How to Take a Dog's Respiration

Dogs average 10 to 30 breaths per minute. Calculating the resting respiration rate is a simple procedure dog owners can perform at home. The respiration rate is one of three vital signs dog owners should monitor along with heart rate and temperature. It is important to establish a baseline value for a healthy dog. The baseline value can then be used for future comparison should your dog exhibit respiratory symptoms. The average respiration rate does vary depending upon the age, health and breed of a dog.

Things You'll Need

  • Watch with a second hand
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Instructions

  1. Instructions

    • 1

      Place dog in a down position. Dog should be calm and relaxed.

    • 2
      Count breaths with wrist watch or stopwatch.

      Position dog so the ribcage can be easily observed.

    • 3

      Locate second hand on watch to begin counting breaths.

    • 4

      Count one breath each time the ribcage expands and contracts for 30 seconds.

    • 5

      Multiply the number of breaths by 2. This number equals the respiration rate per minute.