How Can You Accurately Take Your Dog’s Heart Rate at Home?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Dog Health & Wellness

Monitoring your dog’s heart rate is a simple yet vital way to keep tabs on their overall health and well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or a first-time dog parent, knowing how to take your dog’s heart rate can provide valuable insights into their physical condition, alert you to potential health issues, and even help during emergencies. It’s a skill that empowers you to be proactive about your furry friend’s care.

Understanding your dog’s heart rate is more than just a number—it’s a window into their cardiovascular health and stress levels. Dogs, like humans, have varying heart rates depending on factors such as age, size, activity level, and emotional state. By learning the basics of how to accurately measure your dog’s pulse, you can better interpret what’s normal for your pet and recognize when something might be amiss.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the key methods for checking your dog’s heart rate, discuss what the numbers mean, and offer tips to ensure the process is comfortable for your canine companion. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to support your dog’s health and respond confidently if concerns arise.

Locating Your Dog’s Heartbeat

To accurately measure your dog’s heart rate, the first step is to locate the heartbeat. The most effective method is to place your hand over the chest, just behind the elbow on the left side of the dog’s body. This area corresponds to the location of the heart, allowing you to feel the heartbeat clearly.

If you have difficulty detecting the heartbeat with your hand, you can also use a stethoscope, if available. Position the stethoscope’s diaphragm over the same area to listen to the heartbeat directly. This tool can help in cases where the heartbeat is faint or the dog is especially hairy or active.

Another method involves feeling the pulse on the femoral artery, located on the inside of the thigh. Gently press your fingers against this artery to detect the pulse, which corresponds to the heartbeats per minute.

Measuring the Heart Rate

Once you have located the heartbeat or pulse, proceed to measure the heart rate using the following steps:

  • Use a timer or stopwatch to count the number of beats for 15 seconds.
  • Multiply the number of beats counted by 4 to calculate the beats per minute (BPM).
  • For more accuracy, you can count for a full 60 seconds, especially if the heartbeat is irregular.

It is important to keep your dog calm during this process, as excitement or stress can temporarily elevate the heart rate. Ideally, take the measurement when the dog is at rest.

Normal Heart Rate Ranges for Dogs

Heart rates vary depending on the dog’s size, age, and activity level. Smaller dogs tend to have faster heart rates compared to larger breeds. Puppies also have higher heart rates than adult dogs. Below is a general guide to normal resting heart rates:

Dog Size Normal Resting Heart Rate (BPM)
Small breeds (under 30 lbs) 100 – 140 BPM
Medium breeds (30 – 50 lbs) 80 – 120 BPM
Large breeds (over 50 lbs) 60 – 100 BPM
Puppies 120 – 160 BPM

If the heart rate falls outside of these ranges or if it is irregular, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian for further examination.

Tips for Accurate Measurement

To ensure the most precise heart rate measurement, consider the following tips:

  • Measure the heart rate when your dog is relaxed and in a calm environment.
  • Avoid taking the measurement immediately after exercise or excitement.
  • Use a quiet setting to better detect the heartbeat or pulse.
  • Be gentle but firm when feeling for the pulse to avoid causing discomfort.
  • Repeat the measurement a few times to confirm accuracy.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively monitor your dog’s heart health and detect any potential abnormalities early.

Measuring Your Dog’s Heart Rate Accurately

To obtain an accurate reading of your dog’s heart rate, follow these steps carefully. The heart rate, or pulse, is typically measured in beats per minute (bpm) and can indicate your dog’s cardiovascular health.

There are two primary methods to measure a dog’s heart rate: using the femoral artery or by feeling the heartbeat through the chest wall.

Locating the Femoral Artery

  • Position your dog: Have your dog lie down or sit comfortably in a calm environment to reduce stress and movement.
  • Find the femoral artery: Place your fingers on the inside of your dog’s thigh, midway between the groin and the knee. The artery runs alongside the femur bone and can be felt as a pulse beneath the skin.
  • Use your fingers: Use the pads of your index and middle fingers to gently press against the artery. Avoid using your thumb, as it has its own pulse that can interfere with detection.
  • Count the beats: Once you feel the pulse, count the number of beats for 15 seconds and multiply by four to calculate the beats per minute.

Measuring Heartbeat Through the Chest Wall

  • Position your dog: Have your dog lie on its right side to access the left side of the chest.
  • Locate the heartbeat: Place your hand just behind the left elbow, pressing gently against the chest wall to feel the heartbeat.
  • Count beats: Count the number of beats over 15 seconds and multiply by four for bpm.

Normal Heart Rate Ranges for Dogs

Heart rate varies depending on the dog’s size, age, and activity level. Use the following table as a reference to interpret your dog’s heart rate readings.

