Dog Resting Heart Rate Calculator

Dog Heart Rate – The Real Numbers

Normal canine heart rate varies dramatically by size. A toy breed’s resting rate is nearly double a giant breed’s. Understanding your dog’s normal range matters for early detection of cardiac and systemic illness.

Normal Resting Heart Rate by Size

Athletic dogs (Greyhounds, working breeds) often have lower baseline (40-70 bpm) due to cardiac fitness — normal for them.

Questions This Calculator Answers

• “What is a normal heart rate for my dog?” – Size-specific with age adjustments
• “How do I check my dog’s heart rate?” – Femoral pulse or apex beat technique
• “What does sinus arrhythmia mean?” – Normal HR variation with breathing in dogs
• “Is my dog’s heart rate too slow?” – Bradycardia threshold + causes
• “Is my dog’s heart rate too fast?” – Tachycardia threshold + causes
• “Should I worry about an irregular heartbeat?” – Distinguish benign sinus arrhythmia from pathological
• “What heart rate is dangerous?” – Severe thresholds
• “How does heart rate change during sleep?” – Drops 20-30%
• “Why is my dog’s heart racing?” – Stress, pain, fever, dehydration, illness

How to Measure at Home

Method 1: Femoral Pulse (Most Common)

1. Have dog lying on side or standing calmly
2. Place 2-3 fingers in groin area (inside of thigh where leg meets body)
3. Press gently; feel pulsation of femoral artery
4. Count beats for 15 seconds × 4 = bpm; OR count for full 60 seconds for accuracy

Method 2: Apex Beat (Chest)

1. Place hand flat on left side of chest just behind elbow
2. Feel heartbeat through chest wall
3. Count for 15 sec × 4 or 60 sec
4. Works well in small/thin dogs

Best Conditions

• Dog calm and resting (not just after exercise)
• Quiet environment
• Lying down
• Before meals
• Same time of day for consistency

Sinus Arrhythmia – Normal in Dogs

Sinus arrhythmia is a normal variation where heart rate INCREASES during inhalation and DECREASES during exhalation. Caused by vagal tone variation with breathing.

• NORMAL in dogs (especially small/medium breeds)
• NOT NORMAL in cats
• Sounds irregular but reassuring on physical exam

Concerning arrhythmias (need ECG diagnosis):

• Atrial fibrillation – rapid irregular; common in giant breeds especially Dobermans with DCM
• Ventricular premature contractions
• AV block
• Sinus arrest

Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate) – Causes

• Athletic fitness – Greyhound, sled dog, working breed baseline
• Hypothermia
• Hypothyroidism – generalized slowdown
• Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) – Mini Schnauzer, Cocker
• AV block
• Hyperkalemia – Addison’s disease, urinary obstruction
• Increased intracranial pressure – head trauma, tumor (Cushing reflex)
• Terminal illness
• Medications – beta-blockers (atenolol), calcium channel blockers, digoxin overdose

Tachycardia (Fast Heart Rate) – Causes

• Anxiety/stress at vet – MOST COMMON false-positive
• Pain
• Fever – HR rises ~10 bpm per 0.5°C above normal
• Dehydration
• Anemia – compensatory tachycardia
• Hyperthyroidism – rare in dogs (common in cats)
• Heart disease – MMVD, DCM, congenital
• Shock – hypovolemic, septic, cardiogenic
• Sepsis
• Hypoglycemia
• Atrial fibrillation – rapid irregular; Doberman DCM classic
• Medications – sympathomimetics, theophylline

Combined HR + RRR Monitoring – Heart Disease Gold Standard

For dogs with known heart disease, tracking BOTH heart rate AND resting respiratory rate (RRR) while sleeping is gold standard for early CHF detection.

RRR While Sleeping Thresholds

Combined HR + RRR elevation + lethargy + cough = likely CHF.

EPIC Trial (Boswood 2016)

Pimobendan at MMVD Stage B2 delays CHF onset ~15 months. Home RRR monitoring catches early CHF, allowing intervention.

