In this post, we’ll talk about the different use cases for our products, including the Portable Oxygen Kit, which is used for episodic respiratory distress, and the Oxygen Concentrator and Oxygen Cage, which are used together to administer long-term oxygen therapy. Oftentimes, pets can benefit from both options.

Use Cases for the Portable Oxygen Kit

The Portable Oxygen Kit consists of three parts:

• Pawprint Oxygen Canisters
• Pet Oxygen Mask + tubing
• Regulator

Each Kit is customized to your pets needs, so be sure to check out our different kits based on your pet’s breed and weight!

The Portable Oxygen Kit can be quickly mobilized during a respiratory emergency. It can also be used to transport pets experiencing respiratory distress to the emergency room. Our Pawprint Oxygen Canisters are portable, lightweight, and safe, allowing them to be quickly deployed in any situation. Consider using the Pet Oxygen Kit in the following situations:

1. To manage respiratory distress resulting from a dynamic obstruction such as collapsing trachea or laryngeal paralysis. In these situations, it’s important to administer oxygen at the first signs of respiratory distress in order to stop the cycle of dyspnea, or labored breathing.

2. To support patients suffering from respiratory distress related to heart failure on the way to professional care. Pets with heart failure can become oxygen-dependent quickly. It’s important to get them to the ER as soon as possible, and your veterinarian may recommend using the Portable Oxygen Kit to administer oxygen on the way.

3. To support patients suffering from respiratory distress related to asthma, hypertension, anxiety, trauma, heat stroke, and other conditions. Respiratory distress can strike at any time, so ask your veterinarian if portable or rescue oxygen is right for your pet.

The Portable Oxygen Kit is can be the first line of defense in a respiratory emergency. Whether you use it at home to get over an episode or to support your pet on the way to professional care is up to your veterinarian.

Use Cases for Oxygen Concentrators and Oxygen Cages

Oxygen Concentrators are used in tandem with the Oxygen Cage to administer oxygen therapy at home. Here are a few questions to consider when determining if you need an Oxygen Concentrator and/or Oxygen Cage for your pet:

What administration method works best for your pet? 

Some pets prefer a Pet Oxygen Mask, which works well if your pet likes to be held or if you need to administer oxygen on the go. Some pets prefer to be in an Oxygen Cage, which requires an Oxygen Concentrator to power it.

Do you need to administer oxygen at home or on the go? 

The Oxygen Concentrator is a stationary unit requiring a power wall outlet. It cannot be used in a car or other vehicle. If you need portable oxygen, consider the Portable Oxygen Kit.

What flow rate (dosage) of oxygen does your pet need?

The oxygen flow rate depends on your pet’s weight, condition, and the oxygen administration method you are using. Your veterinarian needs to recommend the oxygen flow rate that is best for your pet. You can also refer to this article, listing out pet’s weights and appropriate flow rates for Oxygen.

Our Portable Oxygen Kits come with a Pet Oxygen Mask and a Regulator that is set to the flow rate recommended by your veterinarian.

If you are using the Buster ICU Oxygen Cage, the flow rate depends on the size of the Cage that you are using.

• Small and Medium Cages require at least 5 Liters Per Minute of continuous flow, medical grade oxygen. We recommend achieving this flow rate with the Pro 5 Oxygen Concentrator.
• The Large Cage requires at least 10 Liters Pet Minute of continuous flow, medical grade oxygen, which we recommend achieving with the Drive Medical 1025DS.

It’s important to supply the recommended flow rates to the Oxygen Cage in order to achieve safe levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as to reduce heat and humidity build-up. Once you set the flow rate, you can adjust the oxygen level in the Cage by using the Venturi System, which is included with every Buster ICU Oxygen Cage. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ADJUST THE OXYGEN LEVEL BY ADJUSTING THE OXYGEN FLOW RATE. That could result in unsafe levels of carbon dioxide and heat building up in the oxygen cage.

How Both Types of Oxygen Therapy Can Be Used Together

While both options for oxygen therapy operate independently, many pets benefit from having both.

A pet primarily homebound and prescribed to receive 1-2 hours of routine oxygen therapy sessions each day may be best suited for an Oxygen Concentrator and Oxygen Cage. However, that pet may need a portable source of oxygen during walks, trips, or in an emergency on the way to the ER. In this case, it’s a good idea to keep a Portable Oxygen Kit on hand.