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First aid

Checking Vital Signs

What's normal, so you can tell your vet what isn't.

By Pawfessor Editorial Team Reviewed by a veterinarian

Checking Vital Signs
On this page
  1. Normal adult dog
  2. How to check
  3. Call the vet if

Usually handled at home. Call your vet if it gets worse or you are unsure.

Normal adult dog

  • Temperature: 38.3–39.2 °C (rectal)
  • Heart rate: 60–140 beats a minute (small dogs faster)
  • Breathing at rest: 10–35 breaths a minute
  • Gums: moist and pink; press and they turn pink again within 2 seconds

How to check

  1. Heartbeat: hand on the left side of the chest, behind the elbow; count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4
  2. Breathing: count chest rises for 30 seconds and multiply by 2, while they rest
  3. Gums: lift the lip and press with a finger

Call the vet if

  • Gums are pale, white, blue or bright red
  • Temperature is below 37.5 °C or above 39.5 °C

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