Aerosol Chambers For Dogs, Cats, and Horses

What is an Aerosol Chamber?

Inhalers are commonly prescribed for dogs, cats, and horses to treat multiple different respiratory conditions. Some of the most common include asthma, bronchitis, and allergic rhinitis. Just like humans, animals can use an inhaler (puffer) with the help of an aerosol chamber device. The AeroKat*, AeroDawg*, and AeroHippus* are specially designed aerosol chambers for cats, dogs, and horses. The chamber holds the inhaler medication until the animal has time to inhale, ensuring the dose is delivered.

How Do They Work?

The aerosol chamber attaches to a puffer inhaler on the bottom end and a mask to the top end, which goes over your pet’s face. This allows your pet to breathe normally and inhale the aerosol medication into their lungs.

Each aerosol chamber has a Flow-Vu Indicator which moves when the animal inhales and exhales. This allows you to easily visualize and count their breaths, so you can make sure their medication is delivered accurately. The chamber also has a low resistance valve which releases the medication once the animal inhales.

The dog and the cat masks should fit snugly and securely over the mouth and nose to ensure the right seal. The horse mask fits over one nostril. Designed for comfort, the masks are soft and non-stick so they do not pull on hair.

Wondering how to use them? Watch these helpful videos which give step-by-step instructions for the AeroKat, AeroDawg, and AeroHippus.

What Type of Medication Can Be Used?

The AeroKat, AeroDawg, and AeroHippus chambers can be used with all types of metered dose inhalers (MDI) or “puffer” aerosol type inhalers. It is not compatible with dry powder inhalers (DPI) or Diskus type inhalers

Cleaning and Replacement

Each type of aerosol chamber disassembles for easy cleaning. Both the chamber and masks should be cleaned weekly for hygiene and to help prevent buildup. With daily use, medication can deposit on the valves creating a whitish film. This build-up could lead to reduced performance over time. To help ensure optimal drug delivery the manufacturer recommends the chambers be replaced every 12 months. Cleaning instructions included with the package may be found on the product page on the VetRxDirect website, and on the manufacturer’s website.

AeroDawg Canine Aerosol Chamber and Masks

AeroDawg at VetRxDirect

Accommodates all types and breeds of dogs. Small AeroDawg is designed for dogs 20 lbs or less and includes a small & medium mask. Large AeroDawg is designed for dogs over 20 lbs and includes a medium & large mask. Replacement masks and medication are sold separately.

 

 

 

AeroKat  Feline Aerosol Chamber and Masks

AeroKat at VetRxDirect

The AeroKat accommodates all sizes and breeds of cats. It includes a small and medium mask. Small mask measures approximately 1.5″ in diameter, medium mask 2″ in diameter. Replacement masks and medication are sold separately.

 

 

AeroHippus Equine Aerosol Chamber

AeroHippus at VetRxDirect

The AeroHippus is designed to fit all breeds and sizes of horses, from foals to drafts, and It includes a universal fit mask. Like the canine and feline chambers, AeroHippus is compatible will metered dose (puffer) inhalers and features a flow-vu indicator.

 

 

 

Do you use an aerosol chamber for your pet’s inhaler? Leave us a comment below!

Your Trusted Source for the AeroKat

4.9 stars out of 5! That’s how pet parents rate the AeroKat in the product review section of our site.  We’re hearing terms like “highly recommended” and  “wonderful invention” about this veterinarian recommended therapeutic device that makes it easy to give inhaled medication to treat bronchitis and asthma in cats.

Can the AeroKat Help Cats with Asthma?

The following video shows footage of a cat having an asthma attack. The video is intended to help you identify some cat asthma symptoms. Any abnormal behavior should be discussed with your pet’s veterinarian.

If your pet is suffering from asthma or bronchitis, ask your veterinarian about the the symptoms right away. There are great products available to help. Haven’t heard about the AeroKat or its canine companion, the AeroDawg? Check them out: AeroKat or AeroDawg. Have you tried the AeroDawg or AeroKat? Share your story in our Reviews section on the product pages or by leaving a reply below. Other pet parents would love to hear from you.

We’re thrilled the AeroKat is so useful for these scary conditions. And we’re honored to be one of the few retailers approved by the manufacturer, Trudell Medical International, to sell these fantastic products.

Until very recently a major Internet retailer was selling the AeroKat even though it wasn’t credentialed to do so.  That’s a real “buyer beware” situation. When it comes to purchasing medication and medical supplies for your pet, there’s absolutely no substitute for quality and professionalism. You should always purchase these supplies directly from your pet’s veterinarian or from a licensed, reputable pharmacy that is approved to sell them.  Anything less and you could be putting your pet’s health in jeopardy.

Here at VetRxDirect we’ve earned the trust of veterinarians and manufacturers and work together to provide top quality pet medicines and devices from reputable distributors to our customers.

