Temperature, pulse and breathing in dogs

How do you measure heart rate in a dog?

It is best to record your dog's wrist at rest. In smaller dogs, you can record the heart rate by feeling at the chest. In larger dog breeds, it is often more difficult to feel the heart rate well in the chest. On the inside of the femur there is a large artery to which you can also feel the heartbeat. Place your fingertips high on the inside of the hind leg, near the torso. Now count the number of heartbeats for one minute. You can also count 30 seconds and double this number to get to your dog's heart rate per minute.

What is a normal heartbeat for a dog?

The average heart rate of a dog depends on age, breed and size. The heart rate of small dogs is higher than the heart rate of larger dogs. In puppies, you feel a faster heart rate than in adult and elderly dogs. A normal heart rate for a puppy is between 100 to 120 beats per minute. In an adult dog about 90 to 100 beats per minute, and an older dog 70 to 80 beats per minute. And of course, a dog that has just returned from a long walk has a higher heart rate than one that has been napping in its basket for three hours.

High heart rate in dogs

When you notice that your dog has too fast a heartbeat than mentioned above, it can indicate several things.

Stress or anxiety
A full bladder
Low blood pressure
Pain
Fever
A heart problem
Anemia

Low heart rate in dogs

Also, a low heart rate can occur, this is common due to:

Problemen with the intestines and stomach: diarrhoea, vomiting or abdominal pain.
There are also heart disease and brain disorders associated with a slow heartbeat.

In case of both too high and low heart rate, it is wise to exclude the veterinarian from any underlying diseases!

How do you measure breathing in a dog?

Count your dog's breaths at rest for a minute. You can also count for 30 seconds and double this number for the breathing rate per minute. It is also important to listen carefully. Healthy breathing is silent; a dog that squeaks or breathes it often has a tightness.

What is normal breathing for a dog?

Like the heart rate, a dog's average breathing rate also depends on age, breed and size. The breathing of small dogs is somewhat faster than the breathing of larger dogs. A dog running around also breathes faster than a dog sleeping on the couch. Normal breathing for a puppy is about 10 to 30 breaths per minute. An adult dog has a resting respiratory rate of 16 to 35 times per minute. The breathing of an older dog is a bit slower, and is generally between 14 to 16 breaths per minute.

Rapid breathing in dogs

It is normal for a dog to breathe and pant quickly during the walk or when playing. In very hot weather, a dog sometimes pans too. Rapid breathing in a dog at rest can indicate severalthings:

Stress
Bloedarmoede
Band goodness.
A dog that breathes quickly and makes noise often also has a tightness. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

Slow breathing in dogs

Slow, deep breathing in a dog mayindicate:

Band goodness.
Fluid around the lungs or a hole or hole in the diaphragm. Your veterinarian can use an X-ray or ultrasound to rule out this possibility.

Especially if your dog also seems to have trouble exhaling (with the belly seems to squeeze), then you need to get help quickly.

How do you measure temperature in a dog?

There are no special thermometers for dogs. 'Dog thermometers' are therefore just the same thermometers as for humans. In pets, you should not use ear thermometers, these can give an inaccurate result. Just use a normal digital thermometer, as you would use it for yourself. From a hygienic point of view, you probably want to get a separate thermometer for your pets. There is no need for duration or complicated; a normal thermometer of a few euros will do just fine.

Clean the thermometer, smear some Vaseline on the end, and insert the thermometer at least 2 centimeters deep. A digital thermometer beeps when the temperature can be read. It is better not to take the temperature right after a walk or other effort.

What is a normal temperature for a dog?

The average temperature of a dog is between 38.0 and 39.0 °C (degrees Celsius). The temperature of a puppy can be slightly higher, up to about 39.5 °C.

High temperature in dogs

A high temperature in a dog (higher than 39 °C) is called fever. Immediately after exercise, the temperature can also be a bit higher without anything going on. A dog with a high temperature may have stress, poisoning or thyroid problems. A high temperature can also indicate inflammation. Contact a veterinarian to find out what's going on. At temperatures higher than 40.0 °C, you should call the veterinarian as a matter of urgency. Do not panic, but do not wait; Call right away!

Low temperature in dogs

If the thermometer indicates a low temperature, first check whether you have measured really well. If you do not insert the thermometer deep enough, the reading may be too low. If necessary, take the temperature again. A low temperature in a dog is not an immediate problem. If your dog behaves normally, eats well and is as energetic as usual, you can wait and see. If your dog does not seem to feel well and the temperature is below 37.5 °C, then you should call a veterinarian immediately.

When to the vet?

In case of doubt or a 'not fluff' feeling, always contact your veterinarian. Trust your instincts; after all, you know your dog best! The following signs are also reasons to contact aveterinarian:

Your dog's heart rate is high at rest or fast and irregular. A low heart rate in combination with vomiting or diarrhea is also a reason to go to the vet.
Your dog makes a squeaky sound when breathing. Even if your dog breathes very quickly at rest, or breathes very deeply and exhales pressingly, something can be going on.

Your dog's temperature is higher than 39.0 °C. At a temperature higher than 40.0 °C, there is an emergency. If the temperature is below 37.5 °C and your dog does not seem to feel fit, then you should also call the veterinarian.