Myth-busting Pet Oxygen Therapy Misconceptions

Most vehicles lack the necessary power output for the oxygen concentrator to function. Many cars have cigarette outlets and some newer cars, trucks, SUVs have regular household outlets to charge phones or small appliances. The PureVent 5 Liter Oxygen Concentrator requires more power than a car or SUV outlet can typically provide. If you need to transport your pet, we recommend using Pet Oxygen Rescue Kits. They provide a safe and effective way to support them with oxygen therapy on the way.

If the portable oxygen kits are not adequate (your pet requires a higher flow rate than our canisters can provide, or you need to supply oxygen for an extended period), you may consider purchasing a portable power station with high enough wattage to supply the concentrator with power. However, there are some important factors to consider. The power source will also need to be charged at some point. You must also ensure your car has adequate ventilation. Additionally, you need to ensure your equipment and your pet are secure in case of an accident.

No, Pawprint Oxygen canisters are not designed to supply oxygen to the PureVent Oxygen Chamber. Pawprint Oxygen canisters are intended for emergency use and short-term oxygen therapy by way of an oxygen mask. Each canister typically lasts 5-30 minutes and reaches a top flow rate of 3LPM (liters per minute).

The PureVent oxygen chamber is designed for continuous oxygen delivery, which requires a longer-lasting oxygen source at a flow rate of at least 5LPM, like the PureVent oxygen concentrator. The chamber requires a steady oxygen flow to maintain the proper concentration inside, which canisters are not designed to support.

To properly supply the oxygen chamber, use the PureVent Oxygen Concentrator, which provides a consistent flow of medical-grade oxygen without running out. If your pet urgently needs oxygen but you're away from the concentrator, you can use an oxygen canister with a mask until you reach a location where the chamber and concentrator can be set up, or until you reach emergency veterinary care.

When using Pawprint Oxygen equipment, it is very unlikely that you will give your pet too much oxygen if you follow the recommended usage guidelines. However, here’s what you should know:

• Oxygen therapy, when used correctly, is generally safe. Oxygen therapy is commonly used to help pets with conditions like collapsed trachea, congestive heart failure (CHF), pneumonia, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
• The body naturally regulates oxygen absorption, and short-term supplemental oxygen is not typically harmful when used appropriately.
• Room air contains about 21% oxygen, while medical oxygen therapy typically delivers between 40-60% oxygen in controlled settings.
• Pawprint Oxygen canisters and the PureVent oxygen concentrator provide safe, pet-appropriate levels of oxygen when used correctly.

Extended exposure to very high oxygen concentrations (above 80-100% for prolonged periods) can cause lung irritation or oxygen toxicity.

To ensure you are providing your pet with oxygen therapy safely, always follow veterinary recommendations for flow rates and duration of treatment. Short-term oxygen therapy is unlikely to cause harm. However, if your pet is ever acting restless or uncomfortable, pause therapy and consult your veterinarian. For pets requiring long-term oxygen support, your vet can guide you on proper flow rates and breaks in therapy to avoid overexposure.

Oxygen from an oxygen concentrator or canister is not explosive, but it does support combustion, meaning it can make fires burn hotter and faster.

Key Points About Oxygen and Fire Safety:

• Oxygen itself does not ignite: It is not a fuel, so it won’t explode on its own.
• Oxygen accelerates fire: If a fire is already burning, concentrated oxygen can make it burn more intensely.
• Avoid open flames and sparks: Keep the concentrator and canisters away from open flames or anything that could ignite a fire. 

If used safely and with precautions, an oxygen concentrator and canisters are not dangerous but should be handled responsibly to minimize fire risks.

Yes, it is safe to use an oxygen concentrator in a closed room, and it will not deprive you of oxygen. Oxygen concentrators don’t use up oxygen; they pull in ambient air, filter out nitrogen, and deliver concentrated oxygen to the patient. The room still contains normal air, with plenty of oxygen for others. As long as the room isn’t airtight and there is at least some normal ventilation, you can safely use an oxygen concentrator without concern.

