These are just standard ranges; know what is normal for your dog.
100-102.5 F
Lubricate a digital thermometer with water-soluble jelly (like KY) or coconut/olive oil and gently insert it into the rectum and listen for a beep.
20-40 breaths per minute
Watch the chest cavity while at rest, calmly lying on the floor or standing. Please note respiratory effort (normal, labored, noisy, etc.).
Puppy (under 1 year): 120-160 beats per minute
Small dog adult (under 30 lbs.): 100-140 beats per minute
Medium-large dog adult (over 30 lbs.): 60-100 beats per minute
Place your hand on the left side of the chest or the inner thigh of the rear leg and count the number of beats for 15 seconds & multiply by 4.
Normal: Pink
Abnormal: Blue, brown, dark red, yellow, very pale or white
Check the gums, tongue, or inner eyelids for color.
Normal: -2 seconds
Gently but firmly press your finger on the gums so they blanch, or turn white, then remove your finger. Note the amount of time it takes for color to return to gums.