Breeds That Need Routine HR/RRR Monitoring

MMVD Predisposed

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (over 90% MMVD by age 10)
• Mini Poodle, Dachshund, Chihuahua, Yorkie, Pomeranian

DCM Predisposed

• Doberman (DCM classic – 25-50% lifetime)
• Boxer (ARVC + DCM)
• Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, St Bernard
• German Shepherd, Cocker Spaniel

Congenital

• Bulldog (subaortic stenosis, pulmonary stenosis)

Emergency Heart Rate Red Flags

• Severe bradycardia (under 40 bpm large dog, under 60 toy/small) + weakness/collapse
• Severe tachycardia (over 220 bpm at rest) + distress
• Sudden arrhythmia (not sinus arrhythmia)
• Collapse / syncope
• Blue/grey gums (cyanosis)
• Breathing distress
• Unable to stand

Call emergency vet – some arrhythmias rapidly fatal.

Conclusion

Normal canine heart rate varies dramatically by size – toy 90-160 bpm vs giant 50-110 bpm. Sinus arrhythmia is normal (HR up on inhale, down on exhale). Sleeping HR drops 20-30%. Bradycardia has many causes from athletic fitness to AV block to Addison’s. Tachycardia most often stress at vet, but also pain, fever, dehydration, heart disease, sepsis. For known heart disease breeds (Cavalier MMVD, Doberman DCM), daily home HR + RRR monitoring is gold standard for early CHF detection – pimobendan at Stage B2 delays CHF ~15 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a normal heart rate for a dog?

DEPENDS ON SIZE AND AGE. Normal resting heart rate ranges for ADULT DOGS (awake, calm): TOY breeds (<5 kg) – 90-160 bpm; SMALL (5-10 kg) – 80-150 bpm; MEDIUM (10-25 kg) – 70-140 bpm; LARGE (25-40 kg) – 60-130 bpm; GIANT (>40 kg) – 50-110 bpm. SMALLER dogs have FASTER heart rates than larger dogs – inverse relationship between body size and heart rate. AGE ADJUSTMENTS: PUPPIES add 20-40 bpm to adult range (more rapid metabolism, smaller heart); SENIORS subtract 10 bpm (slower metabolism, reduced cardiac fitness sometimes). SLEEPING heart rate drops 20-30% lower than awake – dog at deep rest has dramatically slower HR. EXAMPLES: 10 kg Beagle awake 80-150 bpm, sleeping 55-120 bpm; 30 kg Lab awake 60-130 bpm, sleeping 40-100 bpm; 5 kg Yorkie awake 90-160 bpm, sleeping 60-130 bpm. ATHLETIC DOGS often have LOWER baseline: 1) GREYHOUNDS 40-50 bpm common; 2) Sled dogs (Husky, Malamute) 50-70 bpm; 3) Working dogs (Border Collie, Aussie) 60-80 bpm; 4) Very fit pet dogs may have low normal; 5) This reflects superior cardiac fitness – not pathology; 6) These dogs handle exertion well, recover quickly. HOW TO MEASURE at home: 1) FEMORAL PULSE – 2-3 fingers in groin area (inside thigh where leg meets body), feel pulsation, count 15 sec x4 or 60 sec; 2) APEX BEAT – hand flat on LEFT side of chest just behind elbow, feel heartbeat through chest wall. CONDITIONS for accurate measurement: dog calm and resting (not post-exercise), quiet environment, lying down, before meals, same time daily. AT VET: heart rate often elevated 20-40 bpm above home baseline due to stress (‘white coat hypertension’); don’t trust single elevated reading; ask vet to re-check after dog settles or measure at home. WHEN TO INVESTIGATE: 1) Consistently above or below expected range; 2) Sudden change from baseline; 3) Concurrent signs (lethargy, cough, exercise intolerance, weakness); 4) Heart murmur present; 5) Known cardiac disease – track DAILY HR + RRR (resting respiratory rate sleeping) – over 40/min RRR sleeping = early CHF warning.

