function calculateDogHeartRate() {
// 1. Get input elements exactly by ID
var beatsInput = document.getElementById('beatsInput');
var durationSelect = document.getElementById('countDuration');
var sizeSelect = document.getElementById('dogSize');
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('dhrResult');
var bpmOutput = document.getElementById('bpmOutput');
var healthMessage = document.getElementById('healthMessage');
// 2. Parse values
var beats = parseFloat(beatsInput.value);
var duration = parseInt(durationSelect.value);
var dogType = sizeSelect.value;
// 3. Validation
if (isNaN(beats) || beats < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid number of beats counted.");
return;
}
// 4. Calculate Logic
// Formula: BPM = Beats * (60 / Duration in Seconds)
var multiplier = 60 / duration;
var bpm = Math.round(beats * multiplier);
// 5. Determine Reference Ranges based on Dog Type
var lowRange, highRange;
var typeLabel = "";
if (dogType === 'puppy') {
lowRange = 120;
highRange = 160; // Sometimes up to 180 depending on age
typeLabel = "Puppies";
} else if (dogType === 'small') {
lowRange = 100;
highRange = 140;
typeLabel = "Small Breeds";
} else {
// Medium and Large
lowRange = 60;
highRange = 100; // Athletic large dogs can be lower (e.g., 50)
typeLabel = "Medium/Large Breeds";
}
// 6. Generate Status Message
var statusHtml = "";
if (bpm < lowRange) {
statusHtml = "Low Heart Rate (Bradycardia)Normal for " + typeLabel + " is " + lowRange + "-" + highRange + " BPM.";
} else if (bpm > highRange) {
statusHtml = "High Heart Rate (Tachycardia)Normal for " + typeLabel + " is " + lowRange + "-" + highRange + " BPM.";
} else {
statusHtml = "Normal RangeThis falls within the typical range for " + typeLabel + " (" + lowRange + "-" + highRange + " BPM).";
}
// 7. Update DOM
bpmOutput.innerHTML = bpm + " BPM";
healthMessage.innerHTML = statusHtml;
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
}
How to Calculate a Dog's Heart Rate
Monitoring your dog's heart rate is a vital skill for any pet owner. Whether you are tracking fitness levels, monitoring a recovering pet, or performing a routine health check at home, knowing your dog's Beats Per Minute (BPM) provides immediate insight into their cardiovascular health. This calculator simplifies the math, allowing you to focus on getting an accurate count.
How to Find Your Dog's Pulse
Before you can use the calculator, you need to locate your dog's pulse. There are two primary methods to do this effectively:
The Femoral Artery: This is the most accurate place to feel a pulse. Place your fingers (not your thumb) on the inside of your dog's hind leg, high up near where the leg meets the body. Press gently until you feel a rhythmic pulsing.
The Chest Method: For many dogs, especially leaner ones, you can feel the heartbeat directly through the chest wall. Place your hand on the left side of the dog's chest, just behind the front elbow area.
Steps to Calculate BPM
Get a Stopwatch: Use your phone or a watch with a second hand.
Choose a Time Interval: While you can count for a full minute, it is often easier to count for 15 seconds to ensure the dog stays still.
If counting for 6 seconds, multiply beats by 10.
If counting for 10 seconds, multiply beats by 6.
If counting for 15 seconds, multiply beats by 4.
If counting for 30 seconds, multiply beats by 2.
Input the Data: Enter your counted beats and the time interval into the calculator above to get the BPM instantly.
What is a Normal Dog Heart Rate?
A "normal" heart rate varies significantly based on the size and age of the dog. Generally, larger dogs have slower heart rates, while smaller dogs and puppies have much faster heart rates.
Dog Size / Age
Normal Heart Rate Range (BPM)
Puppies (under 1 year)
120 – 160 BPM
Toy & Small Breeds (under 20 lbs)
100 – 140 BPM
Medium to Large Breeds (over 20 lbs)
60 – 100 BPM
Giant Breeds
60 – 80 BPM
When to Contact a Veterinarian
While variations can occur due to excitement, exercise, or sleep, consistent readings outside of the normal range can indicate health issues.
Tachycardia (High Heart Rate): Can be caused by pain, fever, dehydration, excitement, anxiety, or heart disease.
Bradycardia (Low Heart Rate): Can be caused by hypothermia, hypothyroidism, or underlying heart conduction issues. Note: Highly athletic dogs often have lower resting heart rates.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only. If your dog appears unwell or has an irregular heartbeat, consult a veterinarian immediately.