Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

What is the typical heart rate for an adult dog?

1. 80-120 bpm

2. 60-120 bpm

3. 100-140 bpm

4. 40-60 bpm

The correct answer is: 60-120 bpm

The typical heart rate for an adult dog is generally accepted to be between 60-120 beats per minute (bpm). This range reflects the normal physiological state for dogs in a resting or calm situation, although the heart rate can be influenced by factors such as age, size, fitness level, and overall health of the animal. Dogs typically have a higher resting heart rate than humans; smaller breeds may experience higher rates while larger breeds may be on the lower end of this spectrum. Novice veterinary technicians often associate a dog's heart rate with size and breed, but understanding the normal range helps with monitoring the health of the animal and identifying potential health issues. The other options fall outside the clinically recognized typical heart rate range for adult dogs. This understanding is crucial for veterinary technicians as heart rate is one of the vital signs frequently assessed during physical examinations and can indicate the presence of disease, stress, or other health concerns.