What must a veterinarian do to correctly identify a pulse rate?

To accurately identify a pulse rate, a veterinarian often counts the pulse beats over a specific period of time and then uses that to calculate the beats per minute. Counting for 15 seconds and then multiplying by four is a commonly accepted method as it provides a quick and efficient way to determine the pulse rate while minimizing the risk of error that might come from prolonged counting.

This method strikes a balance between efficiency and accuracy. If the count is performed for a longer duration, like one minute, it can be time-consuming, especially in a busy clinical setting. Counting over a short duration reduces the time spent on the procedure while still allowing for a reliable estimation of pulse rate when the multiplier is applied correctly.

Using a stethoscope may provide more precise readings, particularly for heart rate, but is not always feasible for a pulse rate in every scenario. Therefore, the 15-second counting method is both pragmatic and effective in practice.