Normal values
| Sign | Dog | Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature (rectal) | 38.0 to 39.2°C | 38.0 to 39.2°C |
| Heart rate (resting, per minute) | Large 60 to 100; small 80 to 130 | 140 to 180 (up to 220 when stressed) |
| Breathing (resting, per minute) | 10 to 30 | 20 to 30 |
| Breathing (asleep, per minute) | Under 30 | Under 30 |
| Gum colour | Pink | Pink |
| Capillary refill time | Under 2 seconds | Under 2 seconds |
How to check
- Temperature: lubricate a digital thermometer, lift the tail and insert gently (about 2 to 3 cm in dogs, 1 to 2 cm in cats and small dogs).
- Heart rate: place your hand on the left chest just behind the elbow, or feel the pulse on the inner thigh; count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4.
- Breathing: while asleep, count each rise and fall of the chest for 30 seconds and double it.
- Gums: lift the lip and check they are pink; press with a finger and the colour should return within 2 seconds.
- Dehydration: lift the skin at the scruff; if it does not spring back straight away, your pet may be dehydrated.
Come in immediately if
Any of these: call 2126 7440 now.
- Temperature 40.5°C or higher, or below 37.5°C
- Pale, blue or yellow gums, or refill time over 2 seconds
- More than 40 breaths a minute asleep, or a cat breathing with its mouth open
- Very fast, slow or irregular heartbeat with weakness or collapse
- Normal numbers but very dull, unresponsive or unable to stand
Never give human fever medicines: paracetamol is fatal to cats.