vaccination visits. For pets aged seven and older, we recommend check-ups every six months.

Should I avoid feeding my pet before a health checkup?

To ensure accurate blood test results, your pet should fast for 8–12 hours before the checkup. This is because certain blood values can be influenced by recent food intake. Small amounts of water are okay, but please follow your clinic’s specific instructions regarding fasting duration.

Is a basic health checkup enough?

For young, healthy adult dogs, a basic checkup is usually enough to spot any major issues. However, if your dog is seven years or older, at risk for breed-specific conditions, or had borderline results on a previous exam, consider a more comprehensive diagnostic workup.

Even if my pet’s health checkup results are normal, do I still need to have one every year?

Yes, normal results are also important records. Having baseline values from when your pet is healthy allows for meaningful comparisons if those values change in the future. This is especially helpful in senior pets, as previous records can aid in early detection of health issues.

What should I do if the cost of a health checkup is a burden?

Consult with your veterinarian to prioritize the essential tests for your pet. It’s perfectly fine not to have all the tests done at once. Taking advantage of health check-up season discounts or package deals can also be a great option.

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References

[1] Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 8th Ed — Chapter: Preventive Health Programs

[2] Notes on Canine Internal Medicine, 4th Ed — Clinical Pathology

[3] BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Clinical Pathology, 3rd Ed — Haematology and Biochemistry

[4] Clinical Medicine of the Dog and Cat, 4th Ed — Chapter: History Taking and Physical Examination