Page 91 - 2026 SMOG

MWD NORMAL PARAMETERS
NORMAL VITALS AT REST
Temperature (rectal) 101°–103°F
Heart rate 60–80 bpm
Respiratory rate 16–30 bpm
• Controlled panting is common in MWDs
Blood pressure Systolic: 90–140mmHg
Diastolic: 50–80mmHg
Mean: 60–100mmHg
• Average MWD weight is 50–80 lbs. IO Catheter Sizes
• (23–36kg) (German Shepherds, Belgian • Dog <40lbs = 15mm × 15gauge
Malinois and Labrador Retrievers) • Dog >40lbs = 25mm × 15gauge
• Calculate all fluid and drug dosages based on
measured or estimated body weight
• IV catheterization access points
˚ Cephalic vein on the cranial aspect of the forearm
˚
Lateral saphenous vein on the lateral aspect of the hind limb at the distal tibial area
• IO catheterization access points
˚ Proximolateral humerus
˚
Proximomedial tibia
• Arterial pulse is palpated at the femoral artery on the medial aspect of the proximal thigh in the
inguinal area.
˚ It may also be palpated at the dorsal metatarsal artery on the dorsomedial aspect of the
proximal hind paw, distal to the hock (ankle)
• NIBP monitoring
˚ The width of the cuff should be 30–40% of the limb circumference at the site of the cuff
placement.
˚ Human pediatric cuffs (size 6–8) fit most MWDs
˚ Common locations for cuff placement for oscillometric measurements are over the dorsal
metatarsal artery, the lower forearm, and the tail base
• Heart sounds are best auscultated over the lower left lateral thoracic wall between the 4th and
5th intercostal spaces
• 3-lead ECG electrodes are sufficient for MWDs. Adhesive electrodes should be taped to the
pads of the paws of the left forelimb (black lead), right forelimb (white lead), and left hind limb
(red lead) [“White on the Right and Smoke over Fire”]
• Pulse oximetry probes can be utilized on conscious dogs using the ear pinna, lip fold, or flank
skin; while not optimal for oximetry, these alternative sites are generally acceptable. For
optimal reliability, place the probe on the tongue (only in unconscious dogs)
˚ Normal pulse oximetry for an MWD is >95%
Reference: K9 CPG 02 (Normal Clinical Parameters for MWDs)
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2026 Standard Medical Operating Guidelines (SMOG) • 83