Basic Pet First Aid: How to Check Your Pet’s Vital Signs

(Part 1 of the series.)

Knowing how to check your pet’s vital signs is one of the most important first steps in pet first aid. These basic indicators can help you quickly assess if your pet is in distress and whether emergency action is needed.

Here’s a simple, non-brand-biased guide that every pet parent should know — no certification required. Just a desire to learn and be prepared is all you need.

🐾 1. Heart Rate (Pulse)

Normal ranges:

• Dogs: 60–140 beats per minute (varies by size and breed)
• Cats: 140–220 beats per minute

How to check:

• Gently place your fingers on the inside of the thigh near the groin to feel the femoral artery pulsing.
• Count the pulses/beats for 15 seconds, then multiply by 4 or count for a full minute.

⚠️ A heart rate too fast, too slow, or irregular could be a sign of distress, pain, or shock.

🐾 2. Respiratory Rate

Normal ranges:

• Dogs: 10–35 breaths per minute
• Cats: 20–30 breaths per minute

How to check:

• Watch your pet’s chest rise and fall. If you can't see it, gently place a hand on the side of the chest.
• Count each breath (in + out) for 15 seconds, multiply by 4 or count for a full minute.
• Note the quality of each breath. Is it easy, regular, and comfortable? or does your pet appear to be having trouble and showing fast respirations, shallow breathing, and/or open mouth breathing(panting)?

⚠️ Labored breathing, shallow breaths, or panting at rest may indicate serious issues.

🐾 3. Temperature

Normal body temperature:

• Dogs & Cats: 100.0°F to 102.5°F

How to check:

• Use a digital rectal thermometer (ALWAYS lubricated).
• Gently insert about 1 inch and wait for a reading.

⚠️ A temp over 103°F = fever; under 99°F = possible shock or hypothermia.

Always use care when attempting to take a temperature! Most pets do NOT like this and will struggle. Be sure to speak calmly and get help holding onto your pet, if necessary. Do NOT force and NEVER do this if you are uncomfortable!

🐾 4. Capillary Refill Time (CRT)

What it is:

• Measures blood flow and hydration.

How to check:

• Gently lift your pet’s upper lip and press on the gums with a finger until it turns white.
• Release and count how long it takes to return to pink.

Normal CRT: Under 2 seconds.

⚠️ Delayed refill time may signal dehydration or circulatory problems.

.🐾 5. Gum Color(typically part of the CRT assessment)

• Healthy: Pink and moist
• Concerning: Pale, white, blue/purple, yellow, or brick red

⚠️ Abnormal gum color can indicate poor oxygenation, liver problems, or internal bleeding.

Final Thoughts

Checking your pet’s vitals should take less than a minute and can give you critical insight into their health — especially in emergencies.

Any abnormal findings should be reported to your veterinarian as soon as possible, especially if there are other visible signs of distress, discomfort, and/or trauma, etc.|

It is always a good idea to PRACTICE on your pet to get them used to being touched/handled in a certain way. Always offer a treat or reward when they cooperate(and even if they don't!). That way they will associate it with a pleasant treat/reward and will not struggle or fight each time you attempt it. If necessary, take baby steps until you both are comfortable. Note the normal values while your pet is healthy. Do not wait until an emergency happens to try to figure it out! Always try to be prepared.

REMEMBER: Do NOT attempt to do ANYTHING if you are uncomfortable or nervous. Your pet will sense your energy and can resist. You do not want to be bitten nor do you want to cause undue stress or trauma to your pet! Make it pleasant for both of you.

Next up in the series:

👉 "How to Build a Pet First-Aid Kit"

Stay safe, stay informed — and remember, you’re your pet’s first responder.