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 heart rate in a non-emergency setting. This will help you feel comfortable locating the pulse when an emergency does arise.

HOW TO TAKE YOUR PETS PULSE

The average heart rate of dogs and cats may vary according to breed and size, so it is important to know what is normal for your dog and cat when they are relaxed and at rest.

Small dogs generally have faster heart rates while large dogs and those in good physical condition have slower rates. Heart rates may also be higher when your pets are in the clinics or at events, due to anxiety and excitement.

1. Use a timer (or a watch with a second hand).
2. Find the pulse or heartbeat in one of two ways:

• Place your hands on both sides of the chest cavity (just behind the elbows).

• Place two fingers inside your pet’s thigh, near where the leg and body meet (dogs only)

3. Count the beats for 15 seconds, then multiply by four. This gives you the number of beats per minute (bpm).
4. Note: Cats are very difficult to get a heart rate on!


HOW TO MEASURE RESPIRATORY RATE

The chest rises with inspiration and falls with expiration. One cycle of inspiration and expiration equals one breath. When your dogs or cats are at rest, check their respiratory rate by counting the number of breaths for 1 minute or the number of full breaths in 15 seconds. Then multiply by four to get the number of breaths per minute.

 

HOW TO CHECK TEMPERATURE
The most accurate way to take our dog’s or cat’s temperature is with a digital thermometer inserted rectally. Lubricate the thermometer with a water-based lubricant like KY jelly. Insert the thermometer gently into the rectum, located just below the base of the tail, and leave it in place until it beeps.

 

To get the most accurate temperature reading for your dog, you must take do it rectally. Invest in a traditional glass or digital thermometer and water-based lubricant. Have someone hold your dog still while you put the lubricated thermometer 1″ to 2″ inside your dog’s rectum. Do not force the thermometer further than it will go easily.

​

Leave the thermometer in place for 2 minutes. Record this temperature. Thoroughly clean the thermometer and label it “For Dog”. Track your pet’s temperature at the same time of day for a few days to get an average normal body temperature reading.

 

Mild hypothermia
90˚F to 99˚F – use warm blankets, body heat, a covered heating pad, a hot water bottle, or warm drinking fluids to increase body temperature. Retake your dog’s temperature every 10 minutes until it comes up to 100˚F.

​

Moderate hypothermia
82˚F to 90˚F – Go to the vet or emergency vet immediately.

​

Severe hypothermia
Below 82˚F – URGENT care required.

​

Hyperthermia in dogs (high body temperature) should not be confused with a fever. Fever in dogs is their body's natural immune response to eliminate bacteria or viruses. Hyperthermia is not caused by such a natural response and is often the result of a dog's inability to thermoregulate.

​

Hyperthermia is classified when body temperature reaches or exceeds 103˚F due to thermoregulation issues. A fever is classified at 103˚F when the cause of temperature increase is due to immune response.

At 106˚F body temperature, your dog is very likely to die.

​

In both types of overheating, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care. On the way to the vet, you can assist your dog by:

• soaking a clean towel in cool (not cold) water and laying it on your dog’s underbelly and inner thighs

• offer cool fluids – water, Pedialyte, electrolyte solution, etc…

• travel with the air conditioning on or windows open

• call ahead to let the vet know that you are coming

• massage your dog’s legs to assist with circulation

• monitor your dog for signs of shock

 

So, now that you know how to check vitals, what do you do if you can’t feel a heartbeat?
Before starting chest compressions, be certain that there is no heartbeat. Performing chest compressions while the heart is still beating can cause extreme harm to your pet. Signs of cardiopulmonary arrest include:

• Unconscious

• Not breathing

• No heartbeat

You should also simultaneously check to see if your pet is breathing. You can do this by one of three ways:
1. Place your ear next to your pet’s nose and mouth and listen for breathing
2. Place your hand on the side of your pet’s chest to see if it rises with breath.
3. Feel for air movement out of your pet’s nostrils.

If you confirmed that there’s no heartbeat or that your pet isn’t breathing, follow these steps as demonstrated here:
1. Open your pet’s airway by gently extending his neck and clearing any obstructions.
2. Check for a heartbeat by placing your hands on both sides of your pet’s chest, right behind the elbow/armpit area. Feel for a beat for 10 seconds before moving to step 3.
3. If there is no heartbeat, begin chest compressions and mouth-to-muzzle breathing.

To start chest compressions, follow these steps:
1. Put your dog or cat on their side.
2. Interlock your fingers with both palms facing down to administer compressions. Give 1-2 compressions per second (100-120 beats per minute) for 30 seconds.

• If your dog is < 30 pounds, make sure to do the chest compressions directly over the area of his heart.

• If your dog is > 30 pounds, do the chest compressions on the widest part of his chest cavity as demonstrated here.

3. Next, you need to give a “mouth-to-snout” breath. Do this by wrapping both of your hands tightly around your dog’s muzzle so no air can escape. Give five breaths of five seconds each by blowing directly and steadily into his nose.
4. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until your pet’s heart starts beating on its own. 
5. Most importantly, get to a veterinarian right way. Ideally, have someone drive you so you can continue CPR.
6. Ideally, call ahead on your cell phone to the veterinary hospital, so they’re prepared for your arrival. 

Hopefully, by knowing how to perform, you can help save your pet’s life. Keep in mind that the likelihood of getting a pet back with CPR is < 10% - even if a veterinary specialist in emergency critical care does it. When in doubt, note the warning signs that warrant an immediate trip to the vet to avoid having to do CPR to begin with.