What Is a Dog’s Normal Heart Rate and How Can You Check It?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Dog Health & Wellness

Understanding your dog’s heart rate is an essential aspect of monitoring their overall health and well-being. Just like humans, dogs have a resting heart rate that can reveal important clues about their physical condition, stress levels, and even potential medical issues. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or a first-time dog parent, gaining insight into what constitutes a normal heart rate for dogs can empower you to take proactive steps in caring for your furry friend.

The heart rate of a dog varies depending on factors such as age, size, breed, and activity level, making it a unique indicator tailored to each individual pup. By learning how to check and interpret your dog’s heartbeat, you can better understand their current state and recognize when something might be amiss. This knowledge not only strengthens the bond between you and your pet but also equips you to respond promptly to any health concerns.

In the following sections, we will explore the typical ranges of a dog’s heart rate, the factors that influence it, and how you can accurately measure it at home. With this foundational information, you’ll be better prepared to ensure your dog’s heart is beating strong and steady for years to come.

Factors Affecting a Dog’s Heart Rate

Several factors can influence a dog’s heart rate, causing it to vary significantly from one moment to the next. Understanding these variables is essential for accurate assessment and interpretation of a dog’s cardiovascular health.

Activity Level:
A dog’s heart rate increases with physical activity. Resting heart rates are typically lower, but during exercise or excitement, the rate can rise substantially to meet increased oxygen demands.

Age:
Puppies generally have faster heart rates than adult dogs due to their higher metabolism. As dogs age, their heart rate may slow down but can also be affected by age-related health conditions.

Size and Breed:
Smaller breeds tend to have faster heart rates than larger breeds. For example, a Chihuahua’s resting heart rate is often much higher than that of a Great Dane.

Emotional State:
Stress, anxiety, or excitement can elevate a dog’s heart rate temporarily. Conversely, calm and relaxed dogs tend to have slower heart rates.

Health Status:
Certain diseases, such as heart disease, fever, anemia, or shock, can alter heart rate. Medications and anesthesia also affect cardiac rhythms.

Environmental Temperature:
Heat can cause an increase in heart rate as the body works to regulate temperature, while cold environments may reduce heart rate.

Normal Heart Rate Ranges for Dogs

Normal heart rate ranges vary depending on the dog’s size, age, and health condition. Below is a general guideline to help determine if a dog’s heart rate falls within a typical range.

Category Weight Range (lbs) Resting Heart Rate (beats per minute)
Small Breeds Up to 20 100 – 160
Medium Breeds 21 – 50 80 – 120
Large Breeds 51 – 100 60 – 100
Giant Breeds Over 100 60 – 90
Puppies (All Sizes) All 120 – 160

How to Measure Your Dog’s Heart Rate

Measuring a dog’s heart rate at home is a straightforward process that can provide valuable insight into their health. Follow these steps for an accurate reading:

  • Find a Quiet Space: Ensure your dog is calm and resting to avoid artificially elevated readings.
  • Locate the Pulse: The best places to feel the pulse are the femoral artery (inside the thigh) or the chest wall just behind the left elbow.
  • Use Your Fingers: Place your index and middle fingers gently on the pulse point; avoid the thumb as it has its own pulse.
  • Count Beats: Count the number of beats for 15 seconds, then multiply by four to get beats per minute (bpm).
  • Repeat if Needed: Take multiple readings to confirm consistency.

If you have difficulty locating the pulse or your dog is uncooperative, consult a veterinarian for a professional assessment.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

Certain heart rate readings or accompanying symptoms warrant immediate veterinary attention. Contact your veterinarian if you observe:

  • Heart rate consistently above or below normal ranges for your dog’s size and age
  • Irregular rhythms, such as skipped beats or fluttering sensations
  • Signs of distress including coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, or collapse
  • Persistent rapid breathing or weakness
  • Symptoms coinciding with fainting or seizures

Monitoring your dog’s heart rate regularly can help detect early signs of cardiovascular problems and ensure timely intervention.

Understanding Normal Heart Rate Ranges in Dogs

The heart rate of a dog, also referred to as the pulse or beats per minute (BPM), varies significantly depending on factors such as age, size, breed, and activity level. Understanding these variations is crucial for assessing the cardiovascular health of a dog.

Typical Resting Heart Rate by Size

Dogs with different body sizes exhibit distinct normal heart rate ranges. Smaller dogs and puppies generally have faster heart rates compared to larger breeds. This is due to metabolic rate differences and cardiovascular demands.

Size Category Resting Heart Rate (BPM)
Small breeds (under 20 lbs) 100 – 160 BPM
Medium breeds (20 – 50 lbs) 80 – 120 BPM
Large breeds (over 50 lbs) 60 – 100 BPM

Puppies often have heart rates ranging from 120 to 160 BPM, reflecting their higher metabolic rates and growth needs. Conversely, older dogs may show lower heart rates, but significant deviations should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Factors Influencing a Dog’s Heart Rate

Several physiological and environmental factors can influence the heart rate of a dog. Recognizing these factors helps differentiate between normal variations and potential signs of health issues.

