Pawprint Oxygen Products

Pet Oxygen Concentrators

What Is an Oxygen Concentrator?

A medical grade oxygen concentrator is a device that filters oxygen from the surrounding room air and concentrates it in order to provide high purity oxygen (>90%).

An oxygen concentrator does not need to be refilled like an oxygen tank does, as it is able to create its own supply of oxygen from the surrounding room air. Our units have a run time of over 30,000 hours, and require very little maintenance. We offer both 10 liter oxygen concentrators and 5 liter oxygen concentrators. The 10 liter model offers oxygen flow rates from 1 LPM to 10 LPM. The 5 liter model offers oxygen flow rates between 0.5 LPM to 5 LPM.

What Size Oxygen Concentrator Do I Need for the Oxygen Cage?

The size of the oxygen concentrator needed depends on the size of the oxygen cage you are using.

 

Small and medium Buster ICU Oxygen Cages can utilize a 5 liter oxygen concentrator or a 10 liter oxygen concentrator. Large Buster ICU Oxygen Cages must utilize a 10 liter oxygen concentrator. Please note, Pawprint Oxygen Canisters cannot be used with the Oxygen Cage.

The oxygen cage requires an oxygen concentrator to provide the correct amount of air flow into the cage. When using a concentrator with the cage, you will always set the concentrator to its highest flow rate. This means that you will set the 5 liter oxygen concentrator to 5 liters per minute when using a small or medium cage; or set the 10 liter concentrator to 10 liters per minute when using a large cage.

As you go from a small or medium cage to a large cage, you have to fill up a greater volume of space while also ensuring that you are turning over the air in the cage, pushing out the excess CO2 and other gaseous by-products, while continuing to push fresh oxygen gas into the cage. For these reasons it is essential that you use higher flow rates when you use the cage than when you would if you were administering oxygen therapy in a different way, such as flow by mask.

Do I Need a Prescription for an Oxygen Concentrator?

Yes, we require a prescription for any oxygen source. This includes Pawprint Oxygen Canisters and oxygen concentrators.

 

Prescriptions can be uploaded to your Pawprint Oxygen online profile, emailed to info@pawprintoxygen.com or faxed to 855-699-3366. You can download our RX Form and send it to your veterinarian, giving them everything they need to send us a prescription.

We require a prescription to ensure that your pet is getting the best possible care . If your veterinarian does not currently offer Pawprint Oxygen, we are happy to contact them and discuss the benefits of prescribing Pawprint Oxygen to their patients.

Are There Different Types of Oxygen Concentrators?

There are several different types of oxygen concentrators on the market. We offer medical grade oxygen concentrators.

 

There are several types of oxygen concentrators, however, not all oxygen concentrators are effective for safely administering oxygen to your pet.

If you are using an oxygen cage, your oxygen concentrator needs to be able to produce at least 5 liters per minute (LPM) of continuous flow medical grade oxygen to support a safe environment for your pet. Stationary oxygen concentrators that are not medical grade and portable oxygen concentrators will not be able to produce high oxygen saturation levels at higher flow rates.

Non-medical grade oxygen devices can be misleading and/or ineffective. Many of them fail to provide adequate oxygen purity at higher flow rates, which can be potentially dangerous for your pet. A prescription is required for all medical grade oxygen concentrators, so if you find a device from a seller that does not require a prescription, it is either not medical grade or the seller is operating illegally.

Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are a type of oxygen concentrator that typically weigh less than 10 pounds and operate on a battery power source. Generally, POCs CANNOT be used for pets because they use “pulse dose” instead of “continuous flow” to deliver medical grade oxygen to patients. Pulse dose is not capable of producing enough oxygen to fill the space of an oxygen cage or a pet oxygen mask.

How do I Set the Flow Rate On My Pet Oxygen Concentrator?

When using a Buster ICU Oxygen Cage, you will set your concentrator to its highest setting. When using a Pet Oxygen Mask, please refer to your prescription for the flow rate indicated by your doctor.

 

If you are using a small or medium Buster ICU Oxygen Cage, set your oxygen concentrator to 5LPM. If you are using a large Buster ICU Oxygen Cage, set your oxygen concentrator to 10LPM.

When using a Pet Oxygen Mask with a concentrator, the flow rate will be prescribed based on your pets weight and medical history. If you are unsure what flow rate has been prescribed, please contact your veterinarian or a member of the Pawprint Oxygen Team.

What Size Oxygen Concentrator Do I Need for the Oxygen Cage?

The size of the oxygen concentrator needed depends on the size of the oxygen cage you are using.

 

Small and medium Buster ICU Pet Oxygen Cages can utilize a 5 liter oxygen concentrator or a 10 liter oxygen concentrator. Large Buster ICU Oxygen Cages must utilize a 10 liter oxygen concentrator. Please note, Pawprint Oxygen Canisters cannot be used with the Oxygen Cage.

