Normal Vital Signs Reference
Dog, Cat, Horse & Cattle — Adult, pediatric, and stress variations
Adult Normal Values
| Parameter | Dog | Cat | Horse | Cattle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 100.5 – 102.5 °F (38.1 – 39.2 °C) | 100.5 – 102.5 °F (38.1 – 39.2 °C) | 99.5 – 101.5 °F (37.5 – 38.6 °C) | 100.5 – 103.1 °F (38.1 – 39.5 °C) |
| Heart Rate (resting) | 70 – 120 bpm (small: 100–140) | 140 – 220 bpm | 28 – 44 bpm | 48 – 84 bpm |
| Respiratory Rate | 18 – 34 / min | 20 – 42 / min | 8 – 16 / min | 18 – 28 / min |
| Systolic BP | 110 – 160 mmHg | 120 – 170 mmHg | 90 – 140 mmHg | 100 – 140 mmHg |
| Diastolic BP | 60 – 90 mmHg | 70 – 100 mmHg | — | — |
| Capillary Refill Time | < 2 seconds | < 2 seconds | < 2 seconds | < 2 seconds |
| Mucous Membranes | Pink, moist | Pink, moist | Pink, moist | Pink, moist |
| Pulse Quality | Strong, synchronous | Strong, synchronous | Strong, regular | Strong, regular |
Pediatric Normal Values
Puppies
- Temperature: 97–99 °F (neonates), rising to adult by 4 weeks
- Heart rate: 200–250 bpm (neonates), 180–220 (2–4 wks)
- Respiratory rate: 15–35 / min
- CRT: < 2 sec
- Hypoglycemia risk: High; glucose > 70 mg/dL
Kittens
- Temperature: 97–99 °F (neonates), rising to adult by 4 weeks
- Heart rate: 200–260 bpm (neonates), 180–220 (2–4 wks)
- Respiratory rate: 20–40 / min
- CRT: < 2 sec
- Hypoglycemia risk: High; glucose > 70 mg/dL
Stress & Anxiety Effects
White Coat Hypertension
- Systolic BP may rise 20–40 mmHg
- Allow 5–10 min acclimation
- Repeat measurement
- Consider Doppler vs oscillometric
Tachycardia from Stress
- Dog HR may reach 160–180 bpm
- Cat HR may reach 220–260 bpm
- Use calm handling techniques
- Separate from other animals
Panting / Stress RR
- Dog RR may reach 40–60 / min
- Cat RR may reach 60–80 / min
- Differentiate from dyspnea
- Observe from a distance
Species-Specific Notes
Dogs
- Small/toy breeds: higher resting HR (100–140)
- Giant breeds: lower resting HR (60–90)
- Athletic dogs: resting HR may be 40–60
- Greyhounds: physiologic murmurs common
- Brachycephalic: baseline hypoxemia possible
Cats
- Basal HR lower at home (120–160)
- Clinic stress HR often > 200
- Hiding posture = higher stress
- Hypertension common in CKD, hyperthyroid
- Hypothermia common in illness
Horses
- HR highly variable with excitement/exercise
- Resting HR > 60 = significant concern
- Gut sounds: 1–3 borborygmi per quadrant per min
- MM color: salmon pink (icteric = hepatic / hemolysis)
- Recumbent horse: monitor closely for bloat / colic
Cattle
- Rumen contractions: 1–3 per 2 min
- Rectal temp most reliable
- Ear temperature unreliable
- Stress HR may exceed 100 in calves
- MM: assess conjunctiva if oral pigmented
Quick Assessment Mnemonic — ABCDE
A — Airway
- Patent? Obstruction?
- Stridor, stertor, wheeze?
- ET tube size ready if needed
B — Breathing
- Rate, effort, pattern
- SpO₂ if available
- Auscultate all lung fields
C — Circulation
- HR, pulse quality, BP
- CRT, MM color
- Extremity temperature
Disclaimer: Reference ranges vary with patient factors, equipment, and methodology. These values represent commonly accepted norms for healthy adult animals. Always interpret vitals in clinical context. This card is for educational reference only.