Yes, you absolutely can take a heart rate on a dog at home. Checking a dog’s pulse is a key part of canine heart rate monitoring. Knowing how to do this helps you spot problems quickly. It is a simple skill every dog owner should learn. This guide shows you easy ways to find your dog’s heart rate. We will cover finding the pulse and what the numbers mean.
Why Checking Your Dog’s Heart Rate Matters
Your dog’s heart rate gives you a snapshot of their health. A sudden change, fast or slow, can signal an issue. Knowing the normal heart rate for dogs is your first defense. If your dog is sick or hurt, knowing their usual rhythm helps the vet. This simple check lets you act fast when something seems wrong.
When Should You Check Your Dog’s Heart Rate?
There are times when checking is more important than others. Make it a habit to check sometimes, even when your dog seems fine.
- During Rest: This gives you the dog resting heart rate. This is the baseline number.
- After Exercise: See how quickly the rate returns to normal.
- When Sick: If your dog seems weak, tired, or short of breath.
- Before and After Surgery: Vets often ask owners for resting rates before procedures.
- If You Notice Changes: If your dog acts strange, check the pulse.
Finding the Pulse: Two Main Methods
There are two main ways to measure your dog’s heart rate: checking dog’s pulse directly or using a stethoscope (or a simple touch) over the chest. Finding the pulse is often easier for quick checks at home.
Method 1: Locating the Femoral Artery (Checking Dog’s Pulse)
The best place to find a strong, steady pulse is usually the femoral artery. This artery runs along the inner thigh area, close to where the leg meets the body. This is the most common way for veterinary pulse check dog methods outside of a clinic.
How to Find Dog’s Femoral Artery
This takes practice. Your dog needs to be calm and relaxed for the best results.
- Position Your Dog: Have your dog lie down on their side. If they are squirmy, ask a helper to gently keep them still.
- Locate the Area: Gently lift your dog’s back leg slightly. Feel along the inside of the upper thigh. You are looking for a groove or a slight dip in the muscle.
- Feel for the Pulse: Use the tips of two fingers—not your thumb. Your thumb has its own pulse, which can confuse you. Gently press into that groove you found. You should feel a rhythmic “thump, thump, thump.” This is the pulse.
- Maintain Gentle Pressure: Do not press too hard. Too much pressure will squeeze the artery shut, and you won’t feel anything. Be gentle but firm.
- Count the Beats: Once you feel it consistently, start your timer.
Dog Heart Rate Measurement Techniques: Counting Beats
You need a stopwatch or a phone timer for this part.
- Count for 15 Seconds: Count the number of beats you feel in exactly 15 seconds.
- Multiply by Four: To get beats per minute (BPM), take that 15-second count and multiply it by four.
- Example: If you count 20 beats in 15 seconds, 20 x 4 = 80 BPM.
Tip for Accuracy: For the most accurate dog resting heart rate, count for a full 60 seconds if you can. This reduces counting errors, especially if the rhythm is uneven.
Method 2: Listening Over the Chest (Auscultation)
If you cannot find the femoral pulse, or if your dog has very thick fur or a lot of body mass, listening over the chest works well. This is a common part of assessing dog’s pulse in a clinical setting when a stethoscope is available.
- Find the Left Side: Stand or kneel beside your dog when they are resting quietly. You listen on the left side of their chest, just behind the elbow.
- Place Your Hand or Stethoscope: Place your hand flat over this area. You might feel the strongest heartbeats directly under your palm. If you have a stethoscope, place the diaphragm (the flat part) there.
- Listen for the “Lub-Dub”: Each full heartbeat sounds like “lub-dub.” This is one beat.
- Count the Beats: Just like with the pulse, count the “lub-dubs” for 15 seconds and multiply by four.
Deciphering Normal Rates: What Are Good Numbers?
Knowing the normal dog vital signs for heart rate is crucial. These numbers change based on the dog’s size, age, and level of activity.
