Question

Where is the best site for taking the pulse of a dog?

Answer 1

The best site for taking a dog's pulse is the femoral artery, which is located on the inner thigh of the hind leg. The femoral artery is large and easy to feel, and it is close to the surface of the skin. To take a dog's pulse, you will need to:

Calm your dog down. Taking a dog's pulse can be stressful for some dogs, so it is important to calm your dog down before you start. You can do this by petting your dog and talking to him in a soothing voice.

Find the femoral artery. The femoral artery is located on the inner thigh of the hind leg, just behind the dog's elbow.

Feel for the pulse. Place your index and middle finger on the femoral artery and feel for the pulse. The pulse should be strong and regular.

Count the beats. Count the number of beats you feel in 15 seconds and multiply by four to get the heart rate in beats per minute (bpm).

Normal heart rates for dogs vary by breed and size, but in general, they are:

Small dogs: 100 to 140 bpm
Medium dogs: 70 to 120 bpm
Large dogs: 60 to 100 bpm
If your dog's heart rate is too fast or too slow, it is important to consult with a veterinarian.

Here are some additional tips for taking a dog's pulse:

If you have a stethoscope, you can use it to listen to the dog's heart. This can be more accurate than feeling the pulse with your fingers.
If your dog is very restless, you may need to have someone hold him still while you take his pulse.
If you are not sure how to take a dog's pulse, you can ask your veterinarian for help.

Answer 2

The best sites for taking the pulse of a dog are found in various parts of the body such as the head, upper arm, thigh, knees, feet, and wrist or neck. Palpating an artery that runs close to the body surface and using commercial electronic devices are effective methods for measuring a dog's pulse.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best site for taking the pulse of a dog is by palpating an artery that runs close to the body surface and pressing lightly. This procedure is normally performed using the radial artery in the wrist or the common carotid artery in the neck. However, any superficial artery that can be palpated may be used.

Common sites to find a pulse in a dog include temporal and facial arteries in the head, brachial arteries in the upper arm, femoral arteries in the thigh, popliteal arteries behind the knees, posterior tibial arteries near the medial tarsal regions, and dorsalis pedis arteries in the feet. It is also possible to use commercial electronic devices to measure the pulse.