The Law of Averages

 By Stacy Mantle

Have you ever called the veterinarian worried about your pet, only to have the good doctor ask you if your pet is running a fever?  Or what if he/she has an elevated heart rate?  More than likely, you didn’t have an answer to that question, or you reached down and felt your dog’s nose to see if it was “cold and wet” like all the books say it should be.  Well, here is the opportunity to bone up on a little Pet Med 101.  The following information will help you come up with the correct answers for your veterinarian, and help you make a better informed decision on whether your pet needs immediate medical assistance or whether you’re just overreacting.

How to Check Your Pet’s Heart Rate:

1. Allow the animal to stand naturally, keeping pet calm by petting or talking to it.  (A stressed animal’s heart rate will increase, creating a higher reading)
2. Place the stethoscope over the animal’s heart.  If you have problems locating the heart rate, this is a simple way to find it:
   1. Have the animal lie on its right side.
   2. Gently bend the animals left front leg at the elbow, allowing it to touch their chest.
   3. The area where the elbow touches the chest is the place where you should place your hand or a stethoscope, as it is the best place to hear a strong heartbeat.

§         NOTE:  Make a mental note of this area and allow the animal to regain it’s feet and relax, as forcing it to lie down could create stress.  Taking an animal’s heart rate while it is stressed will occur in an increased rate and a false reading.

3. Count the beats that hear or feel for 15 seconds by watching a second hand on a clock or watch.
4. Multiply the number of beats that you counted by 4.
5. This is the BPM or Beats Per Minute.
6. Using the chart above, you will be able to determine whether your pet’s heart rate is within normal range.  If it is below or above the normal range, contact your veterinarian immediately for further instructions.

How to Check Your Pet’s Temperature:  No one likes this part.  So there are two methods that we will discuss, the first not so pleasant, the second – incredibly so. 

Rectally:

1. Use a rectal thermometer that is designed specifically for animal use and is designed for your pet’s size.  There are measurement charts on the back of each case, so please be kind and use the appropriate one.
2. Sterilize the thermometer by dipping it in alcohol and drying with a clean paper towel.
3. Dip thermometer in lubricant, such as KY Jelly.
4. Allow the animal to stand naturally, keeping pet calm by petting or talking to it.  (Your pet may prefer to lie down, and this is fine also.)
5. Shake the thermometer down to below 98˚
6. Insert the thermometer gently, allowing it to rest no more than 1” inside the animal’s rectum. Do not force the thermometer. 
7. Allow thermometer to stay in place for 1-3 minutes.  Gently pet and talk to the pet during the procedure, comforting the pet, as it is an uncomfortable procedure for them and they may snap or growl.  If this occurs and the pet will not allow their temperature to be taken, stop the procedure and try again later, attempt the second method, or simply take the animal to the vet.
8. After the temperature has been taken, gently remove the thermometer and read it.  Use the chart above to determine if the pet is within normal ranges. 
9. If your pet’s temperature is not within normal ranges, take to veterinarian immediately.
10. Reward your pet with a treat.