While the idea of creating a DIY oxygen cage for your pet may seem cost-effective, there are serious safety risks involved that make it unsafe. Here’s why:

• Risk of Oxygen Buildup and Oxygen Toxicity: A poorly ventilated, homemade oxygen chamber can allow oxygen to accumulate to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of oxygen toxicity.

• Improper Oxygen Flow and Concentration: Too much oxygen can be harmful. Pets require a controlled oxygen concentration. Too high a concentration (>60%) for prolonged periods can lead to oxygen toxicity, causing lung damage. Additionally, too little oxygen won’t help. If the chamber isn’t well-designed, oxygen could escape or mix with room air too quickly, making it ineffective.

• Carbon Dioxide Buildup and Suffocation Risk: In a poorly ventilated DIY cage, carbon dioxide (CO₂) can accumulate since pets exhale it constantly. Without proper airflow, CO₂ buildup can lead to suffocation, negating the benefits of oxygen therapy.

• Inadequate Temperature and Humidity Control: Oxygen concentrators generate heat, and a sealed environment can quickly become too warm for your pet. Humidity levels inside an enclosed space can also rise, leading to respiratory distress or bacterial growth in an improperly maintained chamber.

• Lack of Safety Features: Veterinary oxygen cages are designed with precise oxygen flow regulation, CO₂ removal, and emergency vents. DIY cages lack built-in safety features, making it difficult to adjust oxygen levels safely.

Yes, the vents on a pet oxygen chamber do allow some oxygen to escape, but they are essential for safety and proper oxygen therapy. Here's why:

• Maintaining Safe Oxygen Concentration: Oxygen cages are designed to maintain an optimal oxygen level (typically 40-60% for pets). If there were no vents, oxygen levels could rise too high, leading to oxygen toxicity, which can damage the lungs over time.

• Preventing Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Buildup: Pets exhale CO₂, and without adequate ventilation, it can accumulate inside the chamber. CO₂ buildup can lead to hypoxia (low oxygen levels), making the oxygen therapy ineffective or even dangerous.

• Controlling Temperature and Humidity: Oxygen concentrators produce heat, and a completely sealed chamber would become too hot, causing discomfort or respiratory distress. Vents allow fresh air exchange, preventing excessive heat and humidity, which can cause bacterial growth or respiratory issues.

How Do the Vents Work Without Wasting Oxygen?

The size and placement of the vents are carefully designed to allow enough oxygen to stay in the chamber while allowing proper airflow. A continuous flow of oxygen compensates for the small amount lost through the vents. Many high-quality oxygen chambers include venting to balance oxygen retention and safety.

Yes, the holes in Venturi adapters do allow a small amount of oxygen to escape, but they are designed that way on purpose to create a controlled oxygen flow and concentration.

How Venturi Adapters Work

Venturi adapters use the Venturi effect, where oxygen flows through a narrow section, creating a pressure difference that draws in room air. This controlled mixing of oxygen and ambient air regulates the final oxygen concentration delivered to the pet.

Why the Holes in Venturi Adapters Are Necessary

• Controlled Oxygen Concentration: Different Venturi adapters are designed to deliver specific oxygen percentages (25%, 28%, 35%, 40%, 50% or 60%). The holes allow precise mixing of oxygen and ambient air to ensure the correct concentration reaches the patient.

• Prevent Oxygen Wastage While Ensuring Proper Flow: Instead of uncontrolled oxygen leakage, the holes regulate the mixture efficiently. Without these holes, oxygen delivery could become too high or too low, leading to oxygen toxicity or inadequate therapy.

• Promote Safe Breathing and Ventilation: The holes prevent carbon dioxide (CO₂) buildup inside oxygen chambers by increasing the airflow inside the chamber. It also ensures a steady, fresh flow of oxygen-enriched air while reducing rebreathing of exhaled CO₂.

