“Vital signs” refer to a handful of important medical systems, such as heart rate and temperature, that are good indicators of your pet’s overall health. A pet with normal vital signs is generally considered “stable” or not in immediate danger – they may still need to see a veterinarian, but not rush to an ER. Abnormal vital signs can be an indication of a serious health problem, and you should contact us if you notice them.
Mucous Membranes
Your pet’s “mucous membranes” (the skin inside their mouth, including their tongue and gums) should be pink and moist. If your pet’s gums are dark (bright red or brown-tinted), light (pale pink or white), or blue/grey-tinted, contact a veterinarian.
Note: Some pets will naturally have spotted or black mucus membranes, which can make telling the color more difficult.
Heart Rate
Your pet’s heart rate can be felt by placing your hand or fingers where your pet’s elbow meets their chest, or where their inner thigh meets their abdomen. Count the number of beats you feel for 15 seconds and multiply that number x4 to get their beats per minute. A very high or very low heartrate may require medical attention. Check your pet’s heartrate while they are healthy and resting first to know what it normal for them:
- Dogs: 60-120 beats per minute (can be higher in small dogs and puppies, and lower in large dogs)
- Cats: 160-200 beats per minute (can be higher in kittens)
Respiratory Rate
Your pet’s respiratory rate, or breaths taken per minute, can be calculated by placing your hand against their ribcage. Count how many breaths they take in 15 seconds and multiply that number x4 to get their respiratory rate for one minute. A very high or very low respiratory rate may require medical attention.
Check your pet’s respiratory rate while they are healthy and resting first to know what it normal for them:
- Dogs and cats: 15-30 breaths per minute (can be higher in puppies/kittens and small dogs, and can be lower in large dogs)
Behavior
Your pet’s behavior may also be a good indicator that something is wrong. If your pet is suddenly acting very out of character, it may be due to pain, discomfort, or a neurologic problem. While not necessarily an immediate emergency, you should contact your veterinarian if you notice that your pet is acting strange, such as:
- A friendly pet who is suddenly growling or trying to bite at people or housemates
- Hiding under furniture or in small places, refusing to come out
- Standing with a hunched posture, trembling, or being reluctant to move
- Extremely tired or sluggish
- Refusing to eat food or drink water
- Seeming confused, dazed, or “out of it,” not recognizing familiar people or places
If you’re concerned that one of your pet’s vital signs is abnormal, please contact a veterinary hospital to discuss or bring your pet directly to an emergency hospital for triage.