Electrocardiogram (ECG) For Dogs and Cats
An important diagnostic tool to assess your pet’s health, an ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect any abnormal rhythms or arrhythmias. Depending on location, our veterinarians can perform dog and cat ECGs in your home or the BetterVet vehicle.


Common Reasons Why Your Pet Might Need an ECG
An ECG can yield important information for you and your veterinarian, and the results can answer questions about the overall health of your pet’s heart.
- If your pet has heart disease or another medical condition that can affect their heart
- When your pet’s heartbeat is irregular or difficult to hear during a physical exam
- If your pet needs surgery
- When there are concerns about your pet’s breathing or mobility
- If cardiac monitoring is recommended due to your pet’s medication

What to Expect During Your Pet’s ECG
Our Fear-Free® certified veterinarians will ensure your pet is relaxed when performing the painless cat or dog ECG test.
What to Expect During Your Pet’s ECG
Once your dog or cat is calm, comfortable, and can remain still standing up or lying down, your vet will apply either rubbing alcohol or gel before placing the ECG electrodes on the base of your dog or cat’s legs.
What to Expect During Your Pet’s ECG
Your pet’s ECG test could last between one minute up to a few minutes. After the test is run, your vet may send the results out to a veterinary cardiologist for interpretation. Your vet will then contact you to discuss the results.What Our Clients Say

BetterVet have my full confidence with the life of my son Nico Jones. They are THE BEST in their field, in my professional opinion (being in the medical field myself for so long). I have no worries that my Nico is in great hands. How do I know? Because not only is my Nico living the best life he can (his diagnosis is chronic congestive heart failure) but he is ultimately loved by these individuals. They came by for a procedure at. my house and Nico was so comfortable with them that no sedation was required. Dr. Steve and Chris work incredibly synchronized together and that is key in my eyes. When I spoke to a pet cardiologist and was giving a little history of why Nico was going to visit them, they stated, "Nico is receiving the right medications. His treatment plan is what we would have done and would recommend". That gave me such a peace of mind!!!! Thank you two! You are heaven sent!
Frequently Asked Questions
An ECG can determine if your pet’s heart rate is within a normal range. If your pet’s heart is beating too quickly or too slowly, this can be an indication of a medical condition that may require further examination.
An ECG can also determine if your pet has any congenital heart defects, or heart diseases, such as congenital heart failure or heart valve damage. Your veterinarian may send the results of your pet’s ECG to a veterinary heart specialist for interpretation.
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