How to Take a Dog’s Vital Signs

Your dog appears listless and tired, but he can’t tell you what’s wrong or how badly he feels. Pet owners usually notice a change in their dog’s behavior, but unless they spot an injury or some outward sign of illness, they don’t know if he is sick or not. Knowing what a healthy dog’s vital signs are and knowing how to take them is crucial in determining whether to take a dog to the vet.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Use a rectal thermometer to take your dog’s temperature when you think he might be ill. Rub a little petroleum jelly on the tip and insert it 1 inch into his rectum. Leave it there for 1 minute. Hold the base of his tail firmly during this process to prevent him from sitting on the thermometer.
2. Read the temperature. A normal temperature for a healthy dog is between 101 degrees and 102 degrees. Some vets recommend calling their office when your dog’s temperature reaches 103 degrees. A temperature of 100 degrees or lower in a female dog, close to giving birth, indicates labor is imminent.
3. Count your dog’s heart rate by having him stand (if he can) and reaching underneath his ribcage, just behind his elbows.
4. Calculate the beats per minute and compare them to that of a healthy dog. Large breed dogs have a normal heart rate between 70 and 150 beats per minute. That’s a wide range and at the upper end it signifies a dog that was just exercising. Small breed dogs have a normal rate between 70 and 180 beats per minute. Puppies have the highest heart rate, between 80 and 220 beats per minute.
5. Observe your dog’s respiratory rate by watching his ribcage. Panting doesn't count when taking his respiratory rate, although excessive panting with no apparent cause might signify an over heated or excited dog. A normal respiratory rate for a dog is between 10 and 30 breaths per minute.

Tips & Warnings

• Call your vet if your dog’s vital signs are outside the normal range and he is exhibiting abnormal behavior.