Pet First Aid At Home – Checking Vitals
We would drop everything to make our dogs happy. They’re family, right? Whether it’s an extra treat, more time playing fetch, or a cozy new bed, dog parents will pretty much do anything for a wagging tail! But, when it comes to keeping our pooches healthy, we can’t always keep them out of harm’s way. Fortunately, there are a few at-home checks you can do on your dog regularly to make sure you’re not missing any poor health indicators! Read on for some tips on how to check your pup’s vitals from home.
Why?
You know your dog better than anyone else, including how they look, feel, and act. This means you may be able to detect when something in your dog’s health changes, whether it’s subtle or drastic! Performing at-home exams can help you get a good grip on what is normal for your furry friend, and with practice, you’ll be able to tell if something is off and know what to tell a professional in the event your dog needs to be seen. Start slow with some simple observations. Take a mental note of your dog’s usual behaviors, habits, posture, activity, feeding, etc., and practice these tips to get a baseline for your dog’s resting vitals.
Breathing Rate
Normal resting rate for dogs is 10-30 breaths per minute. Observe the ribcage as it rises and falls during a 60 second period. Rapid breathing may indicate underlying issues with circulation or be an indication that Fluffy may be sick or injured.
Taking Doggie Temperature
Being able to take Fido’s temperature is a simple and important step in checking vitals. To do so, use a thermometer, a digital rectal thermometer is most for canine use. Put petroleum jelly on the end of the thermometer to lubricate and gently enter the end about 1 inch into the rectum. Be sure to stay calm and comfort your pup during the temperature taking to keep the situation going smoothly. Normal temperature for dogs runs in the 100-102.5 degree range (Fahrenheit), so anything below or above requires immediate attention!
Checking Pulse and Heart Rate
Knowing how to check your dog’s pulse before a crisis is crucial to potentially saving their life. The best way to check a pulse is the artery within the groin area. This is located around the front of the hind leg where it meets the abdominal wall. You will be able to locate the pulse by moving your fingers gently back and forth. Count how many pulses felt in 15 seconds then multiply the number by 4. You will have your dog’s pulse rate of beats per minute. Obviously, rates may increase as moods change, so a heart rate shouldn’t be your only indicator of a condition. A normal range for a dog’s heart rate varies between 60-160 beats per minute with larger breeds on the lower end of the spectrum and the little guys on the higher end. Your vet can give you an indication for your dog’s healthy normal!
Checking Gums for Dehydration
One way to make sure your dog is at peak hydration is to press a spot on their gums with your index finger. After you let go, within about two seconds, the color should change from a white or pale pink back to pink. If this is the case, your dog is healthy and shows no major health concerns. If your doggo’s gums take longer than two seconds to go back to normal, or if they feel abnormally dry or sticky, your dog may need to be seen by a vet.
By checking your pooch’s basic vitals, you’re 1 step toward making a difference in their life and health! These skills can be essential in times of need and determining what needs to be done for your furball’s safety. Plus, you get bragging rights of being an awesome and caring dog-parent!