How do I check my dog’s pulse?

TWO RELIABLE METHODS for measuring dog heart rate at home. METHOD 1 – FEMORAL PULSE (most common): 1. Have dog LYING ON SIDE or standing calmly; 2. KNEEL beside dog facing their belly side; 3. Use NON-DOMINANT hand to support dog; 4. With DOMINANT hand, place 2-3 fingers (NOT thumb – has its own pulse) in the GROIN AREA – inside of thigh where leg meets body; 5. PRESS GENTLY – too much pressure obscures pulse; 6. FEEL FOR PULSATION of femoral artery – rhythmic beat; 7. May take 10-30 seconds to find; 8. COUNT BEATS for 15 SECONDS x 4 = bpm; OR for accuracy count 60 SECONDS continuously; 9. RECORD result. METHOD 2 – APEX BEAT (CHEST): 1. Have dog standing or lying on right side (so left chest is up); 2. PLACE FLAT HAND on LEFT SIDE of chest just behind ELBOW; 3. FEEL FOR HEARTBEAT through chest wall – vibration with each beat; 4. WORKS BEST in small/thin/short-coated dogs; 5. Less reliable in obese, large, or thick-coated dogs (Bernese, Husky); 6. Count 15 sec x 4 or 60 sec. METHOD 3 – STETHOSCOPE (most accurate): 1. Cheap stethoscope available $10-30; 2. Place on LEFT side chest behind elbow; 3. Listen for clear ‘lub-dub’ beats; 4. Count beats per minute; 5. Can detect murmurs and arrhythmias by trained ear. TIPS FOR ACCURATE READINGS: 1) DOG MUST BE CALM AND RESTING – not after exercise; 2) QUIET ENVIRONMENT – no other animals or distractions; 3) SAME LOCATION daily for consistency; 4) SAME TIME OF DAY – morning before meal often easiest; 5) MULTIPLE READINGS – take 3 readings, average; 6) PRACTICE during routine handling to build dog comfort; 7) RECORD in app or notebook for trend tracking. SIGNS OF GOOD MEASUREMENT: 1) Clear rhythmic pulse felt; 2) Number matches with breathing rate observation; 3) Consistent results across multiple counts; 4) Within normal range for size. POOR MEASUREMENT signs: 1) Pulse felt with finger thumb (own pulse); 2) Dog stressed/moving (false high); 3) Just after exercise (false high); 4) Right after meal (false high); 5) Can’t find pulse – try other side or larger dogs. WHEN TO MEASURE: 1) MONTHLY routine check; 2) WEEKLY if known heart disease; 3) DAILY if recent diagnosis or treatment change; 4) PRE-VET visit to compare with vet reading; 5) IF CONCERNED about symptoms. NORMAL RANGES adult awake: toy 90-160 bpm, small 80-150, medium 70-140, large 60-130, giant 50-110. SLEEPING 20-30% lower.

Is sinus arrhythmia normal in dogs?