You cannot fly with Pawprint Oxygen's portable oxygen canisters because they are classified as hazardous materials (hazmat) by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). Here’s why:

• FAA Regulations Prohibit Compressed Oxygen on Flights: The FAA bans compressed oxygen cylinders (including portable oxygen canisters) on commercial airlines due to the fire and explosion risk in pressurized aircraft cabins. Oxygen is not flammable by itself, but it accelerates combustion, which makes it a safety hazard on flights.

• Risk of Pressure Changes in Flight: Airplane cabins experience pressure fluctuations, which could potentially cause the canisters to leak or rupture. Even though Pawprint Oxygen’s canisters are designed for safety, airlines do not allow compressed oxygen cylinders due to the potential for leaks in a confined space.

Alternative Oxygen Solutions for Travel

Since you cannot bring oxygen canisters onboard, here are FAA-approved options for flying with a pet needing oxygen:

• FAA-Approved Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs): Some human medical oxygen concentrators are approved for in-flight use. Check with the airline for their list of approved devices. Also, ensure that the device can produce a high enough flow rate of oxygen at a continuous flow.

• Pre-arrange Oxygen at Your Destination: Contact a vet clinic or emergency animal hospital at your destination to have oxygen available when you land. Rent or purchase an oxygen concentrator for use at your final location. Pawprint Oxygen can also ship items to your destination within the continental US.

• Consider Driving Instead of Flying: If oxygen is critical for your pet’s health during travel, a road trip with oxygen support may be a better option.

Bottom Line

You cannot fly with Pawprint Oxygen’s canisters because FAA regulations prohibit compressed oxygen on flights due to safety risks. If your pet needs oxygen during travel, consider FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators or pre-arranging oxygen at your destination. Always check with your airline for their specific policies.

No, giving your pet oxygen therapy will not affect you in any harmful way. If you accidentally breathe in the oxygen, it is completely safe for short-term exposure. Here’s why:

• Oxygen is Safe for Humans at Normal Levels: The air we normally breathe contains about 21% oxygen. Short-term exposure to slightly higher oxygen levels (like what your pet receives) will not harm you.

• Oxygen is Not a Drug, But Too Much Can Be Harmful: Breathing 100% oxygen for long periods (hours or more) can cause oxygen toxicity, but this is very unlikely in a pet oxygen therapy setting. The oxygen flow for pets is typically around 40-60% when using an oxygen chamber or mask—far lower than levels that would cause issues in humans.

• You Might Feel a Slight Boost (or Nothing at All): If you take a few breaths of your pet’s oxygen, you might not notice any difference. Some people report feeling slightly more alert, similar to using an oxygen bar. There are no known negative effects from brief exposure.

• When to Be Cautious: If you have chronic lung conditions (COPD, emphysema, etc.), consult your doctor before inhaling supplemental oxygen.

Accidentally breathing in your pet’s oxygen therapy is safe for short periods. Oxygen is not toxic to healthy humans at the levels used for pets, but it’s best to ensure the therapy is directed at your pet and not wasted.

No, oxygen therapy will not make your pet dependent on oxygen. However, it is a crucial support for pets with respiratory conditions. Here’s why:

• Oxygen Therapy Provides Support, Not Addiction: Oxygen is not addictive, as your pet’s body only uses what it needs to maintain normal oxygen levels. Once the underlying issue improves, most pets can be weaned off oxygen without any long-term dependence.

• It’s Used to Stabilize, Not Replace Normal Breathing: Oxygen therapy helps pets with breathing difficulties, but it doesn’t replace their natural ability to breathe. Once their condition improves (e.g., pneumonia clears up, heart failure is managed), they can breathe normally without extra oxygen.

• Some Chronic Conditions Require Long-Term Oxygen: For chronic conditions like congestive heart failure (CHF), pulmonary hypertension, and collapsing trachea, pets may need oxygen therapy to maintain a good quality of life. These pets may need oxygen therapy periodically during flare-ups, but this is not dependence, it’s just necessary support.

