When taking a pulse, what are you measuring?

When taking a pulse, the primary measurement being assessed is the heart rate, which reflects how fast the animal's heart is beating. This measurement provides vital information about the cardiovascular health and wellbeing of an animal. The pulse rate is typically measured by feeling the arterial pulse at various anatomical points, where the heartbeat can be felt as it causes blood to be pushed through the arteries, indicating the number of beats per minute.

While the strength of the pulse and heart rhythm may also be considered during a pulse evaluation, the fundamental measurement is the rate at which the heart is beating. By determining the heart rate, veterinarians can gain insights into the animal's physiological condition and detect any potential health issues that may require further investigation.