When it comes to pet health, one of the most powerful tools you have is simply knowing what “normal” looks like for your furry friend. Every pet is different, and the little details that might be perfectly healthy for one could be a red flag for another. Paying attention to everyday things like your pet’s gum color, breathing patterns, and energy levels can give you a baseline—a frame of reference for when something doesn’t seem quite right.
Take gum color, for example. Healthy gums are typically pink and moist, but that can vary a bit depending on your pet. If you already know what’s normal for them, it’ll be much easier to spot when their gums look pale, bluish, or unusually red—all signs that something may be wrong. The same goes for breathing and temperature. Knowing your pet’s resting breaths per minute or their normal body temperature can give you a huge advantage in spotting illness or emergency situations early.
Here’s a simple way to track it. Write down your pet’s “normal” and keep it somewhere handy—on the fridge, in your phone, or with your emergency vet’s number.
My Pet’s normal temperature is: _____
My Pet’s normal resting breathing rate is: _____ breaths/minute
My Pet’s normal gum color is: _____ (do your best to describe)
The more familiar you are with these everyday details, the quicker you’ll notice when something is off. That awareness can give you confidence to act fast—and in many cases, it can make all the difference in keeping your pet safe and healthy.
