Can human heart rate monitors be used on dogs- help for a university project!

Hi
I'm currently writing a project proposal at university and am trying to find out whether dog heart rate monitors are different to human ones. Specifically if you can you an ear heart rate monitor for a human on a dog. I need a lightweight unobtrusive monitor which will allow the dog to move easily and normally so the data isn't compromised. It also needs to store the data for a time period so I can use it to work out the physiological cost index and determine the efficiency of the gait! Its to help in the development of artificial limbs in dogs so if anyone has a dog missing a leg I may know someone who could help!

Thanks very much for reading any help or suggestions would be appreciated!

i havent a clue but sounds fascinating - keep us updated!