Vital Signs
Want to watch this video? Sign up for the course
or enter your email below to watch one free video.
Unlock This Video Now for FREE
This video is normally available to paying customers.
You may unlock this video for FREE. Enter your email address for instant access AND to receive ongoing updates and special discounts related to this topic.
Understanding Vital Signs in Pets: Temperature, Heart Rate, and Respiration
1. Introduction
When assessing the health of any animal, it's crucial to consider three vital signs: temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate.
2. Temperature
Temperature varies by factors such as breed, age, and size. Here's what you should know:
- Normal Dog Temperature: Average of 38.5°C with a range of 38 to 39.1°C.
- Puppies and Kittens: Can have lower ranges (34.4 to 36.1°C) until about one month old.
- Signs of Cold: Look for shivering and seeking warmth in dogs and cats.
- Temperature Regulation: Dogs and cats regulate temperature through panting, so limit exercise in hot weather, especially for short-faced breeds.
- Coat's Role: The coat helps insulate in cold weather and protect from heat in hot weather, but may be less effective in short-coated animals.
- Abnormal Temperatures: Less than 37.5°C (hypothermia) or over 39.2°C (hyperthermia) may indicate fever or heat stroke.
3. Heart Rate
Heart rate varies with age and breed. Here's what to consider:
- Puppies: Heart rates range from 160 to 200 beats per minute.
- Larger Dogs: Heart rates typically range between 60 to 140 beats per minute.
- Size Matters: Larger breeds have slower heart rates, while smaller breeds have faster heartbeats.
- Toy Breeds: Toy dog breeds may have a pulse of 180 beats per minute.
- Know the Average: Determine your dog's average resting pulse to recognize deviations from normal.
- Exercise Impact: Heart rate increases with exercise, so always assess the resting pulse.
4. Respiration Rate
Respiration rate is measured in breaths per minute and varies based on factors. Consider the following:
- Normal Dog Breathing: 10 to 34 breaths per minute when not panting.
- Puppies and Toy Breeds: Respiratory rate ranges from 15 to 40 breaths per minute.
- Resting Rate: Determine the resting respiratory rate, not when the dog is panting.
- Panting: Dogs can reach up to 200 breaths per minute when panting due to heat or stress.
5. Cats
Cats have different vital sign ranges. Here's what to know:
- Cat Pulse Rate: Average of 110 to 130 beats per minute.
- Cat Respiration Rate: 10 to 30 breaths per minute under normal conditions.
- Panting in Cats: Cats typically pant due to stress, fear, or heat, with rates possibly reaching 300 pants per minute, but this should not persist for long.
Recommended Products For You
Premium PET First Aid Kit
£12.50 + VAT
Pet Premium Recommended First Aid Kit
£18.95 + VAT
Porta-Bowl - Portable Dog Water Bowl
£20.80 + VAT
Pet Advanced Recommended First Aid Kit
£25.95 + VAT