Pet parent guide
Can blood tests detect cancer in dogs?
Understand routine bloodwork, liquid biopsy and the questions to ask before choosing a cancer-related test for your dog.
Canos · Published
Blood can carry a molecular picture of cancer
Liquid biopsy detects cancer-associated signals in material circulating in blood, including cell-free DNA. Published canine studies have found these signals across cancer types and followed changes during treatment.
Routine bloodwork and liquid biopsy answer different questions
Routine bloodwork measures blood cells, organ function and other aspects of general health. Liquid biopsy examines molecular information, such as DNA released by cells into the bloodstream. Your vet brings these findings together with examination, imaging and tissue tests to understand your dog’s condition.
The CANDiD clinical validation study (2022) demonstrated multi-cancer detection in dogs using blood-derived DNA. Canine longitudinal research (2026) followed molecular changes through treatment and follow-up.
Already part of human cancer care
Liquid biopsy already helps guide treatment decisions in human cancers. ASCO’s 2026 guidance and ESMO’s recommendations describe how tumour DNA in blood informs care. Canos brings these advances in precision cancer care to dogs.
Choose around your dog’s needs
- Origin combines cancer detection with a comprehensive genomic health baseline, analysing genetics, epigenetics and cfDNA from one blood draw. Now $499, reduced from $699, including the vet visit. Blood draws are open.
- OncoTrack tracks molecular residual disease and cancer-associated changes through treatment and follow-up.
- Guardian offers the cancer screening part of Origin as a focused $199 test.
Tell us about your dog and choose the next step that fits.
For general information. Your veterinarian can help interpret what applies to your dog.