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What’s a Normal Dog Temperature, Heart and Breathing Rate?
Dog Temperature
Normal body temperature for a dog is 99.5—102.5°F (37.5°C to 39.17°C)
How can I take my dog’s temperature?
Use a digital thermometer. Lubricate the thermometer with a water-based lubricant or petroleum jelly. Insert the tip into the rectum (just beneath the tail). When the thermometer beeps, remove it and read the number.
Learn lifesaving skills in just 35 minutes! Sign up for our online Cat and Dog First Aid Online course today.
Dog Breathing Rate
How can I determine my dog’s breathing rate?
Watch your dog and count the number of times the chest rises and falls in one minute.
Normal breathing rates (not breed/size specific):
- 10 – 30 breaths per minute, up to 200 pants per minute (breathing with mouth open and tongue out).
Learn about causes, symptoms, and emergency steps of dog breathing problems.
Dog Heart Rate
How can I determine my dog’s heart rate?
You can feel your dog’s heartbeat at the point where the left elbow touches the chest (about the fifth rib). Lay your dog down on her right side and place your hand over this area to feel and count heartbeats.
Normal heart rate:
- Puppy (less than 1yr old): 120 – 160 beats per minute.
- Small/Miniature/Toy Breeds (30lbs or less): 100 – 140 beats per minute.
- Medium to large breeds (30lbs or greater): 60 – 100 beats per minute.
Download the FREE Red Cross Pet First Aid App
The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app puts veterinary advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand. With videos, interactive quizzes, and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know pet first aid. Get the app and be prepared to act when called upon. iOS App, Google Play, or text "GETPET" to 90999.
Help Save Pet Lives with an American Red Cross Pet First Aid Class
Be prepared for any pet emergency! Sign up for our 35-minute Cat and Dog First Aid Online course. Learn the basics in caring for cats and dogs through a variety of topics – from understanding and checking your pet's vital signs, to preventative care for cats and dogs, to caring for the most critical emergency situations - including breathing and cardiac emergencies, wounds, bleeding, and seizures.
Our pet first aid online course can be good for: Pet Owners, Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, and Dog Trainers, Animal Shelter Staff & Volunteers, Groomers, Pet Retail Employees, Other Pet Care Providers, and more!
Information Provided Deborah C. Mandell, BS, VMD
Pet First Aid information provided by Dr. Debbie Mandell, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; American Red Cross National Pet Care Advisor for the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.
About Red Cross Training Services
More than 4.6M people turn to us, the trusted training provider for First Aid, CPR, BLS and more, every year to gain lifesaving skills. Trust us to deliver unmatched lifesaving training that will provide you the confidence and skills to act when moments matter. Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), Babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.