Health Tests for Puppies

Puppies body systems are immature and to undertake a full blood and urinalysis before the age of 15 to 18 months could possibly produce spurious results. Therefore, unless a Vet advises a full blood and urinalysis it is not required for such a young puppy.

Responsible breeders, prior to homing their puppies, undertake tests on their litters.

Basic kidney function - this is a blood test taken at approximately seven weeks of age to assess kidney function and can usually be completed by your vet ‘in-house’.

  • Creatinine
  • Urea (BUN)
  • Phosphate levels (not usually significant if elevated in young, healthy, growing dogs).

  • Alternatively use ultrasound for puppy kidneys. (Instead of taking blood)

Genetic PLN-Associated Variant Genes Test - Check if your breeder has done this test on either the parent or your pup, (this only needs to be undertaken once in a dog’s lifetime). If you want to take the test, then request a Form and Swab kit, go to the PLN Gene Testing page for more information.

Eye test - at approximately six to eight weeks of age by a BVA approved Ophthalmic Vet. who checks for retinal folds and other eye diseases. The BVA web page has details of a specialist near to you. For more information, go to the Eyes page.

DNA Storage further information on this page.

Breeders - Health Testing for parents, see Health Tests Prior to Breeding