YES – SINUS ARRHYTHMIA IS NORMAL AND COMMON in dogs. WHAT IT IS: a normal variation in heart rate where heart rate INCREASES DURING INHALATION and DECREASES DURING EXHALATION. Sounds irregular when listened to but is REASSURING. MECHANISM: 1) VAGAL TONE varies with breathing cycle; 2) During INSPIRATION – vagal tone decreases, heart rate increases (faster); 3) During EXPIRATION – vagal tone increases, heart rate decreases (slower); 4) Creates rhythmic variation correlated with breaths; 5) More pronounced in calm, relaxed dogs; 6) Less pronounced in stressed or excited dogs (sympathetic override). HOW IT FEELS/SOUNDS: 1) Heart rate accelerates and decelerates noticeably; 2) Pattern repeats with each breath cycle; 3) Sometimes 5-10 bpm variation, sometimes 30+ bpm; 4) Beats themselves regular within phases (regular fast then regular slow). NORMAL IN: 1) DOGS (especially calm, relaxed dogs); 2) Common in small to medium breeds; 3) Brachycephalic breeds prominently; 4) Athletic dogs (high vagal tone). NOT NORMAL IN: 1) CATS (different autonomic control); 2) DOGS WITH HEART FAILURE – sinus arrhythmia often DISAPPEARS in dogs with CHF (sympathetic drive overrides vagal influence); 3) ABSENCE of sinus arrhythmia in a calm dog may suggest cardiac disease. WHY VET COMMENTS ON IT: 1) During physical exam, hearing irregular but rhythmic pattern; 2) Reassuring sign of normal autonomic function; 3) Differential from pathological arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation, frequent VPCs); 4) Sometimes documented in medical record as ‘sinus arrhythmia, normal’. CONCERNING ARRHYTHMIAS (NOT sinus arrhythmia) requiring ECG: 1) ATRIAL FIBRILLATION – rapid, irregular, NO pattern with breathing; common in giant breeds (Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, Newfoundland) and DOBERMAN with DCM; 2) VENTRICULAR PREMATURE CONTRACTIONS (VPCs) – extra beats irregular timing; 3) AV BLOCK – skipped beats; 4) SINUS ARREST – long pauses; 5) SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA – sudden rapid; 6) SICK SINUS SYNDROME – common Mini Schnauzer, Cocker. DIAGNOSING THE DIFFERENCE: 1) PHYSICAL EXAM – sinus arrhythmia pattern matches breathing; pathological does not; 2) ECG provides definitive diagnosis; 3) HOLTER MONITOR (24-hour ECG) for intermittent arrhythmias. KEY POINT: don’t panic if vet hears irregular heart rhythm in your dog – sinus arrhythmia is common and benign. Pathological arrhythmias have different sound patterns and warrant ECG investigation.

What does a slow heart rate in a dog mean?

