Summary
Oxygen therapy can be used at home to help pets breathe more easily, whether they’re experiencing an emergency, recovering from illness, or managing a chronic condition. Pet parents can use portable oxygen kits for quick, short-term support and oxygen chambers with concentrators for longer-term care, always under veterinary guidance. By learning how to set up and use this equipment safely, and working closely with their veterinarian, owners can ensure their pets receive the right support and enjoy a better quality of life.
Introduction
Oxygen therapy can be a crucial tool for pets who struggle to breathe, offering them comfort and support when their bodies need a little extra help. Whether your pet is dealing with a collapsed trachea or congestive heart failure, or recovering from an illness like pneumonia, supplemental oxygen can make a big difference in their quality of life. With the right guidance from your veterinarian, oxygen therapy can be safely used at home to keep your pet feeling more comfortable and cared for.
Understanding Oxygen Therapy for Pets
Oxygen therapy helps your pet by delivering a steady flow of concentrated oxygen, which raises the oxygen levels in their blood and eases the strain on their heart and lungs. This extra support can be used in emergencies to stabilize breathing, during recovery to speed healing, or long-term to improve comfort and quality of life for pets with chronic conditions. Some pets may only need oxygen in short bursts during flare-ups, while others may benefit from ongoing use at home to keep them feeling their best.
Common Medical Conditions Treated with Oxygen Therapy
Many pets face health challenges that make it difficult for them to get enough oxygen on their own. Oxygen therapy can provide much-needed relief, whether your pet is dealing with a sudden illness or managing a long-term condition. By supporting their breathing, oxygen can reduce stress on the body and help them feel more comfortable day to day.
Top conditions where oxygen therapy is often used include:
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): Helps relieve breathing difficulties caused by fluid buildup in the lungs, giving pets more ease and comfort.
- Pneumonia: Supports pets during recovery by maintaining healthy oxygen levels, helping them heal with less stress.
- Chronic Bronchitis/COPD: Reduces the effort needed to breathe in pets with chronic airway inflammation, improving quality of life over time.
- Pulmonary Hypertension: Helps manage low oxygen saturation and prevent dangerous respiratory distress, so pets can remain stable and active.
- Asthma (especially in cats): Provides critical support during flare-ups to stabilize breathing and bring quick relief.
- Collapsed Trachea: Stabilizes oxygen levels during and after episodes of airway collapse, offering peace of mind and faster recovery.
Overview of Pawprint Oxygen’s Products
When your pet needs oxygen therapy at home, having the right equipment can make all the difference. Pawprint Oxygen offers a range of products designed to be safe, convenient, and effective, whether your pet requires short-term emergency support or ongoing care for a chronic condition. Here’s an overview of two popular options:
A. Portable Oxygen Kits for Cats and Dogs
- Kits include lightweight pre-filled oxygen canisters, oxygen tubing, pre-set flow regulators set to the flow rate your pet needs based on their weight, and a pet oxygen mask. These are all packed in an easy-to-carry travel case.
- Ideal for emergencies, travel, and quick response to sudden breathing distress.
- Commonly used during transport to the vet, while awaiting care, or even on hikes with at-risk pets.
B. PureVent Pet Oxygen Chambers
- Provide an enclosed space where pets can rest calmly while receiving oxygen.
- Ideal for pets up to 30 pounds.
- Best for chronic conditions and long-term home use, offering a sustainable and cost-effective option.
- Particularly helpful for small pets, cats, or anxious animals that don’t tolerate masks well.
- Useful for post-surgery recovery, stress-free therapy sessions, and severe respiratory illnesses.
- Work alongside a 5 Liter medical-grade oxygen concentrator, prescribed through Pawprint Oxygen, that continuously supplies oxygen from room air to fill the chamber.
About At-Home Oxygen Concentrators
For pets who need ongoing oxygen therapy, an at-home oxygen concentrator, like the PureVent 5 Liter Oxygen Concentrator, can be a reliable solution. These machines draw in room air and filter it to provide a continuous flow of medical-grade oxygen, which is especially useful when paired with an oxygen chamber. Because they require a prescription, pet parents will need to work with their veterinarian, but Pawprint Oxygen can help guide you through this process and ensure you get the right equipment for your pet’s needs. You can view the prescription form HERE.
How Pet Owners Can Use Each Type of Equipment
Getting comfortable with your pet’s oxygen equipment can help you feel prepared and confident when your pet needs support. With a little practice, both portable kits and oxygen chambers are simple to use and can bring peace of mind during stressful moments.
Portable Oxygen Kits
Step-by-step use:
- Attach the mask to the regulator using the oxygen tubing.
- Insert and twist the regulator into the canister to start oxygen flow.
- Gently place the mask over your pet’s nose and mouth.
- Monitor them closely while you provide support or transport them to the vet.
Emergency checklist:
- Keep your kit in an easy-to-reach spot
- Check canister levels regularly
- Practice using the kit ahead of time so you’re ready in an urgent situation
Oxygen Chambers
Easy setup at home:
- Once the chamber is assembled, connect it to your oxygen concentrator with the oxygen tubing.
- Turn the concentrator on and set to the recommended flow rate (for the PureVent Pet Oxygen Chamber, set the concentrator to 5LPM (liters per minute)
- Pre-fill the chamber for 10-15 minutes with the entry points sealed.
- Place your pet inside for therapy.
Pro Tips:
- Follow your vet’s guidance: Use the Venturi adapters included with your chamber to set the oxygen concentration to the level recommended by your veterinarian.
- Monitoring and comfort: Always keep an eye on your pet during therapy sessions to ensure they are calm and breathing comfortably.
- Cleaning and care: Regularly clean the chamber and accessories with a mild soap and water or pet safe sanitizer to keep the environment safe and hygienic for your pet.
Safety Considerations and Best Practices
Your veterinarian is your best guide when it comes to using oxygen therapy safely at home. Always follow the oxygen flow rate prescribed for your pet, as too much or too little can affect their comfort and health. Keep a close watch for any signs of distress, such as worsening breathing, anxiety, or lethargy, and contact your vet right away if you’re concerned. Regular checkups will help ensure your pet’s therapy plan stays effective and tailored to their needs.
Working with Your Veterinarian
Oxygen therapy is most effective when it’s part of a complete treatment plan designed by your veterinarian. Your vet may use tools like pulse oximetry or blood tests to monitor how well your pet is responding and determine the right level of support. It’s also important to check in regularly, as your pet’s oxygen needs may change over time, and your vet can help decide if therapy should be adjusted or re-evaluated.
Conclusion
Caring for a pet with breathing difficulties can feel overwhelming, but oxygen therapy offers a safe and effective way to give them comfort and stability at home. With the right equipment, guidance from your veterinarian, and a little preparation, you can help your pet breathe easier and enjoy a better quality of life. Remember, you’re not alone in this, your veterinary team and Pawprint Oxygen are here to support you every step of the way.
Guest Post by Paw Print Oxygen
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat, or replace consulting a primary veterinarian for individualized care.