Creating a Baseline Recording
A baseline recording is one of the most valuable tools for monitoring your dog's heart health. It captures what "normal" sounds like for your specific dog, giving you and your vet a reference point for comparison.
What is a Baseline Recording?
A baseline recording is taken when your dog is healthy and relaxed. By establishing what your dog's heartbeat sounds like under normal conditions, you can:
- Detect changes early - Compare future recordings to spot irregularities
- Provide context for your vet - A baseline shows what's normal for your individual dog
- Track progression - Monitor dogs with known heart conditions over time
- Reduce anxiety - Know what a healthy heartbeat sounds like for peace of mind
Every dog's heartbeat sounds slightly different. Your baseline establishes what's normal for your dog specifically.
When to Take a Baseline
Ideal Conditions
- Your dog is resting and relaxed, but not asleep
- Take the recording while your dog is sitting or standing calmly
- Avoid recording immediately after exercise, meals, or excitement
- Choose a time when your dog is naturally calm (mid-morning or afternoon)
Situations That Call for a New Baseline
- After your dog recovers from illness
- Following heart surgery or treatment
- When starting new medications
- Every 6-12 months as your dog ages
Recording Duration
| Duration | Quality |
|---|---|
| 30 seconds | Minimum - acceptable for basic monitoring |
| 60 seconds | Recommended - captures multiple heart cycles |
| 90+ seconds | Excellent for detecting intermittent irregularities |
Longer recordings give your vet more data to work with and increase the chance of catching any irregular rhythms.
Normal Heart Rates by Size
Heart rates vary significantly based on your dog's size:
| Dog Size | Weight | Normal Heart Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 20 lbs | 120-160 BPM |
| Medium | 20-60 lbs | 80-120 BPM |
| Large | Over 60 lbs | 60-100 BPM |
Puppies typically have faster heart rates than adult dogs. Senior dogs may have slower or slightly irregular rhythms.
How to Create Your Baseline
1. Choose the Right Moment
Wait until your dog has been resting for at least 10-15 minutes. They should be calm but awake - a sleepy dog after their morning walk is perfect.
2. Follow Best Practices
Use the same techniques from our Getting Best Results guide:
- Quiet room, phone case removed
- Wet the fur around the heart area
- Position the microphone correctly
- Use headphones to monitor quality
3. Record for 60 Seconds
- Keep your dog still and relaxed throughout
- Don't talk or make sudden movements
- If your dog moves, start over rather than saving a partial recording
4. Label and Save
- Name the recording clearly (e.g., "Baseline - Healthy")
- Note the date and any relevant details
- This becomes your reference recording
Ongoing Monitoring Schedule
Once you have your baseline, establish a regular monitoring routine:
| Frequency | Recommended For |
|---|---|
| Monthly | Healthy dogs, general wellness |
| Weekly | Dogs with known heart murmurs |
| Daily | Dogs with CHF or on heart medication |
Pro tip: Record at the same time of day each session. Heart rates naturally fluctuate throughout the day, so consistency helps you spot true changes versus normal variation.
Comparing to Your Baseline
When reviewing new recordings against your baseline, listen for:
- Rhythm changes - Is the beat still regular?
- Sound quality - Any new murmurs, clicks, or whooshing sounds?
- Rate changes - Significantly faster or slower than baseline?
- Breathing sounds - More prominent than before?
If you notice any changes, share both recordings with your veterinarian for evaluation.
Next Steps
- Getting Best Results - Recording techniques
- Common Issues - Troubleshooting help
- Contact Support - Get personalized assistance