Pulse & Heart Rate

Checking your pet's pulse and heart rate provides crucial information about their cardiovascular health during emergencies.

How to Check Pulse:

1. Find the femoral artery: Located high on the inside of the hind leg, in the groin area.
2. Feel for pulse: Use the tips of two or three fingers (not your thumb) and apply slight pressure.
3. Count beats: Count the number of pulses for 15 seconds, then multiply by 4 to get beats per minute (BPM).

How to Check Heart Rate (Auscultation):

1. Position: Pet standing or lying on their right side.
2. Locate heart: Place your hand on the left side of the chest, just behind the elbow.
3. Count beats: Count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4.

Normal Resting Heart Rates (approximate):

• Large dogs (>30kg): 60-100 BPM
• Medium dogs (10-30kg): 80-120 BPM
• Small dogs (<10kg): 100-140 BPM
• Puppies (up to 1 year): 120-160 BPM
• Cats: 140-220 BPM

What to Notice:

• Rate: Significantly faster (tachycardia) or slower (bradycardia) than normal can indicate serious problems.
• Rhythm: Should be regular. Irregularities warrant immediate veterinary attention.
• Pulse Quality (Strength): Should feel strong. A weak, 'thready' pulse can indicate shock. A 'bounding' pulse can indicate high blood pressure or early shock.
• Pulse Deficits: If the pulse rate felt is slower than the heartbeat felt on the chest, it indicates a heart rhythm problem.