Dogs & Cats

Pulse and Heart Rate

Normal resting rates:

Cats: 150-200 bpm
Small dogs: 90-120 bpm
Medium dogs: 70-110 bpm
Large dogs: 60-90 bpm

Pulse should be strong, regular and easy to locate.

Pulse

To Check the pulse—The easiest place to locate a pulse is the femoral artery in the groin area.

Place your fingers on the inside of the hind leg and slide your hand upward until the back of your fingers touches the abdomen.
Gently move your fingers back and forth on the inside of the hind leg until you feel the pulsing blood.
Count the number of pulses in 15 seconds and multiply that number by 4. This will give you the beats per minute (bpm).

Temperature

Normal temperate for dogs and cats—100-102.5 degrees F. Thermometer should be almost clean when removed. Abnormalities are indicated by blood, diarrhea, or black, tarry stool.

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