An electrocardiogram (ECG), also known as an EKG, is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that measures a pet’s heart’s electrical activity and provides a visual representation of its function. It can help a veterinarian identify arrhythmias, heart disease, and other heart health issues. 

Here’s what an ECG can tell a veterinarian about a pet’s heart:

Heart rate and rhythm

The ECG measures the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat. A normal heart rate for a dog is 60–170 beats per minute, and for a cat it’s 140–220 beats per minute.