How to check a dogs pulse?

Checking a dog’s pulse is a simple skill that can tell you a lot about their immediate wellbeing. As a veterinarian who often works with worried owners at home and in the clinic, I find that teaching this practical check helps people notice problems earlier, manage exercise and heat safely, and feel more confident during an emergency.

Keeping your dog healthy: why checking their pulse matters

Monitoring a dog’s pulse isn’t just a clinical task; it is a useful part of routine wellness checks and a way to build calm handling skills. When you take a moment to feel your dog’s heartbeat, you are both connecting and learning a baseline for what is normal for that individual. I typically see owners pick up subtle trends—higher resting rates after a growth spurt, slower rates after conditioning—that may suggest when a vet visit is warranted.

Pulse checks can also reveal early signs of illness or injury. A sudden, sustained increase in heart rate may suggest fever, pain, dehydration, or even internal bleeding, whereas an unexplained slow or irregular pulse may indicate cardiac issues or toxicity. In many cases, noticing an abnormal pulse at home prompts quicker veterinary assessment.

When planning and assessing exercise, heat exposure, or stressful events (grooming, travel, fireworks), a pulse reading gives objective feedback on how well your dog is tolerating the situation. In emergencies—collapse, heavy bleeding, suspected heatstroke—knowing whether a pulse is present, fast, slow, weak, or absent helps prioritize first aid steps and the urgency of taking your dog to the clinic.

Find the pulse fast — a one-minute method for dog owners

The fastest, most reliable spot to feel a dog’s pulse is the femoral artery on the inside of the thigh, mid-way between the groin and the knee. Another practical option is to place your ear or a stethoscope on the left side of the chest, just behind the elbow, to listen to the heart.

Once you feel or hear the beat, count the beats for 15, 30, or 60 seconds. Multiply a 15-second count by four and a 30-second count by two to estimate beats per minute (bpm). Counting a full 60 seconds gives the most accurate number when you suspect an irregular rhythm. Record the reading along with what the dog was doing beforehand (resting, after play, panting heavily), because context matters.

Resting heart-rate ranges vary by size: small or toy breeds and puppies tend to run higher—roughly 100–160 bpm—while medium dogs commonly fall in a range roughly 80–120 bpm, and large or giant breeds often rest lower, roughly 60–100 bpm. These are approximate ranges; individual dogs may normally sit above or below them. Immediate veterinary attention is suggested if you find an extremely fast rate for your dog’s size (for example, rates substantially above the ranges above), an abnormally slow rate, an irregular/very weak pulse, or if abnormal pulse is paired with pale or blue gums, trouble breathing, collapse, or severe lethargy.

What your dog’s pulse can reveal about their overall health

Feeling a pulse is detecting the mechanical wave created when the heart ejects blood into the arteries. Heart rate is how often the heart contracts per minute; pulse rate is how often you feel that contraction at a peripheral artery. Rhythm describes the pattern—regular, regularly irregular, or chaotic—and rhythm abnormalities may exist even when the rate seems normal.

Pulse quality carries meaning beyond the number. A strong, bounding pulse typically reflects good cardiac output or high sympathetic drive, while a weak or “thready” pulse may suggest low blood pressure or poor cardiac output, which is concerning in sick dogs. Cardiac output—the volume of blood the heart pumps each minute—is the product of heart rate and stroke volume, so changes in pulse can reflect changes in either component and therefore in tissue oxygen delivery.

The autonomic nervous system modulates rate and rhythm. Sympathetic stimulation (stress, exercise, pain) tends to raise heart rate and make pulses stronger; parasympathetic tone (rest, relaxation, certain vagal responses) tends to slow the heart. Pulse, breathing rate, and activity level are usually linked: panting and fast breathing often accompany an elevated pulse, while slow respirations are more likely with a lower pulse at rest.

What causes a dog’s pulse to change: common triggers and scenarios

Expect the pulse to rise during exercise, excitement, and heat exposure; these are normal and usually revert to baseline with rest. Pain and fear commonly raise heart rate. Fever drives up the rate as the body’s metabolic demand increases. Dehydration and early shock may produce an initially rapid, often weak pulse that becomes slower as perfusion worsens.

Certain medical conditions lower or alter pulse: some heart diseases, electrolyte imbalances, and specific infections may slow or disrupt rhythm. Many drugs affect heart rate—sedatives, beta-blockers, certain pain medications, and some anti-arrhythmic agents—so medication history matters when interpreting a reading. Puppies and seniors often have different normal ranges: puppies typically run higher, while very fit, athletic dogs may have unusually low resting rates that are normal for them.

When to worry: pulse patterns that require urgent attention

Not every variation from a textbook number is an emergency, but some findings should prompt urgent veterinary evaluation. A markedly high heart rate for the dog’s size—values much higher than the approximate ranges mentioned—especially if persistent, may suggest pain, fever, shock, or toxins. For example, a small dog with a persistent rate over about 180 bpm or a large dog over about 140–160 bpm is concerning and should be discussed with a vet or emergency clinic promptly.

