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How do you take your dog's pulse?

To read your dog’s heart rate, place your pointer and middle fingers against your dog's inner upper thigh, which is where the femoral artery is located. 

Another place you can get a reading is on the left side of your dog’s chest behind their elbow.

Feel around until you find the pulse. Set a timer for 30 seconds and count the number of beats, then multiply by two to calculate their heart rate. 

For small dogs, a normal pulse rate is between 90 and 160 beats per minute. Large dogs have a slower average heart rate between 65 and 90 beats per minute.
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Pet Poison Control Hotline
A consultation fee may apply

ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435

Pet Poison Hotline: (800) 213-6680

Important side note
on pet toxicities

During COVID, as people introduced new substances into their homes, such as baker’s yeast, paint, and vitamin D3, pet poisonings notably increased. Keep your pet safe by avoiding these highly toxic household products.

  • Over-the-counter drugs of all sorts (painkillers, cold medications, dietary supplements, etc.)
  • Insecticides
  • Household plants
  • Household cleaners (including hand sanitizer)
  • Heavy metal including lead, zinc and mercury
  • Fertilizers and other garden-related products
  • Automotive chemicals including antifreeze which is one of the most highly poisonous substances

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Pet Poison Control Hotline
A consultation fee may apply

ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435

Pet Poison Hotline: (800) 213-6680

Important side note
on pet toxicities

During COVID, as people introduced new substances into their homes, such as baker’s yeast, paint, and vitamin D3, pet poisonings notably increased. Keep your pet safe by avoiding these highly toxic household products.

  • Over-the-counter drugs of all sorts (painkillers, cold medications, dietary supplements, etc.)
  • Insecticides
  • Household plants
  • Household cleaners (including hand sanitizer)
  • Heavy metal including lead, zinc and mercury
  • Fertilizers and other garden-related products
  • Automotive chemicals including antifreeze which is one of the most highly poisonous substances