What Does Albumin Mean in Dogs and Cats?
Quick answer
Albumin is the most abundant protein in the blood and is made by the liver. It helps keep fluid inside blood vessels. Low albumin can come from liver problems, protein loss through the kidneys or gut, or poor nutrition. High albumin almost always reflects dehydration rather than a separate problem.
What is Albumin?
Albumin carries hormones and drugs and maintains fluid balance in blood vessels.
Reference range
[Range pending sourced table] Reference ranges vary by lab and species. Use the range printed on your pet's report.
What can raise Albumin
- Dehydration
What can lower Albumin
- Reduced liver production
- Protein loss through kidneys
- Protein loss through gut
- Poor nutrition
- Inflammation
Dogs vs cats
In dogs
Some dog breeds are predisposed to protein-losing gut or kidney conditions.
In cats
Low albumin in cats prompts checks of liver, kidneys, and gut.
Why one value rarely tells the whole story
Low albumin points to where protein is lost or not made, which needs other tests to find. Hydration, recent meals, stress during the visit, medications, and how the sample was handled can all shift a result. Vets look at the whole panel, your pet's symptoms, and the trend across tests over time.
Conventional interpretation
Vets check urine protein, liver function, and gut health when albumin is low.
Whole-pet context
Note weight changes, diarrhea, swelling, and appetite.
Supportive options are not a cure. Check with your veterinarian before adding any supplement.
Questions to ask your vet
- Is protein being lost in urine?
- Should we check liver function?
- Could the gut be involved?
- How does this compare with my pet's previous results?
Frequently asked questions
What does high albumin mean?
- Usually dehydration.
Can diet raise albumin?
- Diet matters only when nutrition is the cause; other causes need medical care.
What is a normal Albumin range?
- Reference ranges vary by laboratory, analyzer, and species. Use the range printed on your pet's report and ask your vet how your pet's result compares.
Should Albumin be rechecked?
- Your veterinarian decides based on how far from range the value is, your pet's symptoms, and other results. Trends over time are often more useful than one result.
Related lab values
Related guides
Educational support only. Not a diagnosis or substitute for veterinary care.
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