General Guidelines for Heart Rate (BPM)
| Dog Size/Age Group | Resting Heart Rate (Beats Per Minute – BPM) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Dogs (Large & Medium) | 60 – 140 BPM | Varies widely. Larger dogs often have lower rates. |
| Small Dogs (Under 30 lbs) | 80 – 160 BPM | Generally have faster resting rates. |
| Puppies (Up to 6 Months) | 120 – 180 BPM | Higher metabolic needs mean faster rates. See puppy heart rate chart specifics below. |
| Sedated/Anesthetized Dogs | Often 100 – 160 BPM (Varies by drug) | Always much lower than expected resting rate during deep sedation. |
Focus on the Puppy Heart Rate Chart
Puppies are rapidly growing bundles of energy. Their hearts work harder to support fast growth.
- Newborn Puppies (First Week): Can be as high as 180 – 220 BPM.
- Weaning Puppies (3-4 Weeks): Rates usually settle around 140 – 180 BPM.
- 6 Months Old: Should be approaching adult ranges, usually 100 – 160 BPM.
If you are tracking growth, charting these changes helps track development. Always compare the puppy’s rate to others in its age group for context.
Factors That Can Change Heart Rate
Your dog’s heart rate is not always static. Several things cause it to change naturally:
- Excitement or Fear: If someone knocks on the door or you pick up the leash, the rate will spike. This is normal.
- Body Temperature: A fever will raise the heart rate.
- Pain: Pain causes a significant increase in BPM.
- Medications: Certain drugs can speed up or slow down the heart.
- Breed: Sight hounds (like Greyhounds) often have naturally lower resting rates than Terriers.
When to Worry: Signs of an Abnormal Rate
If your measurements consistently fall outside the normal ranges, it needs attention. This is where canine heart rate monitoring becomes serious.
Tachycardia (Heart Rate Too Fast)
If your dog is perfectly calm, not hot, and not just done playing, a very high rate is concerning.
- Adult Dog consistently over 160 BPM at rest.
- Puppy consistently over 190 BPM when quiet.
Causes can include dehydration, anemia, shock, underlying heart disease, or hyperthyroidism (rare in dogs).
Bradycardia (Heart Rate Too Slow)
A rate that is too slow can mean the heart isn’t pumping enough blood to the body.
- Adult Dog consistently under 60 BPM at rest.
- Small Dog consistently under 70 BPM at rest.
Causes often involve heart block, low thyroid function (hypothyroidism), or the effects of certain heart medications (like beta-blockers).
Important Note: If you suspect a problem, recheck the rate later that day or the next day. If the abnormal rate persists, call your veterinarian right away. Mention the exact rate you recorded.
Step-by-Step Guide: Practicing Safe Measurement
To get good results, you must practice safely. Your dog must be relaxed. A stressed dog will have a falsely high heart rate.
Preparation Steps
- Choose a Quiet Time: Pick a time when your dog is sleepy or has just woken up from a nap. Avoid checking right after a walk or a meal.
- Ensure Comfort: Have your dog lie on a soft, cool surface. Avoid checking while standing, as this can slightly increase the rate.
- Gather Your Tools: You need a watch or phone with a timer. Some people use pulse-oximeters (though these measure oxygen saturation, they often show pulse rate too).
The Procedure for Femoral Artery Check
This section details how to find dog’s femoral artery and use it effectively.
Step 1: Calm the Environment
Make sure all loud noises are off. Do not talk excitedly to your dog during the check.
Step 2: Gentle Positioning
Kneel beside your dog. Gently reach for the back leg. Do not yank or move it suddenly. Use very smooth, slow motions.
Step 3: Locate and Apply Light Pressure
Use two fingers on the inner thigh crease. Apply just enough pressure to feel the pulse, not to stop it. This is the trickiest part of assessing dog’s pulse. If you lose it, lift your fingers slightly and try again, moving them slowly back and forth.
Step 4: Start the Timer and Count
Once you feel a steady beat, start counting.
* Set the timer for 15 seconds.
* Count every “thump” you feel.
Step 5: Calculate the BPM
Take your count (C) and use the formula: Heart Rate (BPM) = C × 4.
Step 6: Record and Relax
Write down the time, the count, and the calculated BPM. Gently praise your dog and let them relax again. Do not let them think this process is stressful.
Using the Stethoscope Method Safely
If you are using a stethoscope or just placing your hand over the chest, remember that the heart is generally on the lower left side.
- Gentle Touch: If using your hand, keep it flat and still. Do not rub or press hard.
