Breathing, pulse, and temperature in dogs
How do you measure a dog's breathing?
Count the number of breaths your dog takes at rest over one minute. You can also count for 30 seconds and double this number to calculate the breathing rate per minute. It is also important to listen carefully. Healthy breathing is silent; a dog that breathes in or out with a wheezing sound is often short of breath.
What is normal breathing for a dog?
Just like heart rate, a dog's average breathing rate depends on age, breed, and size. Small dogs breathe somewhat faster than larger dogs. A dog that is running around also breathes faster than one that is sleeping on the sofa. Normal breathing for a puppy is around 10 to 30 breaths per minute. An adult dog has a resting breathing rate of 15 to 35 breaths per minute. An older dog's breathing is somewhat slower and is generally between 14 and 16 breaths per minute.
Rapid breathing in dogs
It is normal for a dog to breathe rapidly and pant during a walk or while playing. A dog may also pant in very hot weather. Rapid breathing in a dog at rest can indicate several things:
- Stress
- Anemia
- A dog that breathes rapidly and makes a sound while doing so is often also short of breath. Contact your veterinarian immediately.
Slow breathing in dogs
Slow, deep breathing in a dog may indicate:
- Fluid around the lungs or a tear or hole in the diaphragm. Your veterinarian can rule out this possibility with an X-ray or ultrasound.
- Especially if your dog also appears to have difficulty breathing out (using its abdomen to push), you should seek help quickly.
How do you measure a dog's heart rate?
It is best to check your dog's pulse while it is resting. In smaller dogs, you can check the heart rate by feeling the chest. In larger breeds, it is often more difficult to feel the heartbeat in the chest. A large artery runs along the inside of the thigh, where you can also feel the pulse. Place your fingertips high on the inside of the hind leg, close to the body. Now count the number of heartbeats over one minute. You can also count for 30 seconds and double this number to calculate your dog's heart rate per minute.
What is a normal heart rate for a dog?
A dog's average heart rate 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, it is approximately 90 to 100 beats per minute, and for an older dog, 70 to 80 beats per minute. Naturally, a dog that has just returned from a long walk has a higher heart rate than one that has been dozing in its bed for three hours.
High heart rate in dogs
If you notice that your dog has a heart rate that is faster than stated above, this may 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.
- Some heart diseases and brain disorders are also associated with a slow heart rate.
Whether the heart rate is too high or too low, it is advisable to have your veterinarian rule out any underlying diseases!
How do you measure a dog's temperature?
There are no special thermometers for dogs. “Dog thermometers” are therefore simply the same thermometers used for people. Ear thermometers should not be used for pets, as they can give inaccurate results. Just use a regular digital thermometer, such as the one you would use yourself. For hygienic reasons, you will probably want to keep a separate thermometer at home for your pets. It does not need to be expensive or complicated; a regular thermometer costing a few euros is perfectly adequate.
Clean the thermometer, apply some petroleum jelly to the tip, and insert the thermometer at least 2 centimeters into the rectum. A digital thermometer beeps when the temperature can be read. It is best not to take your dog's temperature immediately after a walk or other exertion.
What is a normal temperature for a dog?
A dog's average temperature is between 38.0 and 39.0 °C (degrees Celsius). A puppy's temperature may be slightly higher, up to around 39.5 °C.
High temperature in dogs
A high temperature in a dog (higher than 39 °C) is called a fever. The temperature may also be slightly higher immediately after exercise without anything being wrong. A dog with a high temperature may be experiencing stress, poisoning, or thyroid problems. A high temperature can also indicate inflammation. Contact a veterinarian to find out what is wrong. If the temperature is higher than 40.0 °C, you must call the veterinarian urgently. Do not panic, but do not wait; call immediately!
Low temperature in dogs
If the thermometer shows a low temperature, first check whether you measured correctly. If you do not insert the thermometer deeply enough, the reading may be too low. Take the temperature again if necessary. A low temperature in a dog is not necessarily a problem. If your dog is otherwise behaving normally, eating well, and has its usual energy level, you can wait and see for a while. If your dog seems unwell and the temperature is below 37.5 °C, you must call a veterinarian immediately.
When should you go to the veterinarian?
Whenever in doubt or if you have a feeling that something is not right, always contact your veterinarian. Trust your instincts; after all, you know your dog best! The following signs are also reasons to contact a veterinarian:
- 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 visit the veterinarian.
- Your dog makes a wheezing sound while breathing. Something may also be wrong if your dog is breathing very rapidly at rest, or breathing in very deeply and breathing out with effort.
- Your dog's temperature is higher than 39.0 °C. A temperature higher than 40.0 °C is an emergency. If the temperature is below 37.5 °C and your dog does not seem well, you should also call the veterinarian.