The oxygen cage requires an oxygen concentrator to provide the correct amount of air flow into the cage. When using a concentrator with the cage, you will always set the concentrator to its highest flow rate. This means that you will set the 5 liter oxygen concentrator to 5 liters per minute when using a small or medium cage; or set the 10 liter concentrator to 10 liters per minute when using a large cage.

As you go from a small or medium cage to a large cage, you have to fill up a greater volume of space while also ensuring that you are turning over the air in the cage, pushing out the excess CO2 and other gaseous by-products, while continuing to push fresh oxygen gas into the cage. For these reasons it is essential that you use higher flow rates when you use the cage than when you would if you were administering oxygen therapy in a different way, such as flow by mask.

Can I Use an Oxygen Concentrator in My Car or SUV?

Most cars cannot provide a high enough power output to power the oxygen concentrator.

 

Many cars have cigarette outlets and some newer cars and SUVs have regular household outlets to charge phones or small appliances. The oxygen concentrator requires more power than a car or SUV outlet can provide.

If you need to transport your pet, we recommend using Pawprint Oxygen Canisters. This is a safe and effective way to support them with oxygen therapy on the way to your veterinary office.

Buster ICU Pet Oxygen Cages

Are There Different Types of Pet Oxygen Cages?

There are several types of pet oxygen cages on the market, but not all of them are safe for your pet. We recommend using the Buster ICU Pet Oxygen Cage.

 

We recommend the Buster ICU Pet Oxygen Cage due to its robust build quality and adaptable oxygen fittings. The Buster ICU Oxygen Cage includes a Venturi kit that allows you to change the oxygen saturation and flow within the oxygen cage, which disperses carbon dioxide, heat and humidity to ensure that your pet is safe and comfortable.

Pawprint Oxygen is the largest provider of the Buster ICU Oxygen Cages to pet owners and animal hospitals. No other pet oxygen cage on the market has been tested like the Buster ICU Pet Oxygen Cage.

 

Do I Need to Purchase Any Additional Accessories with the Buster ICU Oxygen Cage?

No, the Buster ICU Pet Oxygen Cage comes with a 7-ft length of oxygen tubing and a complete Venturi Piece Kit, as well as ice packs, and a carrying case.

 

If you would like to purchase extra oxygen tubing or a replacement Venturi kit, we offer them for sale separately, as well.

What Size Oxygen Cage Should I Purchase for My Pet?

The pet oxygen cage size should be determined by measuring your pet and comparing them to the dimensions of the oxygen cage.

 

Choosing the right size oxygen cage for your pet is very important. We recommend measuring your pet and comparing their measurements to the dimensions of each cage size. Your pet should be able to fit comfortably in the cage both when standing up and when laying down.

pet oxygen cage, buster ICU

If you are unsure which size would be best for your pet, please give us a call at 855-699-4366 and a Pawprint Oxygen team member can assist you.

Cage dimensions:

Small: 18″x13″x13″

Medium: 24″x18″x18″

Large: 44″x26″x26″

 

Cage volumes:

Small: 50 Liters

Medium 120 Liters

Large: 460 Liters

 

Can I Make My Own Pet Oxygen Cage?

This is not recommended.

 

While an oxygen cage appears to be a simple device, there are many factors to consider, including temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide and oxygen levels that can cause a dangerous environment for a pet if they are not maintained correctly.

Veterinary hospital grade oxygen cages can exceed $10,000 and address these issues.  The Pet oxygen cages we provide for home use have been designed with these factors in mind to keep your pet safe while in use.

Portable Pet Oxygen Kits

When Do I Use the Portable Oxygen Kit?

Use the Portable Oxygen Kit when you notice your pet having any signs of respiratory distress.

 

Signs of respiratory distress include:

  • Coughing
  • Vomiting, retching, or gagging
  • Excessive panting
  • Excessive anxiety, pacing, being unable to settle
  • “Belly breathing”, where the pet is involving their diaphragm muscles to breathe
  • Cyanotic episodes, where the pets tongue or gums turn blue or purple
  • Loud breathing, “honking noise”, or wheezing
  • Excessively fast or slow breathing (normal respiratory rate for pets is between 15-30 breaths per minute)
  • Collapse
  • Open mouth breathing (in cats, as it is not normal for cats to pant)

If you notice your pet is in respiratory distress, please use the Portable Oxygen Kit to provide treatment to your pet and make immediate plans to get to your veterinary office or local veterinary emergency center.  

 

How Do I Check the Amount of Oxygen Remaining in the Oxygen Canister?

Start the flow of oxygen and read the gauge on the regulator.

