How to Take Blood Pressure for Dogs

Blood pressure is notated as the systolic pressure over the diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the highest pressure in the arteries, which occurs at the beginning of the heartbeat as the heart contracts. Diastolic is the lowest pressure, occurring when the arteries are filled with blood.
Just like humans, dogs can develop an array of health problems, including high blood pressure. If you are concerned about your pet's health, there are two ways to measure blood pressure: directly and indirectly. In the direct method, your vet inserts a catheter into an artery, and measures your dog's blood pressure. The indirect method is more common, and is very similar to the blood pressure cuff method used on humans.

Things You'll Need

• Sphygmomanometer Stethoscope

Instructions

1. Shave a small section of your dog's leg. This is important to ensure an accurate reading, especially if you have a dog with a thick, shaggy coat.

2. Make sure that your pet is relaxed (but not sedated) to get an accurate reading. You can use the same style of sphygmomanometer (blood pressure reader) you would use on yourself.
   If your dog is too energetic, try taking your dog for a 30-minute run. Then let your pet cool down and rest for 20 minutes. This should dissipate your dog's extra energy, making him more cooperative when you try to take his blood pressure.

3. Attach the digital cuff to your dog's leg. Follow the instructions that came with your reader.

4. If you are using an older model sphygmomanometer with an analog dial, attach the cuff. The cuff should fit snugly, but not be constricting. With a stethoscope under the cuff, begin to inflate the blood pressure cuff by squeezing the bulb on the reader. Stop applying pressure when the cuff is fully inflated (you will hear the heart beat slow, then cease). As you slowly release the pressure in the inflated cuff, take note of the reading on the dial.

5. Notice whether or not your dog has high blood pressure. High blood pressure can be a sign of heart or kidney disease. For dogs, a healthy blood pressure is around 147/83. If you dog's blood pressure is 170/110 or above, this is considered a sign of hypertension (high blood pressure). The animal should be taken to the vet immediately.

Resources

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