Normal Temperature, Heart, and Respiratory Rates in Dogs

Just like people, dogs have a normal range of heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature. These things help to regulate a dog's bodily functions but can also change when there is a problem. It's helpful to know what readings are normal for a dog and what it could mean if they aren't. Read on to learn how to assess your dog's vital signs with these charts for heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature ranges.

Body Temperature in Dogs

Body temperature reveals how warm or cool a dog is. This is measured with a thermometer and a rectal temperature is the standard way to get an accurate temperature reading in a dog. It is recorded in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius.

Abnormal Body Temperature in Dogs

A healthy dog can regulate their body temperature unless they are exposed to extreme cold or heat. Abnormal body temperature in the absence of extreme heat or cold may occur due to health problems. A dog with an abnormal body temperature may be lethargic and not very alert.

If a dog's temperature is too low, it could be the result of cold exposure, such as spending too much time outdoors on a very cold day. The dog may shiver if the temperature is too low, but this will not occur in all cases. You might be suspicious that your dog has a low temperature if the paws feel cold to the touch.

A low temperature is also seen with certain health conditions that cause poor circulation, such as heart disease, blood loss, or shock after an injury. A dog with a low temperature will not receive adequate blood flow to all the parts of the body, and this can cause tissue damage as well as more severe effects including low heart rate, coma, or even death.

If a dog's temperature is too high, it could be the result of heat exposure, which can lead to heat stroke. In other cases, a high temperature may occur when a dog is fighting an infection and has a fever, after a seizure, or when a dog is very nervous. Panting is sometimes, but not always, seen in overheated dogs. When the body is too warm (hyperthermic), it can cause damage to internal organs including the brain. It can also lead to blood clotting problems, gastrointestinal bleeding, seizures, and death.

An abnormal body temperature is worrisome and your dog should be examined by a vet right away.

Heart Rate in Dogs

The heart rate of a dog may also referred to as the pulse when measured at a point on the body other than the heart. It quantifies how many times a dog's heart beats in a minute and is recorded as beats per minute, or BPM. A dog's heart pumps blood throughout the body and the heart rate can usually be felt by a dog owner by placing a hand over their dog's heart.

The heart is located in the chest and the heartbeat is best detected just behind the left armpit along the wall of the chest. Alternatively, you can place two fingers on the inside of the dog's rear thigh (upper part of the leg near the abdomen) to locate the pulse. The beats can be easily felt in a lean dog. Each beat of the heart is counted within a 60-second time frame to obtain the heart rate. Sometimes beats are counted for 15 seconds and then that number is multiplied by four to obtain the same reading and to decrease the time it takes to obtain this information. A veterinarian or other veterinary professional may use a stethoscope to get this information.

Smaller dogs usually have faster heart rates than larger dogs. Dogs that are nervous may also have elevated heart rates temporarily.

Abnormal Heart Rate in Dogs

If a dog's heart is beating too slowly, enough blood isn't being provided to the entire body. This can cause organ failure and ultimately death. There are many possible reasons for a low heart rate including a problem with the heart or blood pressure, extreme cold, hormone problems, and/or drugs and toxins.

If the heart is beating too quickly, this can also prevent enough blood from circulating as there is not enough time between heart contractions for the chambers to refill and pump the blood through the vessels. An elevated heart rate can occur for many reasons including fear or excitement, pain, primary heart problems, blood loss, dehydration, hormone problems, high temperature, or drugs/toxins.

Respiratory Rate in Dogs?

A respiratory rate is how many times a dog takes a breath in a minute and is recorded as breaths per minute (BPM). An inhale and exhale together count as one breath. This action is necessary to bring oxygen into the body and expel carbon dioxide, simply called breathing. This is usually done through a dog's nose but can also occur through the mouth when they are panting.

The most accurate way to measure a dog's respiratory rate is when they are quietly resting or sleeping as this is uninterrupted by movement, episodes of panting, or other factors that may influence the rate. Dogs that are awake may not fall into the normal range as their breathing will change with exercise, excitement, as well as many other factors.

Abnormal Respiratory Rate in Dogs

If a dog has a respiratory rate that is too slow or too fast, proper oxygenation of all the tissues in the body does not occur. This can cause permanent damage to the organs and tissues, make a dog weak, collapse, and even be fatal if enough oxygen is not circulated through the body.

There are many possible causes for abnormal respiratory rates including fear, excitement, strenuous exercise, lung disease such as pneumonia, drugs/toxins, hormone abnormalities, blood loss, elevated temperature, low temperature, and many more.

Panting is common in dogs and can occur with excitement, fear, high temperatures, and exercise, but if it continues for an extended time or you notice labored breathing or distress, it is important to have it seen by your vet.