Resting Respiratory Rate (RRR)
If your dog has heart disease, it’s important to monitor their resting respiratory rate (RRR) at home on a regular basis. An increase in your dog’s RRR over time indicates that their heart disease is worsening. By measuring their RRR regularly, you can detect heart failure earlier, discuss medication options and manage treatment effectively.
What is Resting Respiratory Rate (RRR)?
The RRR is the number of breaths your dog takes in a minute whilst they are relaxed, or ideally whilst they’re sleeping.
What should a normal RRR be?
A normal RRR tends to sit in the low 20s. If it is consistently greater than 30 breaths per minute, this is a strong indicator that your dog has moved into the heart failure stage.
To measure your dog’s RRR, follow these simple steps:
Wait
Wait until your dog is asleep or fully rested
Count
Count 1 breath for each rise of the chest for 1 minute
Record
Record your results on this RRR chart
Resting Respiratory Rate Chart
Before you start recording your dog’s RRR, it’s a good idea to first find out what your dog’s normal RRR is, by measuring it every day for one week. Once you have established this, it’s recommended to measure your dog’s RRR once a week and to record it on this chart. The chart can be downloaded by clicking on the ‘Download’ button above, or you can request the chart from your vet.
When should I contact my vet?
It’s normal for your dog’s respiratory rate to differ slightly week to week, but you should contact your vet if your dog’s RRR is gradually increasing from their regular baseline level, or it increases to over 30 breaths per minute. Always seek advice from your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s condition.