Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
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Step 1
You will find your dog's pulse high on the inside of the thigh. Place two fingers on the middle of the thigh near where the leg joins the body. You will feel the femoral pulse. Avoid using your thumb to take the pulse, or you might risk feeling your own pulse instead of your dog's, ending up in a false reading.
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Step 2
Sometimes you can position your hand low on your dog's chest, close to the elbow joint, and feel his or her heart beats. Count how many beats you feel in 15 seconds and multiply that by four. This will give you the pulse.
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Step 3
Your dog's pulse might not always steady. It is normal for the heart-rate to change as he or she inhales & exhales. The pulse will be faster on inspiration and slower on expiration.
Comments
mommyhen42 said
on 8/20/2009 Great info, any idea what a normal pulse range is?
PurpleAnkh said
on 5/4/2009 Good to know! Wonder if it is the same for a cat?
GreenMomma said
on 2/23/2009 thanks for this information! you never know when you may need it!!!
lastgunslinger said
on 2/22/2009 Never thought about taking a dog's pulse before. Interesting article! Thanks for sharing. 5*
Fuller1972 said
on 2/20/2009 I never knew this, thanks **5***