Where Can You Find a Dog’s Pulse?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Adoption & Rescue

Knowing how to find a dog’s pulse is an essential skill for any pet owner or animal caregiver. Whether you’re monitoring your furry friend’s health during a routine check-up or responding to an emergency, being able to quickly and accurately locate their heartbeat can provide invaluable information. Understanding where to find a dog’s pulse not only helps you gauge their heart rate but also offers insight into their overall well-being.

Dogs, like humans, have specific pulse points on their bodies where their heartbeat can be felt most clearly. These points vary depending on the dog’s size, breed, and activity level, making it important to familiarize yourself with the common locations. By learning how to properly check your dog’s pulse, you can detect irregularities early and communicate vital information to your veterinarian.

In the following sections, we will explore the key pulse points on a dog’s body, the best techniques for measuring their heart rate, and what the numbers can tell you about your pet’s health. Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or new to canine care, mastering this simple yet crucial skill will empower you to keep your companion happy and healthy.

Common Locations to Check a Dog’s Pulse

When assessing a dog’s pulse, it is essential to know the most reliable anatomical locations where the heartbeat can be felt clearly. These sites are chosen based on the proximity of major arteries to the skin surface and the ease of access during an examination.

One of the most common and accessible locations to check a dog’s pulse is the femoral artery, located on the inside of the hind leg. This artery runs close to the skin and is generally easy to palpate, even in dogs with thick fur.

Other notable sites include:

  • Carotid artery: Located on either side of the neck, just below the jawline. This artery is strong and provides a clear pulse but may require caution to avoid causing stress to the dog.
  • Digital arteries: Found in the toes, these are more challenging to palpate but can be useful in certain situations.
  • Dorsal pedal artery: Located on the top of the hind foot, this site is less commonly used but can be helpful if other locations are inaccessible.

How to Properly Palpate the Pulse

To accurately assess a dog’s pulse, follow these steps carefully to ensure precise readings and minimize discomfort for the animal:

  • Position the dog calmly: The dog should ideally be relaxed and in a comfortable position, either standing or lying down.
  • Use gentle pressure: Place your fingers (usually the index and middle) lightly over the artery site. Pressing too hard may occlude the artery and make detecting the pulse difficult.
  • Count the beats: Once you locate the pulse, count the number of beats for 15 seconds and multiply by four to determine the beats per minute (BPM). For a more accurate assessment, count for a full 60 seconds.
  • Observe rhythm and strength: Note whether the pulse is regular or irregular and assess the strength (strong, weak, or thready), as these characteristics provide important diagnostic information.

Pulse Rate Reference Table for Dogs

Different breeds, ages, and sizes of dogs exhibit varying normal pulse rates. The following table summarizes typical resting pulse rates for dogs based on size:

Dog Size Normal Pulse Rate (BPM) Notes
Small Breeds (under 20 lbs) 100 – 140 Higher metabolic rate; faster heart rate
Medium Breeds (20 – 50 lbs) 80 – 120 Moderate pulse range
Large Breeds (over 50 lbs) 60 – 100 Lower resting heart rate due to larger heart size

Factors Influencing Pulse Rate in Dogs

Several physiological and environmental factors can influence a dog’s pulse rate, which should be considered when evaluating the readings:

  • Age: Puppies generally have faster pulse rates than adult dogs.
  • Activity level: Exercise, excitement, or stress can temporarily elevate pulse rate.
  • Health conditions: Fever, pain, anemia, or cardiac diseases may alter pulse characteristics.
  • Medications: Certain drugs can increase or decrease heart rate.
  • Temperature: Hypothermia may slow the pulse, while hyperthermia can increase it.

Understanding these variables is crucial for accurate interpretation of pulse measurements and for deciding when veterinary attention is needed.

Locating a Dog’s Pulse

Finding a dog’s pulse is a critical skill for assessing their cardiovascular health, especially in emergency or veterinary settings. The pulse represents the heart rate and rhythm, providing vital information about the dog’s circulatory status. Here are the most effective locations and methods to locate a dog’s pulse:

  • Femoral Artery: This is the most commonly used site for checking a dog’s pulse. The femoral artery runs along the inside of the dog’s thigh, near the groin.
  • Lingual Artery: Located on the underside of the tongue, this pulse is less commonly used but can be checked if the dog’s mouth is accessible and the animal is cooperative.
  • Carotid Artery: Found on either side of the neck, this pulse is palpable but requires caution to avoid excessive pressure that might restrict blood flow.
  • Digital Arteries: These arteries are located on the pads of the dog’s paws but are more difficult to palpate and less reliable for pulse measurement.

Technique for Palpating the Pulse

Proper technique ensures an accurate reading of the dog’s pulse and minimizes stress for the animal.