BRADYCARDIA (slow heart rate) has many causes – some benign, some serious. DEFINITION: heart rate below the expected range for size class – toy <90 bpm awake, small <80, medium <70, large <60, giant <50; even lower while sleeping. CAUSES BY CATEGORY: 1. PHYSIOLOGICAL (normal in certain dogs): a) ATHLETIC FITNESS – Greyhounds, sled dogs, working breeds often have baseline 40-70 bpm; superior cardiac fitness; not pathology; b) DEEP SLEEP – heart rate drops 20-30% normally; c) VAGAL TONE in calm dogs (sinus arrhythmia exaggerated). 2. HYPOTHERMIA – body temperature below 37°C/99°F slows everything down; treat hypothermia, HR normalizes. 3. ENDOCRINE: a) HYPOTHYROIDISM – generalized slowdown; weight gain, lethargy, hair loss; T4/TSH testing; b) ADDISON’S DISEASE – hypoadrenocorticism; bradycardia from HYPERKALEMIA (high potassium) often with sodium imbalance, electrolyte derangement; ACTH stim diagnostic. 4. CARDIAC CONDUCTION DISORDERS (ECG diagnostic): a) AV BLOCK – 1st degree (PR prolongation only), 2nd degree (some beats blocked), 3rd degree (COMPLETE – dangerous); West Highland White Terriers predisposed; pacemaker treatment for severe; b) SICK SINUS SYNDROME (SSS) – sinus node dysfunction; Miniature Schnauzer, Cocker Spaniel predisposed; older dogs; periods of bradycardia + tachycardia + pauses; pacemaker often needed; c) SINUS BRADYCARDIA – normal mechanism but slow; can be persistent or transient. 5. HYPERKALEMIA causes: a) ADDISON’S DISEASE; b) URINARY OBSTRUCTION (more common cats but possible dogs); c) ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY; d) DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS; e) Tissue breakdown (severe injury, rhabdomyolysis); ECG findings of hyperkalemia + appropriate workup. 6. INCREASED INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE – head trauma, brain tumor, hydrocephalus; Cushing reflex (bradycardia + hypertension + irregular respiration); EMERGENCY. 7. MEDICATIONS causing bradycardia: a) BETA-BLOCKERS (atenolol, propranolol); b) CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS (diltiazem, amlodipine); c) DIGOXIN (especially overdose); d) OPIOIDS (high dose); e) DEXMEDETOMIDINE (sedative). 8. TERMINAL ILLNESS – severely ill dogs often bradycardic before death. 9. VAGAL STIMULATION – rare causes: GI obstruction, severe pain, ocular pressure. WHEN TO BE CONCERNED: 1) SUDDEN ONSET bradycardia (vs lifelong fitness baseline); 2) Bradycardia + WEAKNESS, COLLAPSE, FAINTING (SYNCOPE); 3) Bradycardia + LETHARGY, depression; 4) Bradycardia + IRREGULAR rhythm; 5) Bradycardia + EXERCISE INTOLERANCE; 6) NEW bradycardia in dog without history; 7) Heart rate UNDER 40 bpm in large dog or under 60 in toy/small + symptoms = EMERGENCY. WORKUP: 1) PHYSICAL EXAM; 2) ECG (essential for arrhythmia diagnosis); 3) BLOODWORK including electrolytes; 4) THYROID PANEL; 5) ACTH STIM for Addison’s; 6) ECHOCARDIOGRAM for structural disease; 7) HOLTER MONITOR (24-hr ECG) for intermittent issues. TREATMENT depends on cause: 1) PACEMAKER for AV block, SSS, sinus node dysfunction; 2) ELECTROLYTE correction for hyperkalemia; 3) HORMONE replacement (Addison’s prednisolone + fludrocortisone, hypothyroidism levothyroxine); 4) STOP causative medication; 5) ATROPINE acute reversal of vagal causes.

When is a fast heart rate dangerous in dogs?