  • Age: Younger dogs tend to have faster heart rates than mature or senior dogs.
  • Size and Breed: Small breeds typically have higher resting heart rates; some breeds may naturally have higher or lower rates.
  • Activity Level: Exercise, excitement, or stress can temporarily elevate heart rate.
  • Temperature: Elevated environmental temperatures or fever can increase heart rate.
  • Health Status: Conditions such as heart disease, anemia, pain, or dehydration can affect heart rate.
  • Medications: Certain drugs may raise or lower heart rate.

Understanding these variables is important when measuring a dog’s heart rate to ensure accurate interpretation.

How to Measure a Dog’s Heart Rate Accurately

Measuring a dog’s heart rate is a straightforward process that can be done at home or in a clinical setting. Accuracy depends on proper technique and a calm environment.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Calm the Dog: Ensure the dog is resting quietly for at least five minutes to avoid elevated readings.
  2. Locate the Pulse: The most common location is the femoral artery, found on the inside of the hind leg where it meets the groin.
  3. Use Fingers: Place your index and middle fingers gently over the artery until you feel a pulse.
  4. Count Beats: Count the number of beats for 15 seconds and multiply by four to get beats per minute. Alternatively, count for a full 60 seconds for greater accuracy.
  5. Note the Rate and Rhythm: Record if the heartbeat is regular or irregular, strong or weak.

Alternatively, a stethoscope can be used by trained individuals to listen to the heart directly over the chest wall, typically just behind the elbow on the left side.

Clinical Significance of Abnormal Heart Rates

Deviations from the normal heart rate range can signal underlying health issues requiring veterinary evaluation.

Condition Heart Rate Characteristic Possible Causes
Tachycardia (Elevated Heart Rate) Above normal range for size and age Stress, pain, fever, anemia, heart disease, dehydration, hyperthyroidism
Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate) Below normal range Hypothyroidism, heart block, electrolyte imbalances, drug effects, athletic conditioning
Arrhythmias (Irregular Heartbeat) Irregular rhythm or skipped beats Heart disease, electrolyte disturbances, myocarditis, systemic illness

Prompt recognition of abnormal heart rates can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular or systemic diseases in dogs.

Expert Insights on What Is A Dog’s Heart Rate

Dr. Emily Carter (Veterinary Cardiologist, Canine Health Institute). A typical resting heart rate for dogs ranges between 60 to 140 beats per minute, depending on factors such as size, age, and activity level. Smaller breeds generally have faster heart rates, while larger breeds tend to have slower rates. Monitoring a dog’s heart rate is crucial for detecting early signs of cardiac issues and ensuring overall cardiovascular health.

Dr. Marcus Liu (Professor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Animal Sciences). The heart rate of a dog can vary significantly with stress, exercise, and illness. For example, during physical activity or excitement, a dog’s heart rate can temporarily increase well above the resting range. Understanding these fluctuations helps veterinarians differentiate between normal physiological responses and potential health problems.

Sarah Jensen (Certified Veterinary Technician and Canine Fitness Specialist). Regularly checking a dog’s heart rate at home can provide valuable insights into their health status. Using a stethoscope or feeling the pulse at the femoral artery, owners can track changes over time. Consistent abnormalities in heart rate, such as persistent tachycardia or bradycardia, warrant professional veterinary evaluation to rule out underlying conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a normal resting heart rate for a dog?
A normal resting heart rate for an adult dog typically ranges between 60 to 140 beats per minute, depending on the dog’s size and breed.

How does a dog’s heart rate vary with size?
Smaller dogs generally have faster heart rates, often between 100 to 140 beats per minute, while larger dogs tend to have slower rates, around 60 to 100 beats per minute.

What factors can influence a dog’s heart rate?
Factors such as age, activity level, stress, temperature, and overall health can significantly affect a dog’s heart rate.

How can I measure my dog’s heart rate accurately?
To measure a dog’s heart rate, place your fingers on the inside of the thigh where the femoral artery is located, count the beats for 15 seconds, and multiply by four to get beats per minute.

When should I be concerned about my dog’s heart rate?
You should seek veterinary advice if your dog’s heart rate is consistently too fast, too slow, irregular, or accompanied by symptoms like coughing, lethargy, or difficulty breathing.

Can exercise affect my dog’s heart rate?
Yes, physical activity increases a dog’s heart rate temporarily, and it should return to normal within a few minutes after exercise ends.
A dog’s heart rate is a critical indicator of its overall health and well-being. Typically, a healthy adult dog’s heart rate ranges between 60 to 140 beats per minute, with smaller breeds and puppies exhibiting higher rates compared to larger breeds. Factors such as age, size, activity level, and emotional state can influence the heart rate, making it essential for pet owners and veterinarians to consider these variables when assessing a dog’s cardiovascular health.

Monitoring a dog’s heart rate regularly can help detect early signs of medical conditions such as heart disease, stress, pain, or other systemic issues. Accurate measurement techniques, including palpation of the pulse or use of veterinary equipment, ensure reliable readings. Understanding the normal range and recognizing deviations can facilitate timely veterinary intervention, improving the prognosis for affected dogs.

In summary, knowledge of a dog’s heart rate is vital for maintaining optimal health and promptly addressing potential concerns. Pet owners should work closely with veterinarians to monitor heart rate and overall cardiovascular function, thereby supporting the longevity and quality of life of their canine companions.

Author Profile

William Warren
William Warren
I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.