• Weaning Off Oxygen is Possible: If your pet recovers from an illness, oxygen can be gradually reduced under veterinary guidance. Your vet will monitor your pet’s oxygen saturation (SpO₂ levels) to determine when they no longer need supplemental oxygen.

Yes, the Pawprint Oxygen PureVent™ oxygen chamber is safe and designed to prevent carbon dioxide (CO₂) buildup, addressing the concerns your vet may have. Here’s why:

• PureVent™ Technology Prevents CO₂ Accumulation: The chamber is equipped with proper ventilation ports, allowing CO₂ to escape while maintaining oxygen levels. It prevents rebreathing of exhaled air, ensuring your pet gets fresh, oxygen-enriched air.

• Balanced Oxygen Flow & Ventilation: The oxygen flow rate is designed to keep O₂ levels stable (typically 40-60%) while preventing CO₂ retention. Strategic vent placement allows oxygen to circulate while pushing CO₂ out safely.

• CO₂ Buildup Happens in Poorly Designed Chambers: A homemade or improperly ventilated oxygen chamber can allow CO₂ to accumulate, which is dangerous. The PureVent™ chamber is specifically engineered to provide safe oxygen therapy without CO₂ retention.

• Designed for Veterinary-Grade Oxygen Therapy: This chamber is modeled after veterinary oxygen enclosures, ensuring the same safe, effective oxygen delivery used in clinical settings. It is built to support continuous oxygen flow, preventing stagnant air pockets where CO₂ could build up.

• Safe for Extended Use Under Vet Guidance: The chamber is safe for short-term and longer oxygen therapy sessions. Your vet can recommend an appropriate oxygen flow rate and monitor your pet’s response to ensure safety.

Bottom Line

Your vet’s concern about CO₂ buildup is valid for poorly ventilated chambers, but the Pawprint Oxygen PureVent™ chamber is designed to prevent this risk. With proper ventilation and controlled oxygen flow, it provides a safe and effective oxygen therapy solution for pets.

Yes! The PureVent Pet Oxygen Mask is designed to accommodate a wide variety of pets, including Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians), small breed dogs, cats, and larger dogs with longer snouts (e.g., Greyhounds, Retrievers).

Mask Size Misconceptions: It Does Not Need to Be Airtight

One common misconception about pet oxygen masks is that they must be airtight to be effective. However, this is not true and could actually be dangerous. Here’s why:

• Oxygen Masks Should Allow Some Air Exchange: Oxygen therapy is about enrichment, not isolation. The goal is to increase the percentage of oxygen your pet is breathing, not create a vacuum-sealed environment. An airtight mask could cause CO₂ buildup. Your pet exhales carbon dioxide (CO₂), and without proper venting, they could rebreathe their exhaled air, leading to CO₂ accumulation and suffocation. The PureVent mask has vents to allow CO₂ to escape while still delivering a high oxygen concentration.

• Proper Oxygen Delivery Doesn’t Require a Tight Seal: Even with small gaps, the mask delivers sufficient oxygen enrichment. The oxygen flow rate compensates for any minor leakage, ensuring your pet receives a higher oxygen concentration than room air.

• Mask Fit Considerations for Brachycephalic and Small Breeds: For flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds – A larger mask may be needed to accommodate their short nose and wide face.

For small breed dogs or cats, a snug but comfortable fit ensures effective oxygen delivery without excessive leakage. For larger dogs, masks with deeper contours help ensure efficient oxygen flow while allowing natural breathing.

No, the Pawprint Oxygen PureVent™ chamber does not come with or produce oxygen on its own. It is designed to work with an external oxygen source, like the PureVent Pet Oxygen Concentrator or a large oxygen tank.

