15 Seconds (Multiply by 4)
30 Seconds (Multiply by 2)
60 Seconds (Full Minute)
10 Seconds (Multiply by 6)
Note: 15 seconds is the standard for most vet tech checks.
Puppy
Small Dog (under 30 lbs)
Medium/Large Dog (over 30 lbs)
function calculateDogBPM() {
var beats = parseFloat(document.getElementById('beatsCounted').value);
var seconds = parseFloat(document.getElementById('secondsCounted').value);
var size = document.getElementById('dogSize').value;
var resultArea = document.getElementById('result-area');
var bpmDisplay = document.getElementById('bpm-display');
var assessmentDisplay = document.getElementById('assessment-display');
if (isNaN(beats) || beats <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid number of heartbeats.");
return;
}
var bpm = (beats / seconds) * 60;
bpm = Math.round(bpm);
resultArea.style.display = 'block';
bpmDisplay.innerHTML = bpm + " BPM (Beats Per Minute)";
var assessment = "";
if (size === "puppy") {
if (bpm < 120) assessment = "Assessment: Below average for a puppy (Normal: 120-160+ BPM).";
else if (bpm <= 200) assessment = "Assessment: Within normal resting range for most puppies.";
else assessment = "Assessment: High for a puppy. Ensure the dog is calm and resting.";
} else if (size === "small") {
if (bpm < 100) assessment = "Assessment: Below average for a small dog (Normal: 100-140 BPM).";
else if (bpm <= 140) assessment = "Assessment: Within normal resting range for small dogs.";
else assessment = "Assessment: High heart rate. Check if the dog is stressed or active.";
} else {
if (bpm < 60) assessment = "Assessment: Below average for a large dog (Normal: 60-100 BPM).";
else if (bpm <= 100) assessment = "Assessment: Within normal resting range for large dogs.";
else assessment = "Assessment: High heart rate for a large breed dog.";
}
assessmentDisplay.innerHTML = assessment;
}
How to Calculate Your Dog's Heart Rate
Monitoring your dog's heart rate (BPM) is a critical skill for any pet owner. Whether you are monitoring a chronic condition or just performing a routine wellness check, knowing how to accurately find and count heartbeats can save lives. A dog's heart rate varies significantly based on their size, age, and activity level.
Steps to Find a Dog's Pulse
Locate the Femoral Artery: The easiest place to find a pulse is on the inside of the hind leg, high up in the groin area where the leg meets the body.
Use Your Fingers: Use your index and middle fingers. Never use your thumb, as it has its own pulse which can confuse your reading.
The Chest Method: Alternatively, place your hand directly over the left side of the chest, behind the elbow. This is where the heart is closest to the rib cage.
Start the Timer: Use a stopwatch or the calculator above. Count the number of thumps you feel in 15 or 30 seconds.
What is a Normal Heart Rate for Dogs?
Smaller dogs and puppies have much faster metabolisms and smaller hearts, meaning their heart rates are naturally higher than larger breeds. Use the table below as a general guideline:
Dog Category
Normal Resting Range (BPM)
Puppies (up to 1 year)
120 – 160 BPM
Small Breeds (under 30 lbs)
100 – 140 BPM
Large Breeds (over 30 lbs)
60 – 100 BPM
Example Calculations
Example 1 (Small Breed): You count 30 beats in 15 seconds. Calculation: 30 x 4 = 120 BPM. This is a healthy resting rate for a small dog like a Chihuahua or Pomeranian.
Example 2 (Large Breed): You count 40 beats in 30 seconds. Calculation: 40 x 2 = 80 BPM. This is perfectly normal for a Golden Retriever or Labrador.
When to Call a Vet
While an occasional high reading can be caused by excitement or heat, you should contact a veterinarian if you notice the following:
A resting heart rate consistently above 140 BPM in a large dog.
A heart rate that feels irregular, skips beats, or "gallops."
Difficulty breathing or blue-tinted gums.
Lethargy or fainting spells accompanying an abnormal rate.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinary professional for medical diagnosis.