Be prepared and make sure every puppy or kitten is given a chance at life.
Hypoxemia, or low blood oxygen levels, is a major contributor to fading puppy/kitten syndrome i.e. “poor doers.” If left untreated, hypoxemia leads to a slow and weak heartbeat and can result in death or long term health issues.
Amniotic fluid in the airway, aspiration (fluid sucked into the lungs) , generalized weakness resulting in inadequate breathing, etc., can lead to hypoxemia in a newborn. A puppy or kitten not crying or active immediately upon birth (with stimulation), or noisily breathing is at risk for hypoxemia. Having a Pawprint Oxygen rescue system on hand allows you to administer rescue oxygen at the time it is needed most (at birth) and, if needed, during transport to a veterinarian.
If continued critical care (under the direction of a veterinarian) will be provided at home or for multiple offspring an Oxygen Cage may be needed.
Talk to your veterinarian today to obtain a prescription before the big day!
Pawprint Oxygen offers the following oxygen therapy equipment for puppies and kittens:
Oxygen Source
Pawprint Oxygen Canisters
This is a lightweight, easy to use, portable option. Canisters coupled with a fixed flow regulator are a useful and practical option to have on hand as an emergency rescue oxygen source and for transport to your primary care or emergency veterinary practice. Each canister provides up to 20 minutes of oxygen therapy. Note: The flow rate and duration are not amenable to use with oxygen cages.
The Oxygen Concentrator
The at home Oxygen Concentrator works by drawing in room air and purifying it into oxygen gas (>90%). While non-portable (it plugs into your home electric outlet) , it can provide oxygen for an indefinite period of time. The Concentrator can generate enough flow to fill and maintain an Oxygen Cage. It can therefore be used with both the Pet Oxygen Mask and the Oxygen Cage. However, it cannot be used for transport. Anytime an oxygen cage is being used, the rescue oxygen system is recommended as a back-up and for transport to a veterinary facility.
Oxygen Administration
The Pet Oxygen Mask
The Pet Oxygen Mask is the preferred oxygen administration device for at-home use. It is easy to use and allows for safe and immediate oxygen administration to a newborn puppy. The Pet Oxygen Mask can be used with Pawprint Oxygen Canisters or an Oxygen Concentrator. By leaving the diaphragm on the (vented) mask and sticking the offspring’s head in the opening, a high level of oxygen can be administered.
The Oxygen Cage
The Oxygen Cage can be used to provide oxygen therapy to multiple offspring or to provide oxygen supplementation for extended periods of time. The latter should only be done on the order of a veterinarian as extended hyperoxia (high levels of oxygen in the body) is thought to be detrimental. Oxygen Cages require high flows (i.e. from a generator or high pressure compressed source) and take time to get to therapeutic oxygen levels. This is why it is recommended to prefill the cage prior to use and minimize the amount of time the door is open.
Interested in having Oxygen on hand for whelping or queening? Pawprint Oxygen provides products with an approved prescription form from your veterinarian. To learn more visit our site today or give us a call at 855-699-4366.
About Sean Smarick, VMD, DACVECC

Veterinary Advisor
Pawprint Oxygen does not provide veterinary advice. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a veterinarian with questions regarding your pet’s health.