TACHYCARDIA SEVERITY depends on rate, duration, and cause. NORMAL UPPER LIMITS by size: toy <160 bpm, small <150, medium <140, large <130, giant <110 (awake at rest). DEGREES OF TACHYCARDIA: MILD (10-20% above normal): minor concern unless persistent or symptomatic; commonly stress at vet, mild pain, mild fever. MODERATE (20-50% above normal): warrants investigation; possible significant pain, fever, dehydration, mild illness. SEVERE (>50% above normal or >200 bpm in adult medium-large dog): URGENT evaluation; possible shock, severe pain, sepsis, heart failure, sustained arrhythmia. EXTREME (>250 bpm sustained at rest): EMERGENCY; cardiac compromise risk, supraventricular or ventricular tachycardia. EMERGENCY THRESHOLDS (call vet immediately if): 1) >220 bpm sustained at rest in any dog; 2) Any tachycardia with COLLAPSE, FAINTING (syncope), WEAKNESS; 3) Any tachycardia with BLUE/GREY GUMS (cyanosis); 4) Tachycardia + BREATHING DISTRESS; 5) Tachycardia in dog with KNOWN HEART DISEASE having symptoms; 6) Sudden change from normal baseline in distress. CAUSES OF TACHYCARDIA (in order of frequency): 1. ANXIETY/STRESS AT VET (most common false positive) – ‘white coat tachycardia’; can elevate HR 20-50 bpm above home baseline; verify with home measurement; 2. PAIN – HR rises with pain perception; identify and treat pain source; 3. FEVER – approximately 10 bpm rise per 0.5°C above normal; treat infection/illness; 4. DEHYDRATION – hypovolemia triggers tachycardia; fluid replacement; 5. ANEMIA – reduced oxygen-carrying capacity compensated by faster HR; identify cause (parasites, immune-mediated, neoplasia, GI bleeding, CKD); 6. HYPOGLYCEMIA – low blood sugar triggers sympathetic response; especially toy breeds, puppies, diabetic dogs; 7. SHOCK (hypovolemic, septic, cardiogenic, distributive) – tachycardia compensatory; identify and treat cause; 8. SEPSIS – systemic inflammatory response; severely ill dogs; 9. HEART DISEASE – MMVD (Cavalier classic), DCM (Doberman classic), congenital defects; rate increases as compensation; 10. CHF (CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE) – tachycardia + cough + exercise intolerance; pimobendan + furosemide + ACE-I + spironolactone; 11. ARRHYTHMIA – atrial fibrillation (common giant breed + Doberman), supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia; ECG diagnostic; 12. HYPERTHYROIDISM – rare in dogs (common cats); 13. HYPERTENSION; 14. MEDICATIONS – sympathomimetics, theophylline, decongestants, certain anti-emetics; 15. TOXICITY – chocolate (theobromine), grapes (early), human medications (amphetamines), antifreeze, sympathomimetic toxins; 16. PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA – rare adrenal tumor producing catecholamines. SPECIFIC DANGEROUS ARRHYTHMIAS: 1) ATRIAL FIBRILLATION – rapid (often 180-220+ bpm) IRREGULAR; common in Doberman DCM, giant breeds; needs medication (diltiazem, digoxin, sometimes amiodarone); 2) VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA – rapid, originating ventricles; potentially fatal (sudden death risk); lidocaine acute, sotalol/mexiletine chronic; 3) SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA – rapid, sudden onset/offset; vagal maneuvers, drugs. WORKUP for unexplained tachycardia: 1) Physical exam; 2) Bloodwork (CBC, chemistry, electrolytes, glucose); 3) Hydration assessment; 4) ECG; 5) Thoracic radiographs; 6) Echocardiogram if cardiac suspected; 7) Holter monitor (24-hr ECG) for intermittent arrhythmia. TREATMENT: 1) Address underlying cause; 2) Pain management; 3) Fluid replacement; 4) Anti-arrhythmic medication; 5) Cardiac medication if heart disease; 6) Oxygen support; 7) Sedation if anxiety-driven.

How can I monitor my dog’s heart at home?

