Normal Vital Signs Reference for Dogs, Cats, Horses & Exotics
Normal heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, blood pressure, and capillary refill ranges across common veterinary species. Bookmark this for quick reference during exams.
Heart rate
beats / min
Respiratory rate
breaths / min
Temperature
°C / °F
Blood pressure
systolic / diastolic
| Species | HR (bpm) | RR (rpm) | Temp (°C / °F) | BP / CRT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Dog - toy / small (<10 kg) | 90–160 | 15–30 | 38.3–39.2 101.0–102.5 °F | 120–140 / 70–90 CRT <2 s |
Dog - medium (10–25 kg) | 70–120 | 15–30 | 38.3–39.2 101.0–102.5 °F | 120–140 / 70–90 CRT <2 s |
Dog - large (>25 kg) | 60–100 | 10–30 | 38.3–39.2 101.0–102.5 °F | 120–140 / 70–90 CRT <2 s |
Dog - puppy (<6 mo) Slightly higher than adult; sinus arrhythmia common | 120–160 | 15–35 | 38.0–39.5 100.4–103.0 °F | |
Cat - adult HR easily 200+ in-clinic due to stress | 140–220 | 20–30 | 38.1–39.2 100.5–102.5 °F | 120–160 / 70–100 CRT <2 s |
Cat - kitten | 160–240 | 20–40 | 38.5–39.5 101.3–103.1 °F | |
Horse - adult (resting) RR ≥30 at rest = respiratory distress | 28–44 | 8–16 | 37.2–38.3 99.0–100.9 °F | 100–120 / 60–80 CRT <2 s |
Horse - foal | 70–100 | 20–40 | 37.5–38.6 99.5–101.5 °F | |
Rabbit High HR is normal; tachypnea = stress | 180–250 | 30–60 | 38.5–40.0 101.3–104.0 °F | |
Ferret | 180–250 | 33–36 | 37.8–40.0 100.0–104.0 °F | |
Guinea pig | 230–380 | 40–100 | 37.2–39.5 99.0–103.1 °F | |
Chinchilla | 100–150 | 40–80 | 37.0–38.0 98.6–100.4 °F |
Ranges are conscious, calm-patient ranges from standard textbooks (Plumb's, BSAVA Manual). Use clinical judgement when interpreting in-clinic readings.
How to use this tool
How to use this reference
Ranges are conscious, calm-patient ranges. Stressed patients in the exam room often run on the high end of normal - re-check after letting the patient settle. Pre-anesthetic baselines should be obtained in a calm environment when possible.
Common pitfalls
- Cat HR in clinic: Often runs 180–220 due to stress, even on a "normal" cat. Don't over-interpret unless ≥240 or you can demonstrate persistent tachycardia at home.
- Sinus arrhythmia in dogs: Normal in young, healthy dogs with high vagal tone. Loss of sinus arrhythmia in a stressed patient can be a sign of pain or systemic disease.
- Toy breed temps: Run slightly higher than large breed baselines.
- Equine RR: A horse breathing 30+ at rest is in respiratory distress until proven otherwise.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal heart rate for a dog?
Small breed (< 10 kg): 90-140 bpm. Medium breed: 70-120 bpm. Large/giant breed: 60-100 bpm. Puppies are higher (up to 220 bpm in the first weeks). Highly fit athletic dogs can drop into the 40-50 bpm range at rest.
What is a normal heart rate for a cat?
140-220 bpm in clinic, often higher than relaxed at home because of stress. Kittens up to 240 bpm. Anything > 220 bpm in a relaxed adult cat warrants further investigation.
What is a normal body temperature for a dog and cat?
38.3-39.2 °C (101-102.5 °F) for both species. Stress hyperthermia in cats can push it briefly to 39.5-39.7 °C. Anything sustained above 39.5 °C or below 37.5 °C is abnormal in a calm patient.
What is a normal respiratory rate at home?
Sleeping respiratory rate (SRR) is the most useful number to track. Normal SRR is < 30 breaths/min for both dogs and cats. A sustained SRR > 40 breaths/min in a previously normal patient is a red flag for congestive heart failure or other respiratory disease.