Sleeping Respiratory Rate Log

We would like you to monitor your pet's sleeping respiratory (breathing) rate so that together we can determine if your pet's heart disease is resulting in fluid build-up in his/her lungs (Is having evidence of heart failure). By doing this we can identify when the heart failure is mild rather than waiting for your pet to develop overt evidence of labored/difficult breathing. Please call us if you have any questions.

How to calculate your pet's sleeping respiratory (breathing) rate:

  1. Your pet should be sound asleep in a cool (normal room temperature) place before counting. Make sure you count when the pet is not “dreaming”.
  2. Count the number of times your pet's chest moves in and out (in and out together counts as one breath) over a period of 1 minute on a clock or watch.
  3. Record the number of breaths per minute in the "SRR” (Sleeping Respiratory Rate) column

For Dogs: Normal is less than 25. Call us if it is 30 or greater. Your pet needs to see a veterinarian ASAP if it is more than 50.

For Cats: Normal is less than 30-40. Call us if it is 40 or greater. Your pet needs to see a veterinarian today if it is more than 50.

times per day/week

Please bring this sheet with you for your pet’s next check-up.