Normal Dog Parameters
Attending to your dog’s wellbeing should include basic knowledge of their normal parameters also known as vital signs. If you can recognise normal vital signs then you will be able to establish when vital signs are abnormal and contact your vet much sooner. This will aid the speed of a potential illness being treated much quicker. Please keep in mind that these normal values for dogs are approximations and do not apply to every dog in every situation. If you have health concerns about your dog, be sure to consult with your Vet for advice.
Temperature
Most digital thermometers are in celsius. It is good practice to have a digital thermometer in your canine first aid kit for whenever you need to check a rectal temperature. Temperature Abnormalities can be: PYREXIA: caused by infections such as infected wounds. HYPERTHERMIA: caused by Hypovolemic Shock. DIPHASIC: caused by Distemper and other neurological conditions. If your dog's temperature is not normal call your vet. Normal temperature for a dog is 38.3 C to 38.7 C.
Pulse
Blood pumped into the Aorta during ventricular contraction creates a wave that travels from the heart to the peripheral arteries. Normal Pulse rate for a dog is: small dog – 100 beats a minute, medium dog – 80 beats a minute and large dog – 50 beats a minute.
Taking a pulse rate – Feel how many pulses you can feel in 15 seconds, times by 4 - this gives you the minute rate. The best place to take a pulse rate from is the Femoral Artery located on the inside of either back leg midthigh region or the heart beat itself located behind the elbow. Pulse Abnormalities can be: raised, lowered, weak or irregular. All require veterinary attention.
Respiration
Respiration is the normal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air and body tissues.
Normal respiration for a dog is 10 to 30 breaths a minute
Abnormal Breathing rates:
- Increased Breathing is called Tachypnoea
- Decreased breathing is called Bradypnea
- Difficulty breathing is called Dyspnoea
Mucous membrane colours
Any discoloration of the mucous membranes (gums) can be a lack of oxygen, blood flow, or dehydration. Always seek Veterinary advice if you notice this with your dogs gums.
The gums can also feel “tacky”, meaning they are dry and sticky, where they should be moist like the inside of your mouth. This, along with discoloration, can indicate an emergency. Take the time to check your dog’s gums frequently. Knowing what they look like on a regular basis. Normal capillary refill time for a dog is 1 to 2 seconds.
Mucous membrane abnormalities: Pale gums caused by anaemia or internal bleeding, Cyanosis caused by lack of oxygen or Jaundice caused by liver issues.
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