NORMAL VITAL SIGNS IN DOGS AND CATS
Most people don’t think about what normal vital signs are for their dog or cat. It is good to have it written down and placed in your first aid kit for your pet or somewhere with easy access in case of an emergency. There is three important vital signs to check: temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate. Vital signs in our dogs and cats are affected by their state of anxiety, life stage, and activity as well as external factors such as room temperature. These reference numbers are to serve as a general guide. For small and medium-sized dogs, normal vitals are: Pulse: 70-140 beats per minute Respiratory rate: 15-30 breaths per minute Temperature: 100-102.5° F For larger dogs, normal vitals are: Pulse: 50-120 beats per minute Respiratory rate: 15-30 breaths per minute Temperature: 100-102.5° F And finally, for cats, normal vitals are: Pulse: 140-200 beats per minute Respiratory rate: 15-30 breaths per minute Temperature: 100-102.5° F Make sure to practice assessing your pet’s