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First
aid for pets
By Chantale Robinson
Biologist Veterinary Technician
Vital Signs of Cats and Dogs • Recognizing
the normal and abnormal vital signs of dogs and cats is the first
step in evaluating if an animal is sick and requires First Aid
and Veterinarian attention. Cats and
dogs normal rectal temperature • Taking
an animal's rectal
temperature is the definite way to know if your pet has a
fever or is in hypothermia. • Use
a rectal pediatric thermometer lubricated with Vaseline. • It
is a misconception to estimate the condition of an animal by
whether its nose is cool or warm. An animal may have a cool nose
and a burning fever of 103 F! + Warm ears
on the other hand can be an indication of fever or freezing ears
an indication of hypothermia.
Normal Temperature: 100.5F -102.5 F (38.0 C- 39.1 C)
Abnormal; Hypothermia (T<37.5 C); Hyperthemia (T>39.1
C) Normal respiratory
rate for dogs and cat Cats
• Cats - 20-30 breaths /minute
• Cats panting - up to 300 pants/minute • Cats
do not usually pant unless they are in a stressful situation
(going to the vets), frightened, in hot weather. They should
not pant for more than a few minutes at a time. If panting persists
and animal cannot return to normal breathing treat as an emergency. Dogs
Puppies 15-40 breaths/minute
Dogs 10-30 breaths/minute
Toy breeds (small dogs) 15-40 breaths/minute
Dogs that are panting - up to 200 pants/minute
Abnormal breathing: * If while
breathing the abdomen is expanding instead of the chest on inhalation
your pet is not breathing normally. You should seek veterinary
care. * Slow or fast
respiratory rate, loud gasping sounds, shallow breathing, or
breathing with mouth open, this is to be treated as an emergency.
Seek veterinary care.
Normal heart rate for dogs and cats
• Cats 110-130- beats/minute
• Puppies 70-120 beats/minute
• Dogs 70-180 beats/minute
• Toy breeds (small dogs) 70-220 beats/minute.
• The normal heart sound should consist of 2 separate beats with a silent
interval between them and a regular rhythm; LUB DUB, LUB TUB (like a drum). If
you have any doubts about your animal's heart or if the heart rate is not normal
treat as an emergency and seek veterinary care.
* The heart rate can also be taken by locating the animal's pulse along the
femoral artery (inner thigh) or under the arm.
Color of gums
-A bright healthy pink color of the gums indicates good blood circulation and
oxygenation going to the tissues.
-Abnormal color of gums : dark red, blue or white gums
How to check the color of your pet's gums
• Lift your pet's upper or lower lip and observe the color of the inner
lip and gums. A healthy animal should have a pink color to the gums. Brick red
or brown, pale light pink, white, yellow or blue colors of the mucous membranes
are colors indicative of an emergency (shock, loss of blood, or anemia).
• Some breeds have dark pigmentation in their inner lips and gums making
observations difficult and misleading. For these dogs check for color by gently
pulling down on the skin just below the eye with your thumb and observe the color
in the inner eyelid.
Capillary Refill Time
* This is a test that indicates the animal's circulatory function or presence
of anemia (Low blood volume)
How to check for CRT
A normal CRT is 1-2 seconds. (press gums with finger and release)
A CRT that is less than 1 second signs of shock or longer than 3 seconds are
indicative of poor blood circulation and an emergency.
Checking for dehydration
Dehydration can easily occur if an animal has been vomiting or has diarrhea.
+ Grasp the skin between the shoulder blades; it should bounce back upon releasing
the skin almost immediately. Skin that takes more than 2 seconds to bounce
back or stands up in the position grasped is a sign of dehydration and in need
of veterinary attention.
© 2001
Chantale Robinson AHT Bsc.
www.kilookas.com © Pets.ca
2003
www.pets.ca
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