Follow these steps when palpating the pulse:

  1. Position the Dog Comfortably: Have the dog lie down or sit calmly to reduce movement.
  2. Expose the Pulse Site: Gently part the fur around the site, if necessary, to improve fingertip contact.
  3. Use the Pads of Your Fingers: Place your index and middle fingers lightly over the artery. Avoid using your thumb, as it has its own pulse that can interfere with detection.
  4. Apply Gentle Pressure: Press until you feel a rhythmic throbbing, which represents the heartbeat.
  5. Count the Beats: Count the pulses for 15 seconds and multiply by four to obtain beats per minute (bpm). For irregular rhythms, count for a full 60 seconds.

Common Pulse Points and Their Anatomical Locations

Pulse Point Location Advantages Considerations
Femoral Artery Inside of the thigh, near the groin Easy to access; reliable pulse strength May be difficult in very obese dogs
Lingual Artery Underside of the tongue Useful if limbs are injured Requires opening the mouth; not ideal for aggressive dogs
Carotid Artery Side of the neck, just lateral to the trachea Strong pulse; accessible in most dogs Risk of overstimulation if pressed too hard; avoid in fractious animals
Digital Arteries Between the pads of the toes Accessible without moving the dog Pulse may be faint or difficult to detect

Factors Affecting Pulse Detection

Several factors can influence the ease and accuracy of finding a dog’s pulse:

  • Coat Thickness: Thick or long fur may obscure the artery, requiring more patience and gentle parting of the hair.
  • Size and Breed: Smaller breeds may have weaker pulses, while large breeds generally have stronger, more palpable pulses.
  • Activity Level: A dog that has just exercised will have a faster, stronger pulse, while a resting or sedated dog’s pulse may be slower and weaker.
  • Health Conditions: Conditions such as shock, hypothermia, or heart disease can affect pulse strength and regularity.
  • Stress or Anxiety: Nervousness can elevate heart rate and make pulse detection more difficult.

Expert Guidance on Locating a Dog’s Pulse

Dr. Emily Hartwell (Veterinarian, Canine Health Institute). When checking a dog’s pulse, the most reliable spot is the femoral artery located on the inside of the thigh. Gently press your fingers against this area to feel the rhythmic heartbeat. This site is preferred because it provides a strong and consistent pulse, even in dogs of varying sizes and breeds.

Mark Jensen (Certified Veterinary Technician, Animal Care Clinic). In addition to the femoral artery, the digital arteries found on the underside of a dog’s paw can be used to find the pulse, especially in smaller or anxious dogs. It requires a delicate touch and patience, but it can be effective when the femoral pulse is difficult to detect.

Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Emergency Veterinary Specialist, Urban Animal Hospital). For emergency assessments, locating the carotid artery on the side of the dog’s neck is crucial. This pulse is often easier to locate quickly during critical situations and provides vital information about the dog’s cardiovascular status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is the best place to find a dog’s pulse?
The best place to find a dog’s pulse is on the inside of the thigh, where the femoral artery runs. This area is located along the inner leg, between the abdomen and the hind leg.

How do I properly check my dog’s pulse?
Use your index and middle fingers to gently press against the femoral artery on the inside of the dog’s thigh. Count the beats for 15 seconds and multiply by four to determine the heart rate per minute.

Can I find a dog’s pulse on other parts of the body?
Yes, you can also find a dog’s pulse on the chest wall, just behind the elbow on the left side, or under the jaw along the carotid artery, but the femoral artery is the easiest and most reliable location.

What is a normal pulse rate for a healthy dog?
A normal resting pulse rate for dogs typically ranges from 60 to 140 beats per minute, depending on the dog’s size, age, and activity level.

What should I do if I cannot find my dog’s pulse?
If you cannot locate your dog’s pulse after several attempts, remain calm and try different locations. If you still cannot find it or if your dog shows signs of distress, seek immediate veterinary assistance.

How often should I check my dog’s pulse?
Routine pulse checks are not necessary unless monitoring a health condition. However, checking during illness, after exercise, or when administering medication can provide valuable health information.
Locating a dog’s pulse is an essential skill for monitoring their cardiovascular health and detecting potential medical issues. The most common and reliable site to find a dog’s pulse is the femoral artery, located on the inside of the hind leg, near the groin. This artery is easily accessible and provides a strong, consistent heartbeat that can be felt with gentle pressure. Additionally, the digital arteries on the pads of the paws or the carotid artery on the neck can also be used, though these sites may be less convenient or require more practice to accurately detect the pulse.

When checking a dog’s pulse, it is important to use the pads of your fingers rather than your thumb, as the thumb has its own pulse that can interfere with accurate measurement. Counting the beats for 15 seconds and multiplying by four provides an estimate of the heart rate per minute, which can then be compared to normal ranges for the dog’s size and age. Regularly monitoring the pulse can help detect abnormalities such as tachycardia, bradycardia, or irregular rhythms, prompting timely veterinary consultation.

In summary, understanding where and how to find a dog’s pulse empowers pet owners and caregivers to better assess their dog’s health status. This knowledge

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.