Normal Dog Vital Signs: Heart Rate, Breathing and Temperature

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Knowing what is normal for your dog is one of the most useful things you can do as an owner.

Typical ranges

These are general ranges for healthy adult dogs at rest. Your vet can give numbers specific to your dog.

• Heart rate: about 60 to 140 beats per minute, with large dogs toward the lower end and small dogs and puppies higher, up to about 160 to 180 for toy breeds and puppies
• Respiratory rate: about 10 to 30 breaths per minute at rest
• Temperature: about 100.5 to 102.5 F (38 to 39.2 C)
• Gum color: moist and pink, unless naturally pigmented
• Capillary refill time: about one to two seconds
• Hydration: skin that returns quickly when gently lifted

Checking heart rate

Place your hand on your dog's chest behind the left elbow, or feel the femoral pulse on the inner thigh. Count beats for 15 seconds and multiply by four. Dogs have a normal variation in heart rate with breathing, called sinus arrhythmia, so the rhythm may seem uneven.

Checking breathing rate

Count the number of times your dog's chest rises over 30 seconds while he is asleep or relaxed, then double it. Sleeping rates are best for monitoring heart disease. See congestive heart failure in dogs. A resting rate above about 30 breaths per minute, especially if sustained, warrants a call to your vet.

Checking temperature

A digital rectal thermometer is the most accurate. See how to take a dog's temperature. A reading above about 103 F (39.4 C) suggests fever, while below 99 F suggests hypothermia. See dog fever signs and dog hypothermia and frostbite.

Checking gums and capillary refill

Lift your dog's lip and look at the gums. Press a finger on the gum until it turns white, then release and count how long it takes for pink color to return. Pale, white, blue, gray, yellow or very red gums suggest a problem. See anemia in dogs.

Hydration check

Gently lift the skin over the shoulders and release. It should snap back quickly. Slow return, dry gums and sunken eyes suggest dehydration. See dehydration in dogs.

Weight and body condition

Weigh your dog regularly and track body condition. See dog body condition score chart.

When to worry

Call your vet or go to an emergency clinic if you notice:

• Resting breathing rate persistently above 30
• Heart rate that is very fast, very slow or irregular with weakness
• Temperature above 104 F (40 C) or below 99 F
• Pale, blue or yellow gums
• Labored breathing or collapse
• Delayed capillary refill

See dog emergency warning signs.

Building your baseline

Measure when your dog is healthy and relaxed, at the same time of day, and record numbers in a notebook. Use a phone timer. Make it a positive routine with treats.

Questions to ask your vet

Ask what normal ranges are for your dog's breed, size and age, whether he has any condition that changes them and which numbers should trigger a call.

Common mistakes

• Measuring after exercise or stress
• Counting panting as breathing rate
• Taking temperature with a glass or non-pet thermometer
• Ignoring gradual changes

Troubleshooting

• My dog will not stay still: try when he is asleep.
• Gums are dark: ask your vet where else to check.
• Numbers seem high: wait until he is calm and recheck.

A simple plan

1. Learn the normal ranges.
2. Record a baseline.
3. Recheck when he seems unwell.
4. Call your vet for abnormal values.

Real-life examples

A Cavalier owner notices resting breaths creeping up and calls the vet early. A shepherd's pale gums lead to a diagnosis of anemia. A terrier's temperature check reveals a fever. Numbers give clues.

Practice makes it easy

A few practice sessions make checks quick and stress-free.

The takeaway

Know your dog's normal and recheck when unwell. Call your vet for abnormal numbers or pale gums.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.