DAILY HOME CARDIAC MONITORING is gold-standard early detection for dogs with KNOWN HEART DISEASE or heart disease BREEDS. WHAT TO TRACK: 1. RESTING HEART RATE (HR) – awake calm; measure same time daily; record in app/journal; 2. RESTING RESPIRATORY RATE (RRR) – WHILE SLEEPING – CRITICAL for early CHF detection; 3. EXERCISE TOLERANCE – duration of walks before tiring; 4. COUGHING – frequency, character (productive vs dry), timing (night = CHF classic); 5. ENERGY LEVEL – activity vs baseline; 6. APPETITE; 7. ABDOMINAL DISTENSION (ascites – right-sided CHF); 8. GUM COLOR – pale or blue concerning; 9. CAPILLARY REFILL TIME – press gum, count seconds for pink return; normal <2 sec; 10. WEIGHT – sudden gain may indicate fluid retention. RRR MONITORING (most important): 1) WAIT until dog sleeping deeply; 2) WATCH chest rise and fall; 3) COUNT BREATHS for 60 SECONDS; OR 30 sec x2; OR 15 sec x4; 4) RECORD result; 5) REPEAT 2-3 times for accuracy; 6) Take MULTIPLE READINGS over week to establish trend. RRR THRESHOLDS: 1) UNDER 30/min = normal; 2) 30-40/min = watch trend; 3) 40-60/min = call vet; 4) OVER 60/min = urgent same-day. EARLY CHF DETECTION via RRR is GOLD STANDARD: 1) RRR rises BEFORE clinical symptoms appear; 2) Allows pimobendan at MMVD Stage B2 – EPIC TRIAL (Boswood 2016) shows ~15 MONTH DELAY in CHF onset; 3) Catches transition Stage B to C; 4) Single best home monitoring tool. KNOWN HEART DISEASE BREEDS that need daily monitoring: 1) CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL – MMVD over 90% by age 10; 2) Mini Poodle, Dachshund, Chihuahua, Yorkie, Pomeranian, Cocker – MMVD common; 3) DOBERMAN PINSCHER – DCM 25-50% lifetime; 4) BOXER – ARVC (arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy) + DCM; 5) Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, Newfoundland, St Bernard – DCM; 6) German Shepherd, Cocker Spaniel – DCM possible; 7) Bulldog – subaortic stenosis, pulmonary stenosis. TOOLS for tracking: 1) PHONE APPS – Pet Heart Rate Monitor, Pawscoin Heart Rate, PetGesund; 2) WRITTEN JOURNAL with weekly graph; 3) SHARED RECORD with vet; 4) SMART DOG COLLARS like FitBark – some have HR monitoring built-in (limited accuracy currently); 5) ECG smartphone devices (Heart Rate Monitor for Pets, AliveCor Vet) – more advanced. SIGNS REQUIRING IMMEDIATE VET (regardless of HR/RRR): 1) Collapse or fainting (SYNCOPE); 2) Severe coughing fit; 3) Blue/grey gums (CYANOSIS); 4) Marked breathing difficulty; 5) Sudden weakness; 6) ABDOMINAL DISTENSION new; 7) PINK FROTHY FOAM from mouth/nose (pulmonary edema EMERGENCY). VET FOLLOW-UP for known heart disease: 1) ECHOCARDIOGRAM annually OR more often based on stage; 2) NT-proBNP blood test for monitoring; 3) ECG if arrhythmia; 4) Thoracic radiographs to assess heart size; 5) Medication adjustments based on monitoring data; 6) QUARTERLY rechecks typical for Stage B2; MORE FREQUENT for Stage C/D. WORK WITH VET CARDIOLOGIST (Diplomate ACVIM Cardiology) for moderate-severe disease – improves outcomes significantly.

Related PuppaDogs Calculators

Continue building your dog’s personalised care plan with these related PuppaDogs calculators:

• Dog Pregnancy / Whelping Due-Date Calculator
• Puppy Weight Predictor (Adult Weight Calculator)
• Heatstroke Risk Calculator for Dogs
• Bloat (GDV) Risk Calculator for Dogs
• Dog Life Expectancy Calculator (Breed, Body Condition, Lifestyle)
• Spay/Neuter Timing Calculator for Dogs (Breed-Specific)

References & Further Reading

The dosing ranges and safety information on this page are drawn from the following veterinary references. Always defer to your own veterinarian and the manufacturer’s label for your specific product.

1. Atkins C et al. ACVIM consensus statement: Treatment of canine MMVD (myxomatous mitral valve disease). JVIM.
2. Boswood A et al. The EPIC study – pimobendan in preclinical MMVD. JVIM 2016.
3. Cote E. Cote’s Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Dogs and Cats – heart rate references.
4. Ettinger SJ, Feldman EC. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
5. Ware WA. Cardiovascular Disease in Small Animal Medicine.
6. Tilley LP, Smith FWK. Manual of Canine and Feline Cardiology.
7. Cunningham JG. Textbook of Veterinary Physiology – cardiovascular physiology.
8. Schober KE et al. Detection of left atrial enlargement in dogs by echocardiography.
9. Schober K et al. Detection of left ventricular dysfunction.
10. ACVIM Forum – cardiology research updates.
11. Plumb DC. Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook – pimobendan, furosemide, benazepril, spironolactone.
12. Holter monitor technology – veterinary cardiology applications.
13. PuppaDogs. Mitral Valve Disease ACVIM Stage Calculator, Resting Respiratory Rate Calculator, Heart Murmur Grade Interpreter, Coughing Triage Calculator. puppadogs.com.

Suyash Dhoot