Dog Size Typical Resting Heart Rate (bpm)
Small Breeds (under 30 lbs) 100 – 140 bpm
Medium Breeds (30-50 lbs) 80 – 120 bpm
Large Breeds (over 50 lbs) 60 – 100 bpm
Puppies 120 – 160 bpm

If your dog’s heart rate falls outside these ranges consistently, or if the pulse feels irregular, consult a veterinarian promptly.

Tips to Ensure Accurate Heart Rate Measurement

  • Keep your dog calm: Anxiety or excitement can increase heart rate, so measure when your dog is relaxed.
  • Use a quiet environment: Minimize distractions and noise to help your dog stay still.
  • Repeat measurements: Take multiple readings at different times to confirm accuracy.
  • Use a stopwatch or timer: Precise timing ensures reliable bpm calculation.
  • Practice regularly: Familiarity with the process reduces stress for both you and your dog.

When to Seek Veterinary Assistance

Monitor your dog’s heart rate alongside other signs such as breathing difficulty, lethargy, coughing, fainting, or unusual behavior. Immediate veterinary consultation is advised if you observe:

  • Heart rate consistently above or below normal range for your dog’s size and age
  • Irregular or erratic pulse
  • Signs of distress including pale gums, weakness, or collapse
  • Rapid breathing or persistent coughing concurrent with abnormal heart rate

Timely identification of abnormal heart rates can aid in early diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular or systemic conditions.

Expert Guidance on How To Take Dogs Heart Rate

Dr. Emily Hartman (Veterinarian, Canine Health Clinic). Measuring a dog’s heart rate accurately requires a calm environment and proper technique. The best method is to locate the femoral artery on the inside of the dog’s thigh, gently place your fingers there, and count the beats for 15 seconds, then multiply by four. This approach ensures a reliable reading and helps detect any irregularities early.

Jason Lee (Certified Veterinary Technician, Animal Care Institute). When taking a dog’s heart rate, it is crucial to minimize stress, as excitement or anxiety can elevate the pulse. I recommend using a quiet room and speaking softly to the dog. Additionally, using a stethoscope placed just behind the elbow on the left side of the chest provides a precise measurement, especially for dogs with thick fur or when pulse palpation is difficult.

Dr. Sophia Ramirez (Veterinary Cardiologist, Heartwise Animal Hospital). Understanding the normal heart rate range for dogs, which varies by size and breed, is essential before taking measurements. Small breeds typically have faster heart rates than larger breeds. Consistent technique and timing—such as measuring when the dog is resting—are vital for accurate assessment and monitoring of cardiac health over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the normal heart rate range for dogs?
A healthy dog’s heart rate typically ranges from 60 to 140 beats per minute, depending on size, age, and activity level. Smaller or younger dogs generally have faster rates.

Where can I best measure my dog’s heart rate?
The most common sites are the femoral artery inside the thigh or the chest wall just behind the elbow. These locations provide clear pulse points for accurate measurement.

How do I accurately count my dog’s heart rate?
Use your fingers to gently feel the pulse at a pulse point, then count the beats for 15 seconds and multiply by four to get beats per minute. Ensure the dog is calm for reliable results.

When should I check my dog’s heart rate?
Check during rest or calm states to assess baseline heart rate. Also monitor if your dog shows signs of distress, illness, or after exercise to evaluate cardiovascular response.

What factors can affect a dog’s heart rate?
Stress, excitement, temperature, medication, pain, and underlying health conditions can influence heart rate. Always consider these when interpreting measurements.

When should I consult a veterinarian about my dog’s heart rate?
Seek veterinary advice if the heart rate is consistently too high, too low, irregular, or accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy, coughing, or difficulty breathing.
Measuring a dog’s heart rate is an essential skill for monitoring their health and detecting potential medical issues early. The process involves locating the pulse, typically on the inside of the hind leg or the chest area, and counting the beats per minute. It is important to ensure the dog is calm and at rest to obtain an accurate reading. Using a stopwatch or timer can help in counting the heartbeats precisely over a 15-second interval, which is then multiplied by four to determine the beats per minute.

Understanding the normal heart rate range for dogs, which generally falls between 60 to 140 beats per minute depending on the size and breed, is crucial. Smaller breeds and puppies tend to have faster heart rates, while larger breeds usually have slower rates. Any significant deviation from the normal range, such as consistently elevated or reduced heart rates, should prompt consultation with a veterinarian to rule out underlying health concerns.

Regular monitoring of a dog’s heart rate can be a valuable part of routine health assessments, especially for dogs with known cardiac conditions or those undergoing medical treatment. By mastering the technique of taking a dog’s heart rate, pet owners and caregivers can contribute to early detection of health issues and support timely veterinary intervention, ultimately promoting better overall well-being

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.