 

To start the flow of oxygen, fit the regulator to the top of the canister and turn clockwise. You will hear a slight hissing sound as the oxygen gas is flowing. You can now read the gauge on the regulator indicating how much oxygen remains in the canister.

If you want to check the amount of oxygen in the canister without dispensing any oxygen, place your thumb over the barbed regulator outlet, which can be found on the side of the regulator (metal stem with notches along it). This prevents the oxygen from flowing out of the canister, but still allows you to check the amount of oxygen remaining.

 

How Long Will Each Pawprint Oxygen Canister Last?

The flow rate prescribed by your veterinarian will determine how long the canister lasts.

 

Pawprint Oxygen Canisters can last up to 20 minutes. How long the canister lasts is dependent on the flow rate prescribed by your veterinarian. The flow rate is the “dosage” of the oxygen drug and determines the rate at which the oxygen gas leaves the canister.

The regulator is a part of the Pawprint Oxygen Canister system and is what dictates the flow rate. Pawprint Oxygen will provide you with a regulator that is pre-set to the flow rate prescribed by your veterinarian.

These are the durations that the canister will last for each of the flow rates:

0.5 Liters per minute: 20 minutes

1.0 Liters per minute: 10 minutes

2.0 Liters per minute: 5 minutes

The attending veterinarian is responsible for determining the appropriate flow rate. Flow rate determination is typically based off pet weight, condition,  and medical history.

Are Pawprint Oxygen Canisters Safe for Travel?

Pawprint Oxygen Canisters are safe to use while traveling by car, but are prohibited for use on an aircraft.

 

For travel by car, Pawprint Oxygen Canisters comply with all necessary Department of Transportation regulations. This ensures that they are safe to use during transport.

For air travel, the FAA prohibits all products labeled as ‘canned oxygen’ to be brought onto an aircraft, whether that is in checked baggage, in carry-on baggage, or on their person. To assist with this restriction, Pawprint Oxygen Canisters can be shipped directly to your destination.

 

PureVent Pet Oxygen Masks

How Do I Use the Pet Oxygen Mask?

Fit the oxygen mask over your pet’s muzzle. The mask may cover the muzzle up to and including the rest of the head, depending on the pet’s size and head shape.

To acclimate your pet to the mask, hold the mask six inches away from your pet’s face and start the flow of oxygen. Slowly place the mask over your pet’s muzzle, giving them time to adjust to the oxygen flow and the presence of the mask. Most pets accept the mask once they feel the effects of the oxygen. If your pet is still weary of the mask, you can remove the black rubber diaphragm, which will ensure a looser and more comfortable fit while still providing an adequate level of oxygen.

Which Size Pet Oxygen Mask Should I Purchase?

We recommend taking your pets measurements to ensure you select the correct size. We supply three Pet Oxygen Mask sizes: small, medium, and large. Below are the measurements and weight recommendations for each.

 

Small: 2″ Depth, 3.5″ Diameter (typically for pets under 5lbs)

Medium: 3″ Depth, 3.5″ Diameter (typically for pets 5-20lbs)

Large: 4.5″ Depth, 5″ Diameter (typically for pets 20+lbs OR brachycephalic breeds with flatter muzzles)

Are the Pet Oxygen Mask and Regulator Reusable?

Yes, they can be reused.

 

The Pet Oxygen Mask should be cleaned before being used on another pet or patient, or if it has become soiled. The mask can be washed with a mild soap and warm water. Dry the mask completely before using.

How Do I Clean My Pet Oxygen Mask?

Use warm soapy water to clean the Pet Oxygen Mask. Rinse the mask several times in clean water and let air dry prior to use.

 

Additionally, chlorhexidine solution or wipes can be used to sanitize the mask. Please note, any sanitizing product that is not thoroughly rinsed off can act as an irritant to your pet’s skin. Make sure to rinse the mask several times in clean water and let air dry prior to use.

More Information

Can I Use Pawprint Oxygen Products for My Small or Exotic Pet?

Yes, Pawprint Oxygen products are safe to use with companion animals, small animals, and exotic pets.

 

We require a prescription for any source of oxygen, so please contact a member of the Pawprint Oxygen Team to get the prescription process started today. We can be reached at 855-699-4366 from 9am-5pm EST Monday-Friday.

 

Can I Use Equipment I Already Have with Pawprint Oxygen Items?

Some medical grade oxygen concentrators and tanks are compatible with the Buster ICU Oxygen Cage or mask. Only Pawprint Oxygen regulators will work with the Pawprint Oxygen Canisters, as they have been specially designed to fit together.

 

To ensure that your pet has a safe source of oxygen, please call a member of the Pawprint Oxygen team with information on the device or equipment you wish to use. The items may not be medical grade or produced for use with animals, and they can be harmful to your pet if used.

 

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