Locating and Measuring Your Dog’s Pulse

Knowing how to find and measure your dog’s pulse is a valuable skill for any pet owner. It allows you to quickly assess your dog’s cardiovascular health in emergency situations or simply monitor their baseline vitals for future comparison. A normal pulse rate can vary depending on factors like size, breed, age, and activity level, so establishing a baseline when your dog is healthy and relaxed is crucial.

Common Pulse Locations

There are several locations on a dog’s body where you can easily find a pulse. The most common and generally easiest to locate is the femoral artery, which runs along the inside of the hind leg. Here’s how to find it:

Have your dog stand comfortably or lie on their side.
Gently place your fingertips (index and middle finger – never your thumb, as it has its own pulse) on the inside of their thigh, about halfway between their groin and their knee.
You should feel a rhythmic thumping or pulse. It may take a few moments to locate, so be patient and apply gentle pressure.

Another, though less common, location is the dorsal pedal artery located on the top of the foot. You can gently press with your fingers on the top of your dog’s foot, closer to the ankle, to locate it. However, this pulse point can be harder to feel, especially in dogs with thick fur or small paws.

Measuring the Pulse Rate

Once you’ve located the pulse, count the number of beats you feel for 15 seconds. Multiply this number by four to get the beats per minute (BPM). For example, if you count 20 beats in 15 seconds, your dog’s pulse rate is 80 BPM.

For a more accurate reading, count for a full 60 seconds. This is especially important if the pulse seems irregular.

Normal Pulse Ranges

A healthy dog’s resting pulse rate varies, but generally falls within these ranges:

Small dogs (under 30 lbs): 100-160 BPM
Medium to large dogs (over 30 lbs): 60-100 BPM
Puppies: Up to 200 BPM

Remember that these are just general guidelines. Factors like excitement, exercise, and stress can temporarily elevate the pulse rate. Also, some breeds may have naturally lower or higher resting heart rates.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

If your dog’s pulse is consistently outside the normal range, or if you notice any of the following symptoms, consult a veterinarian immediately:

A very weak or rapid pulse
Irregular pulse (skipping beats)
Difficulty breathing
Lethargy or weakness
Pale gums
Collapse

Learning to find and measure your dog’s pulse is a simple yet valuable skill that can help you monitor their health and identify potential problems early on. Practice locating the pulse when your dog is calm and relaxed so you’ll be prepared to find it quickly and accurately in an emergency.