Where does a veterinarian typically take a dog's pulse?

The femoral artery is the most common site for taking a dog's pulse due to its accessibility and reliability. This artery runs along the inner thigh and provides a strong pulse that can be easily felt. When assessing a dog's pulse, feeling the femoral artery allows veterinarians and veterinary technicians to evaluate the heart rate and rhythm effectively. Additionally, checking this pulse is a quick and non-invasive way to gather important information about a dog's cardiovascular health.

While other arteries, such as the brachiocephalic, facial, and carotid arteries, can also be used to monitor pulse, they may not be as practical or reliable as the femoral artery for a typical examination in a small animal setting. The brachiocephalic artery is located deeper in the chest and often requires more technical skill to assess. The facial and carotid arteries are less commonly used for dogs due to their anatomy and position relative to other structures, making them more challenging to locate and assess accurately in some cases.