What Does Triglycerides Mean in Dogs and Cats?
Quick answer
Triglycerides are fats in the blood that come from food and the liver. They rise sharply after meals, so fasting samples are best. Persistently high levels can be linked to breed, diabetes, low thyroid function, or Cushing's disease, and in some dogs may be associated with pancreatitis risk.
What is Triglycerides?
Triglycerides are the main form of fat stored and transported in the body.
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 Triglycerides
- Recent meal
- Breed tendency
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Cushing's disease
- Pancreatitis
What can lower Triglycerides
- Low values are rarely significant
Dogs vs cats
In dogs
Miniature schnauzers commonly have high triglycerides.
In cats
High triglycerides are uncommon in cats without another condition.
Why one value rarely tells the whole story
A non-fasted sample can make triglycerides look high when they are not. 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 repeat a fasted sample and look for underlying causes.
Whole-pet context
Note high-fat treats, table food, and weight.
Supportive options are not a cure. Check with your veterinarian before adding any supplement.
Questions to ask your vet
- Was the sample fasted?
- Should we test thyroid or adrenal function?
- Is pancreatitis risk a concern?
- How does this compare with my pet's previous results?
Frequently asked questions
Why do triglycerides change after a meal?
- Fat from food enters the blood after eating.
Can a diet help?
- Your vet may suggest a lower-fat diet if triglycerides stay high.
What is a normal Triglycerides 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 Triglycerides 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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