If your dog has been diagnosed with heart disease, you may have heard your vet mention monitoring their resting respiratory rate.
When Star was diagnosed with heart disease, tracking his breathing became part of our routine. At first it felt scary, but it quickly became one of the simplest ways to keep an eye on his health at home.
What Is a Resting Respiratory Rate?
A resting respiratory rate (RRR) is simply the number of breaths your dog takes in one minute while they are relaxed or asleep.
It provides valuable information about how hard your dog is working to breathe and can help identify changes that may need veterinary attention.
Why Is It Important?
In some forms of heart disease, changes in breathing can occur before other signs become obvious.
Monitoring your dog’s resting respiratory rate can help you:
- Establish what is normal for your dog
- Spot changes early
- Provide useful information to your vet
When Should I Measure It?
The best time is when your dog is:
- Sleeping
- Resting quietly
- Not immediately after exercise
Try to measure it at a similar time each day or a few times per week.
How To Measure Your Dog’s Breathing
Step 1
Watch your dog’s chest.
One rise and one fall of the chest counts as one breath.
Step 2
Using a timer, count the number of breaths taken in 30 seconds.
Step 3
Multiply that number by two to calculate breaths per minute.
For example:
15 breaths in 30 seconds = 30 breaths per minute.
What Is Normal?
Every dog is different, but many healthy dogs have a resting respiratory rate below 30 breaths per minute.
What’s most important is understanding what is normal for your own dog and monitoring for changes over time.
Always follow the advice of your vet regarding your dog’s specific condition.
When Should I Contact My Vet?
You should contact your vet if:
- Your dog’s resting respiratory rate is consistently higher than normal
- You notice a sudden increase
- Your dog appears to be struggling to breathe
- You have any concerns about their health
Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always worth seeking professional advice.
A Final Thought
Living with heart disease can sometimes feel overwhelming.
One thing I learned from Star’s journey is that small routines can make a big difference. Monitoring his resting respiratory rate helped me feel more informed, more prepared, and more connected to his care.
It only takes a minute, but it can provide valuable information about your dog’s wellbeing.