ASR- Lesson 1- Obtaining Vital Signs on Dogs and Cats
The main vital signs heart/pulse rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature are routinely monitored by veterinarians to detect or monitor medical problems in pets. It’s important to know how to take an animal’s vital signs and know what is considered normal vs abnormal for a pet. Vital signs can help people determine if an animal is sick and if they may need to bring the animal to the vet. Veterinary staff can sometimes evaluate the pet’s condition on the telephone after the pet owner or caregiver reports the vital signs. We suggest practicing taking the vital signs of your pet, while your pet is healthy. Then you’ll be able to do it quickly and expertly if an injury or illness strikes.
HEART RATE:
Dog: Normal = 60 – 140 beats/minute dependent on size – normal values for canine heart rates depend on their size. A heart rate of 140 may be normal in a Yorkshire terrier but would be abnormal for a Mastiff.
Cat: Normal = 160 – 240 beats/minute. Trends should be monitored over a period of time when nursing critical patients. A change in a patient’s heart rate may indicate an issue.
PULSES: Normal pulses are strong and regular. The pulse is the difference between the systolic and diastolic pressures. A strong pulse may not mean the patient has an adequate blood pressure. Pulses are located on the inside of the thigh (femoral), the top of the foot (pedal), or the underside of the tail. The pulse strength helps you evaluate perfusion. The pulse will deteriorate with worsening shock, dehydration, or heart function. Normal pulses are steady and even, beating in a constant pattern with the same strength to each beat and will disappear under moderate pressure. An irregular pulse may be due to sinus arrhythmia or heart disease. Weak pulses are slightly stronger than thready pulses and will disappear with light pressure. A weak pulse signifies a decreased difference between systolic and diastolic pressure that may be due to low cardiac output. Thready pulses are not easily felt, and may feel like a small fine thread under the finger and will disappear with slight pressure. A bounding pulse feels full and spring-like on palpation and will not disappear under moderate pressure. A bounding pulse may be due to low peripheral resistance, increased cardiac output, and increased stroke volume.
BREATHING: Observe if the patient is breathing and if they are breathing effectively. Note if there is any extra effort taken. Determine if there is a need for supplemental oxygen. Listen to the lungs sounds. Listen to different areas to see if the sounds are different. See if the patient’s head and neck are extended or the elbows are abducted. Check the color of the mucous membranes and the capillary refill time. Note any abnormal signs/sounds. Respiratory distress may present with no chest wall movement, nasal flaring, open mouth breathing, head and neck extension, exaggerated effort, and paradoxical breathing.
The respiratory rate and effort are a sign of how well the patient is breathing and can be an indicator of non-pulmonary problems such as pain or hyperthermia. Monitor the patient for changes in their respiratory rate or effort. These changes can be life threatening.
RESPIRATION: Normal = 15 – 40 breaths/minute with no visible effort.
MUCOUS MEMBRANE COLOR: Normal = pink
CAPILLARY REFILL TIME (CRT): Normal = 1-2 seconds
Mucous membrane color and capillary refill time (CRT) serve to evaluate perfusion, oxygenation, and some underlying diseases. Mucous membrane color is assessed by lifting up the upper lip and quickly pressing on the gums with your finger to push the blood out of the tissue, then removing your finger and counting the number of seconds it takes for the color to return. This should normally take 1 to 2 seconds.
BODY TEMPERATURE: Normal = 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit
Necessary first aid supplies needed to take vital signs:
Pet safe thermometer (supplies in our deluxe pet first aid kit)
Optional: Stethoscope. These are helpful to take the animal’s heart rate, listen to lung sounds and more. To purchase a quality veterinary-approved stethoscope click here.