- Stethoscope Placement: If using a stethoscope, ensure the earpieces fit well. Place the diaphragm firmly against the skin where the elbow meets the chest when the leg is slightly forward.
- Listen for the Beat Pair: Count each distinct “lub-dub” sound as one beat.
- Time and Calculate: Use the 15-second count multiplied by four for the final rate.
Advanced Considerations in Canine Heart Rate Monitoring
While the femoral pulse is usually reliable, certain conditions complicate dog heart rate measurement techniques.
Pulse Deficit
Sometimes, the heart beats, but you cannot feel a corresponding pulse strong enough at the periphery (like the femoral artery). This is called a pulse deficit.
- What it means: The heart might be beating too weakly or too rapidly for the peripheral artery to receive a full pulse wave.
- Action: If you count more heartbeats on the chest than you feel at the leg, it strongly suggests an issue requiring immediate veterinary attention. This requires using both methods simultaneously to compare numbers.
Breathing Rate Connection
In a resting dog, heart rate and respiratory rate are connected. A healthy dog usually breathes between 10 to 30 breaths per minute when calm. If the heart rate is very high, the breathing rate will also be elevated. Monitoring both gives a better picture of your dog’s status.
| Vital Sign | Normal Resting Range (Adult Dog) |
|---|---|
| Heart Rate (BPM) | 60 – 140 |
| Respiration Rate (Breaths/Min) | 10 – 30 |
When practicing veterinary pulse check dog skills, always note the breathing rate as well.
Troubleshooting Common Measurement Difficulties
Even experienced handlers run into issues when checking dog’s pulse. Here are fixes for common problems.
Problem 1: I Can’t Feel Anything on the Thigh
This is common with very muscular dogs, dogs with high body fat, or if the dog is tense.
- Try the Other Leg: Switch to the opposite thigh.
- Move Your Fingers: The artery is small. Move your fingers slightly forward or backward in that inner groove. Sometimes moving just half an inch makes all the difference.
- Try the Chest: Switch to the stethoscope (or hand) method over the heart.
Problem 2: The Dog Keeps Moving
If your dog won’t stay still, you cannot get a reliable dog resting heart rate.
- Wait: Do not force the check. Wait 15 minutes and try again when they are asleep.
- Use a Helper: Have someone gently hold the dog’s body still, focusing on keeping the hips and back legs relaxed, not restrained.
Problem 3: The Rhythm is Irregular
Sometimes beats feel very close together, then spaced far apart. This is an arrhythmia.
- Count for Longer: If the rhythm is uneven, a 15-second count is not enough. Count for a full 60 seconds. Write down exactly how it felt irregular (“skipped every fourth beat”). This detail is vital for the vet.
Maintaining Good Health Through Monitoring
Regular, gentle checks help you establish what “normal” is for your dog. This baseline is your most powerful tool. If you check regularly, you will notice subtle shifts long before severe symptoms appear. This proactive approach to canine heart rate monitoring supports overall wellness.
When you visit the vet, showing them your recorded logs helps them diagnose issues faster. They can see trends, not just a single bad number. Keep practicing dog heart rate measurement techniques so you are ready if an emergency strikes. Good owners know their dog’s normal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to check a dog’s heart rate?
If you are practiced, it takes about 30 seconds to find the pulse and 15 seconds to count, totaling less than a minute. If you count a full minute for best accuracy, the whole process takes about 90 seconds, plus setup time.
Can I use an electric heart rate monitor on my dog?
Yes. Human pulse oximeters or dedicated pet heart rate monitors can work, especially if placed on the inside of the ear flap or where the skin is thin. However, these devices can sometimes give false readings if the dog moves. Manual counting of the femoral pulse is often the most reliable home dog heart rate measurement technique.
Is it normal for a large dog to have a heart rate of 55 BPM?
For a very large, calm, athletic dog (like a Great Dane or a Greyhound), a resting heart rate in the low 60s or even high 50s can be perfectly normal. Always compare this to their usual rate. If 55 BPM is much lower than their typical 80 BPM, that change is what matters.
What is the safest way to calm a dog down before checking their heart rate?
Try having them sit or lie down quietly for five minutes before you start. Offer a favorite, low-value chew or a gentle, repetitive massage (not on the pulse site) to encourage relaxation. Never check the pulse when the dog is highly aroused or playing.