Knowing how to take the basic vital signs will help you to recognize a potential illness. It will also help the veterinarian to be prepared before his or her arrival.

Normal Temperature

99-101 degrees Fahrenheit

Normal temperature variation can be up to 3 degrees; however, if temperature is over 102 degrees F, call the vet.

How to take a horse’s temperature: purchase a plastic digital thermometer from a local pharmacy or tack shop. Lubricate the tip with petroleum jelly. Standing rear and side of horse, not directly behind, move tail to the side and insert thermometer so that it is slightly pointing downward. After beep, record temperature.

Normal Pulse

Adult 30-40 beats per minute (bpm)

Pulse increases with exercise, pain, anxiety.

How to take a horse’s pulse: using your forefinger, press the main artery on the horse that is front of the left jawbone. Count while using a watch for 15 seconds, then multiply by 4.

If your horse is younger than age 2, his normal ranges will differ. Check with your veterinarian the range you should expect with a horse younger than 2.

Normal Respiration

8-15 breaths per minute at rest

Respiration increases with heat and humidity, exercise, fever and pain

How to take a horse’s respiration: watching the horse’s barrel, count 1 inhale and 1 exhale as 1 breath. Count for one minute.

Normal Gut

Presence of gurgles and blips signify normal gut sounds

Absence of sounds may be an indicator of illness, including colic

How to check a horse’s gut sounds: press your ear against the horse’s belly behind the last rib. Check both sides.

The best way to determine if your horse is ill is to become familiar with his normal vital signs while he is well. Practice these methods and chart the normal ranges for your horse.  When his vital signs fall out of the normal ranges for him, you’ll have a better idea of how ill he may be.