Normal ranges for vital parameters are listed below. You will find slight variation in different references for these vital parameters. It is important to note that context will influence vital parameters – hot environments will increase temperature, excitement and stress will increase heart & respiratory rates, for example, without necessarily indicating pathology.

Tips:

• When calculating heart and respiratory rates, it is common to count the number of beats (or breaths) in 10 seconds, and multiply by 6 to get the per minute rate.
• Pulse rate can be obtained by palpating the femoral pulse, and this should match the heart rate on palpation or auscultation.
• Respiratory rate can be obtained by observing the thorax rise and fall (1 breath) or ausculting over part of the lungs for one inhale and exhale (1 breath).

You’ll check vital signs throughout your examination, but here is a quick reference of some common vital parameters you need to know in dogs & cats:

Hydration assessment can be performed at the onset of the exam: