K9 Vital Signs, Made Simple
A fast-reference guide to help you read your dog’s health at a glance.
Core K9 Vital Signs
Use these baseline ranges as a quick field reference. Always compare readings against your dog’s normal behavior, activity level, temperature exposure, and current condition.
Heart Rate
60–140 bpm
Varies by size, conditioning, stress, age, and activity.
Respiratory Rate
10–30/min
Best checked while calm, resting, and not panting.
Temperature
100–102.5°F
Elevated readings may occur with heat stress, illness, or exertion.
CRT
< 2 sec
Capillary refill time helps assess circulation and perfusion.
Gums
Pink / Moist
Pale, blue, gray, or tacky gums may indicate concern.
Emergency Triggers: Seek Veterinary Care Immediately
- Collapse or unconsciousness
- Seizures
- Severe respiratory distress
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Suspected toxin exposure
- Blue, gray, or non-responsive gum color
Continue exploring
Find the right K9 health guide
Search the complete library or browse by topic for more detailed, source-cited guidance.