Was just about to give my dog breakfast but he's having blood taken later this morning and not sure whether I was meant to fast him? The vets didn't mention anything but my mum is hypothyroid and always has to fast before a blood test to check her levels. Anyone know?

No you don't have to fast if he is having a normal blood test...my dog has had nearly a year of constant blood tests and never had to fast her once. :)

Thanks annee. The test is just for hypothyroid. Just found online that you have to fast if already on thyroid medication but not otherwise (I hope not anyway!).

I think with Thyroid fasting for several hours is required.  Probably not mentioned as most people feed their dogs once a day  in the evening

Probably not mentioned as most people feed their dogs once a day  in the evening

I've never known anyone that does that. When I had Ripley blood tested for her thyroid we had fed her as normal and the vet didn't know in advance that blood testing to check thyroid function was what we wanted, but it was no problem.

Whenever Prunella has her blood checked for thyroid she has to have her breakfast and tablet as normal then arrange to have the blood taken between 4-6 hours after that to get an accurate reading.

Just found these instrctions for testing, Jean Dodds is the expert in this field and the instructions for some parts of the test do mention times after feedign.

http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/DrDoddsInstructions.htm

Hi,

I never have to fast for my hypothyroid blood tests.

I have never been asked to fast Jesse for his thyroid test, but it has to be 4 - 6 hours after a tablet.

It is correct though that the tablet should be give at least 1 hour before feeding or at least 4 hours after feeding.

Vera

Thanks all. It was fine that he'd had breakfast :-D