Breathing, pulse, and temperature in dogs
How to measure breathing in a dog?
Count the number of breaths your dog takes at rest over one minute. You can also count for 30 seconds and double that number to get the breathing rate per minute. It is also important to listen carefully. Healthy breathing is silent; a dog that breathes with a wheeze often has difficulty breathing.
What is a normal breathing rate for a dog?
Like heart rate, the average breathing rate of a dog depends on age, breed, and size. Small dogs breathe a bit faster than larger dogs. A dog that is running around breathes faster than a dog sleeping on the couch. A normal breathing rate for a puppy is about 10 to 30 breaths per minute. An adult dog at rest has a breathing rate of 15 to 35 breaths per minute. The breathing rate of an older dog is slower, generally between 14 to 16 breaths per minute.
Rapid breathing in dogs
It is normal for a dog to breathe quickly and pant during a walk or playtime. Dogs may also pant in very warm weather. Rapid breathing in a resting dog can indicate several things:
- Stress
- Anemia
- A dog that breathes quickly and makes noise often has difficulty breathing. Contact your veterinarian immediately.
Slow breathing in dogs
Slow, deep breathing in a dog can indicate:
- Fluid around the lungs or a hole in the diaphragm. Your vet can rule this out with an X-ray or ultrasound.
- Especially if your dog seems to have trouble exhaling (pressing with the belly), you should seek help quickly.
How to measure heart rate in a dog?
You can best measure your dog's pulse at rest. In smaller dogs, you can feel the heart rate by touching the chest. In larger breeds, it is often harder to feel the heartbeat on the chest. There is a large artery on the inside of the thigh where you can also feel the heartbeat. Place your fingertips high on the inside of the hind leg, close to the body. Now count the number of heartbeats for one minute. You can also count for 30 seconds and double that number to get your dog's heart rate per minute.
What is a normal heart rate for a dog?
The average heart rate of a dog depends on age, breed, and size. Small dogs have a higher heart rate than larger dogs. Puppies have a faster heart rate than adult and senior dogs. A normal heart rate for a puppy is between 100 and 120 beats per minute. For an adult dog, about 90 to 100 beats per minute, and for an older dog, 70 to 80 beats per minute. Naturally, a dog that just returned from a long walk will have a higher heart rate than one that has been napping in its bed for three hours.
High heart rate in dogs
If you notice your dog has a faster heart rate 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
A low heart rate can also occur, often due to:
- Problems with the intestines and stomach: diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
- There are also heart diseases and brain disorders associated with a slow heart rate.
For both high and low heart rates, it is wise to have your vet rule out any underlying illnesses!
How to measure temperature in a dog?
There are no special thermometers for dogs. ‘Dog thermometers’ are simply the same thermometers used for humans. Ear thermometers should not be used on pets as they can give inaccurate results. Use a normal digital thermometer, like the one you would use for yourself. For hygiene reasons, you may want to get a separate thermometer for your pets. It doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated; a regular thermometer costing a few euros works fine.
Clean the thermometer, apply some petroleum jelly to the tip, and insert the thermometer at least 2 centimeters deep rectally. A digital thermometer will beep when the temperature reading is complete. It’s best not to take the temperature immediately after a walk or other exertion.
What is a normal temperature for a dog?
The average temperature of a dog is between 38.0 and 39.0 °C (degrees Celsius). A puppy’s temperature can be slightly higher, up to about 39.5 °C.
High temperature in dogs
A high temperature in a dog (above 39 °C) is called a fever. Right after exertion, the temperature can also be somewhat higher without any problem. A dog with a high temperature may have stress, poisoning, or thyroid issues. A high temperature can also indicate an infection. Contact a veterinarian to find out what is going on. If the temperature is above 40.0 °C, you must call the vet urgently. Don’t panic, but don’t wait; call immediately!
Low temperature in dogs
If the thermometer shows a low temperature, first check if you measured correctly. If the thermometer is not inserted deep enough, the reading may be too low. You can take the temperature again if needed. A low temperature in a dog is not immediately a problem. If your dog behaves normally, eats well, and is as energetic as usual, you can wait and watch. If your dog seems unwell and the temperature is below 37.5 °C, you should call a veterinarian immediately.
When to see the vet?
If in doubt or if you have a ‘not right’ feeling, always contact your veterinarian. Trust your instincts; after all, you know your dog best! The following signs are also reasons to contact a vet:
- Your dog’s heart rate is high at rest or fast and irregular. A low heart rate combined with vomiting or diarrhea is also a reason to see the vet.
- Your dog makes a wheezing sound when breathing. Also, if your dog breathes very fast at rest, or breathes very deeply and exhales with effort, something may be wrong.
- Your dog’s temperature is above 39.0 °C. A temperature above 40.0 °C is an emergency. If the temperature is below 37.5 °C and your dog seems unwell, you should also call the vet.
