How to Measure a Dog's Pulse

Knowing whether your dog's heart is beating as it should can be very important if you believe your dog may be hurt or sick. When you take your dog to the vet, she or he will listen to your dog's heart using a stethoscope. However, there are other ways to measure a dog's pulse rate that you can use at home. All you need is a stopwatch and your hand.

EditSteps

EditFinding the Dog's Pulse

1. Position the dog for easy access. Depending where you will be feeling for a pulse, you will want your dog to either stand up or lie on it's side.^[1]
   
2. Find the femoral artery. The most reliable place to take a dog's pulse is its femoral artery. ^[2] This artery is located in the dog's groin area. To find a pulse in this area, put your fingers over the depression where the dog's back leg the leg meets its belly, and press gently.^[3]
   
   • If you can't find a pulse right away, move your fingers around in the area until you feel it.^[4]
   • Your dog can be standing or lying on it's side while you feel for a pulse in this area.
3. Feel for a pulse in the dog's chest. If you can't locate the femoral artery, or your dog isn't cooperating, you can also often find a pulse by feeling the dog's chest. While your dog is standing up, face your dog and place your hand over the rib cage.
   
   • You should be able to feel a pulse just below the dog's elbow joint.^[5]
   • Another approach is to place your hand of the dogs left side, just behind the front leg. A pulse can often be felt in this way as well.^[6]
4. Find a pulse on the back feet. Finally, if you don't have success with either of these approaches, you can sometimes feel a pulse near a dog's back feet. Feel the dog's foot with your fingertips, halfway between the toes and the ankle/wrist joint.^[7]
   
   • This is called the "pedal pulse."

EditCalculating the Dog's Pulse

1. Set a stopwatch for 15 seconds. Heart rates are measured in beats per minute (BPM). However, it is easy to lose count when you are trying to take a pulse for a full 60 seconds. Instead, a set a stopwatch for 15 seconds.^[8]
   
   • You can use a watch with a second hand or the stopwatch function on your phone.
2. Count the beats. Start the stopwatch, place your fingers on the area you've chosen to feel for a pulse, and count the beats of the dog's heart until the the time is up.
   
   • Use your fingers only. If you use your thumb, you may end up feeling your own pulse, especially if you press too hard.^[9] This can seriously throw off your count.
3. Multiply by four. To convert your measure to BPM, all you have to do is multiply by four.^[10] Four times 15 seconds is 60 seconds, or one minute.
   
4. Determine if the pulse is normal. Knowing your dog's heartrate is only helpful if you know what it should be. The bigger the dog, the slower its pulse will be. Generally, the following is considered normal:^[11]
   
   • For dogs under 20 pounds: 70-180 bpm.
   • For dogs over 20 pounds: 60-140 bpm.
   • For puppies up to six weeks old: up to 220 bpm.
   • Note that for some dogs, their pulse may quicken when they inhale and slow when they exhale. This is a normal condition called sinus arrhythmia.^[12]
5. Seek veterinary help. If your dog's pulse is above or below the healthy range for it's weight, or is weak or irregular, seek the attention of a veterinarian as soon as possible. This can be a sign of serious health issues.
   
   • A fast heart rate might just indicate your dog is anxious. A persistently fast pulse, however, could indicate your dog is suffering from blood loss, dehydration, fever and heatstroke.^[13]
   • A slow heart rate could indicate your dog is in shock or is suffering from heart disease.^[14]
   • A slow pulse could also be a sign of sinus bradycardia, which is caused by slower-than-normal firing of the sinoatrial node of the nervous system. While this condition is often benign, it can also be related to neurological or respiratory disease, and can also be brought on by hypothermia.^[15]
   • Heart issues should be considered a medical emergency. If your regular vet is not available to see your dog right away, search online for an emergency veterinary facility near you. This goes double if your dog is injured or has other obvious symptoms.^[16]

EditTips

• Keep in mind that if your dog is dehydrated, depressed, or has low blood pressure, its pulse may be harder to find.^[17] If you have concerns about your dog's health and can't locate a pulse, it is best to see a veterinarian as soon as you can.

EditWarnings

• If your dog's pulse is weak, highly irregular, or not within the ranges described here, this can be a sign of serious health problems. See a vet immediately.^[18]

EditRelated wikiHows

• Measure a Dog's Temperature
• Measure a Dog's Respiration Rate
• Measure Dogs for Coats
• Measure Dogs for Shoes
• Calculate Dog Years
• Take a Dog's Temperature

EditSources and Citations

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