Normal vital signs

Normal Canine Vital Signs

Temperature* Heart Rate Respiration Rate
99.5 – 102.5 deg. F [37.5 – 39.2 deg. C]
Small breeds tend to have higher normal temperatures than large breeds.
Adult/Lg.Breed: 80- 120 beats per minute
Puppies: 120 – 140 beats per minute
15 – 30 breaths per minute
*Note: Temperatures will normally fluctuate over the course of the day. The following may increase body temperature: Time of day (pm), food intake, muscular activity, approaching estrus, during gestation, high external temperatures. The following may decrease temperature: intake of large quantities of cool fluids, time of day (am), and low atmospheric temperature.