How It Works:

Oxygen from the concentrator or tank flows into the chamber through a controlled inlet. Vents in the oxygen chamber ensure proper airflow, preventing heat, humidity, and CO₂ buildup while maintaining an oxygen-enriched environment.

Unlike an oxygen concentrator, the chamber itself is just an enclosure—it doesn’t generate oxygen. This allows for flexibility, letting pet owners choose the best oxygen source for their pet’s needs.

No, giving oxygen to your pet when they don’t necessarily need it will not harm them, if it is provided at appropriate levels. However, it’s important to use oxygen therapy responsibly. Here’s what you need to know:

• Oxygen is Generally Safe in Short-Term Use: If your pet does not have a respiratory issue, a short period of oxygen therapy won’t cause harm. The body only absorbs the oxygen it needs—excess oxygen is naturally exhaled.

• When Oxygen Can Be Beneficial Even If You’re Unsure: If your pet is breathing faster than normal, panting excessively or lethargic, oxygen can provide support while you seek veterinary care. Many conditions (e.g., heart disease, collapsing trachea, pneumonia) benefit from early oxygen therapy before a crisis occurs. If your pet has a known respiratory condition, it’s usually better to give oxygen sooner rather than later.

• Can Too Much Oxygen Be Harmful: Long-term excessive oxygen (100% saturation for hours to days) can lead to oxygen toxicity, but this is rare and mostly a concern in intensive care settings. Oxygen should never replace a veterinary visit as it’s a supportive therapy, not a cure.

No, at-home oxygen therapy is not the same as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), but they both provide oxygen support for different medical needs. Here’s how they compare:

• What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT):HBOT involves placing your pet in a pressurized chamber where they breathe 100% oxygen at higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure. This increases oxygen absorption in the blood and tissues, promoting healing in conditions like severe wounds or burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, severe infections, spinal cord injuries, and delayed wound healing or tissue death. HBOT is only available in veterinary hospitals with specialized equipment.

• What is At-Home Oxygen Therapy: At-home oxygen therapy delivers supplemental oxygen at normal atmospheric pressure through oxygen masks, nasal cannulas, or oxygen chambers (like Pawprint Oxygen’s PureVent™). It is commonly used for pets with chronic respiratory conditions, such as congestive heart failure (CHF), collapsed trachea, pulmonary hypertension, pneumonia, and brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). At-home oxygen therapy helps pets breathe easier but does not provide the same deep tissue oxygenation as HBOT.

• Can At-Home Oxygen Therapy Replace HBOT: No, if your veterinarian specifically recommends hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it means your pet needs a higher level of oxygen absorption that can only be achieved in a pressurized chamber. However, at home oxygen therapy can still support your pet’s breathing and improve oxygen levels between treatments if they have a chronic condition.

Bottom Line

At-home oxygen therapy is different from hyperbaric oxygen therapy—HBOT is a specialized treatment for serious medical conditions, while at-home oxygen therapy provides supplemental oxygen at normal air pressure for pets with breathing difficulties. If your vet has recommended HBOT, your pet will need treatment at a veterinary hospital. However, at-home oxygen therapy can still be valuable for managing long-term respiratory conditions.

Oxygen therapy is a powerful, life-saving tool for pets with respiratory challenges, but misinformation can sometimes cause hesitation or confusion. By addressing common myths—such as concerns about oxygen dependence, fire risks, or the effectiveness of oxygen concentrators—we hope to provide clarity and confidence to pet owners who may need this vital treatment.

When used correctly, oxygen therapy is a safe and effective way to support pets with conditions like congestive heart failure, collapsed trachea, pneumonia, and more. Understanding how it works, when to use it, and how to implement it safely at home can make all the difference in your pet’s comfort and well-being.

If you ever have concerns about your pet’s oxygen needs, always consult your veterinarian for guidance. Whether using an oxygen concentrator and chamber, or portable canisters and a mask, you now have the facts to make informed decisions about your pet’s respiratory care.