The pulse is a measure of the heart rate, and it can be taken by feeling the animal's heart beating against the chest wall. The pulse can be counted in beats per minute (bpm).
To count the pulse, gently place your index and middle fingers on the animal's chest wall, just behind the elbow. You should feel the heart beating against your fingers. Count the number of beats you feel in 15 seconds, then multiply that number by 4 to get the heart rate in bpm.
Normal pulse rates for dogs and cats:
| Species | Age | Normal Pulse Rate (bpm) |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs | Puppies | 120-160 bpm |
| Dogs | Adults | 60-120 bpm |
| Cats | Kittens | 150-200 bpm |
| Cats | Adults | 110-140 bpm |
Counting Respirations in Veterinary Medicine
Respirations are the breaths that an animal takes in and out. The respiration rate can be counted by watching the animal's chest rise and fall. The respiration rate can be counted in breaths per minute (brpm).
To count the respirations, watch the animal's chest for 15 seconds, then multiply that number by 4 to get the respiration rate in brpm.
Normal respiration rates for dogs and cats:
| Species | Age | Normal Respiration Rate (brpm) |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs | Puppies | 15-30 brpm |
| Dogs | Adults | 10-30 brpm |
| Cats | Kittens | 20-40 brpm |
| Cats | Adults | 15-30 brpm |
Tips for Counting Pulse and Respirations in Veterinary Medicine
* If the animal is moving around or is stressed, it may be difficult to get an accurate pulse or respiration rate. Try to find a quiet, comfortable place to count the pulse and respirations.
* If you are unable to feel the pulse, you can try using a stethoscope to listen to the heartbeat.
* If you are unable to see the animal's chest rising and falling, you can try placing your hand on the animal's chest to feel the breaths.