How to take the pulse on a dog?

There are a few spots on the dog's body, where you can take the pulse. Sometimes you can simply put your hands on the chest of your dog (between the elbow joints) and feel the heartbeat. You can count the number of beats for 15 seconds and multiply it by 4 – that is how you take the pulse.

There is another spot to take the pulse from – it is located on the inner side of the thigh. This is where the femoral artery is located. Put two fingers on the spot where the dog's leg is connected to its body, and you will feel "femoral pulse". This kind of the pulse is very difficult to take from cats.

It is easier to use your fingers to take the pulse. Normal pulse for dogs varies between 70 and 180 beats per minute. But the older the dog is, the lower it's pulse. Puppies can sometimes have a rapid pulse – up to 220 beats per minute. Normal pulse rate for cats varies between 120 and 240 beats per minute.

The pulse of the dog is not very stable. It can significantly change depending on whether the dog inhales or exhales. This is normal and called sinus arrhythmia.

How to take the pulse on a dog?

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