Where Is the Heart Located on A Dog?
The heart is located on the left side of a dog’s chest.
It is slightly offset to the right and is about halfway down the length of the ribcage.
Keep reading if you want to check your dog‘s pulse, respiration, and temperature.
Checking Your Dog’s Vital Signs
Checking your dog’s vital signs is a simple way to monitor his health.
The following steps will help you determine your dog’s respiratory rate.
First, observe or place your hand over the chest area of your pet to count the number of times that the chest rises (inhales) and falls (exhales).
Each rise/fall combination counts as one breath.
Count this for 30 seconds and multiply by two to get the respiratory rate in breaths per minute:
| Age | Breaths per minute |
| 8 weeks to 3 months | 120 to 160 |
| 3 to 6 months | 80 to 120 |
| 6 months to 2 years | 40 to 60 |
| 2+ years | 20 to 40 |
| Adults Dogs | 10 to 15 |
| Senior Dogs | 20 to 30 |
The Anatomy of A Dogs Heart
A dog’s heart is about the size of a fist and weighs about one-sixteenth of an ounce.
The left ventricle is about two-thirds the size of the right ventricle, and both chambers have thin walls.
The left atrium is thicker than the right atrium.
The heart muscle tissue is arranged in bundles called “myocardium,” surrounded by connective tissue.
Blood flow through the heart is controlled by multiple valves, including the mitral valve, tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve, and mitral valve.
Capillary Refill Time (CRT)
A typical capillary refill time (CRT) measures the time it takes for blood to return to the gums after you have pressed down on them.
The CRT can be a good indicator of overall health in your pet.
You should be able to feel a slight indentation where you’ve pressed and then see the reddish-pink color return reasonably quickly, usually within two seconds or less.
If this doesn’t happen, there could be an underlying health problem present that needs attention.
Many possible causes can lead to abnormal CRT results, such as hypothyroidism, low red blood cell counts (anemia), heart disease, liver or kidney disease, dehydration, heavy metal toxicity, and respiratory diseases like pneumonia and asthma.
A CRT is usually performed alongside other vital signs, including body temperature, respiration rate, and pulse rate.
Dogs Heart Conditions
Dogs are susceptible to a variety of heart conditions, just like people.
The most common type of heart condition in dogs is called dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM. This condition causes the dog’s heart to enlarge and become weak.
Dogs with DCM may tire quickly, have difficulty breathing, and experience a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Other heart conditions that can affect dogs include congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, and myocarditis.
If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, it is essential to take him or her to the veterinarian for an evaluation.
Final Thoughts, Where Is the Heart Located on A Dog?
In conclusion, the heart is located on a dog’s chest and will be between his lungs.
The heart is slightly offset to the right of his sternum and about halfway down a dog’s ribcage length.
FAQs
How many chambers are in a dogs’ heart?
The dog heart has four chambers: the left atrium, the left ventricle, the right atrium, and the right ventricle.
Cardiovascular system failure what are the symptoms in dogs?
Symptoms of cardiovascular system failure in dogs include difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, and swelling.
Treatment typically involves aggressive supportive care, such as intravenous fluids and medications to support the heart.
In some cases, a dog may require a heart transplant.
