Struggling to breathe? Fast or laboured breathing at rest, a cat breathing with an open mouth, or blue/grey gums is an emergency — don't use this tool, call 0131 516 2499 now.
Home monitoring
Resting
respiratory rate
How many breaths your pet takes while asleep is one of the most useful things you can measure at home — a steady, reliable number that helps us keep an eye on the heart and lungs. This tool helps you count it, track it, and send it to us.
Take a readingHow to count
- Wait until your pet is asleep or fully settled — not panting, dreaming or just back from a walk.
- Watch the chest. One breath is one rise and fall together.
- Count for 30 seconds (we double it), ideally twice.
As a rough guide, most healthy dogs and cats take fewer than about 30 breaths a minute asleep — but your vet will tell you the number to watch for your pet. It's the trend over time that matters most.
Count a reading
0breaths
30s
Your readings
No readings yet — take your first one above.
This tool helps you monitor and share readings — it doesn't diagnose. If you're worried about your pet's breathing, call us on 0131 516 2499. The Veterinary Wellness Centre.