Equally worrying is a very low rate (bradycardia) accompanied by weakness, fainting, or collapse. Rates that are unusually low for a breed—say, under roughly 40–60 bpm in larger dogs—may reflect conduction system disease, drug effects, or other serious issues. Irregular pulses, pulses that are weak or hard to detect, or a pulse that doesn’t match the heartbeat you hear with a stethoscope (a pulse deficit) may indicate arrhythmia or poor cardiac output and warrant urgent assessment.

Always look at the whole dog. If pulse abnormalities appear with pale, white, or blue-tinged gums, difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting, sudden lethargy, or collapse, proceed to emergency care without delay. In situations like severe trauma, heavy bleeding, or suspected heatstroke, rapid assessment and transport are critical even if the pulse is present but weak.

How to check your dog’s pulse — a clear, hands-on guide

1. Find a calm moment and position your dog comfortably—lying on their side or standing if they tolerate it—so you can reach the inner thigh or chest without strain. Short, calm reassurance helps; avoid forcing a struggling dog into a position.
2. To feel the femoral pulse: place your fingertips (not the thumb) in the groove of the inner thigh, mid-way between the groin and the knee. Apply gentle pressure until you detect a rhythmic thump. If you don’t feel it, try the other leg or move to the chest.
3. To auscultate the heart: use a stethoscope placed on the left chest, just behind the point of the elbow. Listen for clear lub-dub sounds (the two main heart sounds) and note rhythm and strength.
4. Count beats for 15, 30, or 60 seconds. Multiply appropriately to get bpm, but if rhythm seems irregular, count for the full 60 seconds. Repeat once or twice to confirm.
5. Record the rate and the context (resting, just after play, panting, stressed). If the reading is outside typical ranges for your dog’s size or the pulse is weak, irregular, or difficult to find, call your veterinarian for advice and consider urgent evaluation if accompanied by other worrying signs.

Calming and training your dog so pulse checks go smoothly

Like any handling skill, pulse checks are easiest when the dog is accustomed to touch. Short, frequent sessions that pair gentle handling of the chest and inner thighs with high-value treats teach dogs to tolerate and even enjoy the contact. Start with a gentle touch for a few seconds, reward, and build up to feeling for a pulse.

Introduce the stethoscope gradually: let the dog sniff the instrument, press it lightly to the chest while giving treats, and add longer pauses of calm listening over weeks. Practice during quiet times so your dog learns that this contact predicts positive outcomes. For larger or anxious dogs, a calming mat, low-stress restraint using a towel or a second person, and slow, predictable movements reduce tension.

Also rehearse emergency handling in a calm way: lift a paw briefly and reward, place a towel over the dog for a moment, or mimic placing a muzzle (a soft muzzle should only be used if never frightening and only to prevent bites). These steps can make real emergencies easier for both of you.

Safe tools and equipment to assist with pulse monitoring

A clear timer is essential: use a watch with a second hand or a smartphone timer that is visible while you feel the pulse. For more consistent assessments, a basic veterinary stethoscope is inexpensive and effective; it makes it easier to distinguish heart sounds and rhythm, particularly in anxious or panting dogs.

Bring along high-value, small treats to reward calm behavior during checks. A calming mat or familiar blanket provides a secure surface and can reduce anxiety. For larger dogs or those who resist handling, keep a towel handy for gentle, supportive control—wrapping a towel around the chest and shoulders can help stabilize the dog without causing panic.

Trusted experts: veterinarians, guidelines and when to seek help

For general pet-health guidance and client education, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) publishes practical resources about monitoring vital signs and first aid. The Merck Veterinary Manual provides detailed, peer-reviewed chapters on cardiovascular anatomy, arrhythmias, and common heart conditions in dogs. For advanced interpretation and treatment of cardiac disease, consensus statements and resources from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) cardiology specialists are useful; your primary veterinarian and local emergency clinic can help you access cardiology expertise and diagnostics if needed.

References and further reading

• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): “Monitoring your pet’s vital signs” — client education resources on pulse, respiration, and temperature.
• Merck Veterinary Manual: “Cardiovascular System — Canine” and chapters on arrhythmias and heart failure (Merck Vet Manual: Cardiomyopathies and Arrhythmias in Dogs).
• American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM): consensus statements and owner-facing summaries from ACVIM cardiology specialists on diagnosis and management of canine heart disease.
• Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook (section on cardiovascular drug effects): guidance on medication effects on heart rate and rhythm for owners discussing medications with vets.
• Local veterinary hospital emergency protocols and client handouts: many clinics provide region-specific guidance on recognizing life-threatening signs like collapse, pale gums, and trouble breathing.