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Is my dog's fluctuating heart rate normal or a serious concern?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 9 years and 11 months old | 4 lbs

While laying down in bed her heart rate was at 54 bpm. When my sister came in the room, she got excited & it went up to 80 bpm. I plan on taking her in tomorrow but is this serious? The highest I monitored was yesterday when she was excited & jumping around for fruit, it was at 124 bpm. I noticed when shes sleeping on the couch her heart rate is in the high 60s or 80s if she’s napping. But, while sleeping in the bed it’s in the 50’s. I also have a humidifier running & she had benadryl last night

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 30th, 2018

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The heart rates that you are listing are all normal. Is there a condition that Precious has that makes you check her heart rate? IF she has a heart condition you should discuss these rates with your vet, however these are normal heart rates for a normal dog. Please be sure you are checking her HEART rate, and not her BREATHING rate, as this is very different. Best of luck with Precious!

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