  • We were the first online veterinary pharmacy to earn the Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (Vet-VIPPS) accreditation
  • We honor the veterinarian-client-patient relationship
  • We guarantee our products
  • Our compounding facility is PCAB accredited
  • We are a Google Trusted Store

Thanks for your trust and your business.

Wes

Does My Dog have Canine Bronchitis?

Believe it or not, asthma is not a condition reserved for humans alone. Often referred to as dyspnea or allergic bronchitis, one percent of dogs are reported to have this ailment, but the actual amount of sufferers is estimated to be much higher as this condition often goes overlooked by owners and medical professionals alike. After all, it is hard to diagnose (the patient can’t elaborate on the details after all), and is frequently mistaken for other issues like heartworm disease.

As a concerned pet owner, what should you look for? The symptoms your dog experiences is not too unlike what you, yourself would experience. He will cough and wheeze, and may even experience shortness of breath. During extreme bouts, your canine friend may have spasms and constrictions in his upper airways, at which you should seek immediately medical attention. What causes such symptoms? The surrounding environment may be the guilty culprit. Allergens like plants, pesticides and pollution may irritate your dog’s inhalation outside and, when inside, common causes are cigarette smoke, carpet deodorizers and different cleaning products. Yes, eliminating specific factors may help, but pinpointing the exact cause can be extremely difficult and protecting your companion with relieving measures is a must. After all, there is no cure or permanent removal for allergic canine bronchitis.

While dogs of all ages and sizes can experience this condition, most animals develop this disorder in their youth or middle-age. Smaller breeds have an increased likelihood of being sensitive to allergens, partly due to their elevated heart rate and rapid breaths. Who among us hasn’t seen a toy dog gasping with its mouth open as it excitedly wheezes for breath?

There are numerous products to help provide your pooch with health and comfort. It is important to seek the consultation of a veterinarian, who will most likely recommend medications designed to open the air passages to increase the flow of oxygen and lessen the severity of an allergic attack. Commonly, Flovent (fluticasone) needs to be breathed in with the assistance of an aerosol chamber like the Aerodawg.

If you suspect your dog may be experiencing allergic bronchitis, a trip to the veterinarian should happen at once. If it goes untreated for too long, the consequences can be severe if not fatal. After all, oxygen helps your beloved friend’s organs continue to function. So give your canine the easy breathing he deserves and yourself some peace of mind and, if you have your uncertainties, have your dog checked out for this often overlooked ailment.

Have you used Flovent or the AeroDawg with your pet? Tell us about your experiences in the comments section below.

Breathe Easy,

VetRxDirect

 

Flovent can Help Your Pet with Asthma

Flovent (Fluticasone propionate):  Inhaled Steroid for Dogs and Cats with Asthma, Bronchitis, and Other Obstructive Airway Diseases

Like humans, many dogs and cats suffer from airway diseases of the lungs.  Several examples of this include: chronic bronchitis in dogs and cats, feline asthma, and tracheal collapse in canines.  Common signs of airway disease are coughing, shortness of breath, and gagging.  For short-term relief, Albuterol (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin) is considered first line in managing symptoms.  For long-term maintenance, corticosteroids (e.g. Flovent) are typically prescribed for daily use.

Flovent Inhalers for Pets

Flovent Inhalers for use with AeroKat and AeroDawg

Flovent (Fluticasone propionate) is currently available in 3 dosage options:  44 mcg, 110 mcg, and 220 mcg per actuation.  Each inhaler contains 120 metered actuations and displays a dose counter to keep track of the number of remaining doses.  A typical dosing for both cats and dogs is one puff twice a day. Your pet’s veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate inhaler(s) and dose.

Flovent and the AeroKat or AeroDawg:

Flovent must be administered with the use of a spacer and mask; such as the AeroDawg or AeroKat.  The mask should be fitted snugly around the muzzle, including the corners of the mouth, and the dog or cat should breathe through the spacer for 7-10 seconds for each actuation.  This technique allows for the medication to properly reach the lungs.

While rescue medications that contain Albuterol are used to treat acute symptoms of airway disease, inhaled corticosteroids like Flovent are used to help prevent symptoms from reoccurring.  This is the reason why Albuterol products are indicated when patients are symptomatic and Flovent is recommended for daily use.  Once therapy with Flovent is started, it usually takes 7-10 days for the full effect of the drug to be seen in the patient.

Long-term Flovent use is well tolerated since the inhaled steroid is absorbed into the lungs but not the bloodstream.

If a patient is prescribed the 44mcg twice daily dose, a single inhaler should last 60 days and runs $122.99, or $2.05/day.  An additional 10% discount is also available for pet owners who choose to purchase an AeroDawg or AeroKat spacer with one of the above inhalers.

Let us know if you have any questions by leaving comments below.

Have a great day,

Robbie Schwenker, PharmD

Pharmacist

VetRxDirect

AeroDawg Helps Bronchitis in Dogs

A couple of days ago, we talked about how an AeroKat helps cats suffering from feline asthma. Today we want to discuss another product by Trudell Animal Health, the AeroDawg for chronic bronchitis in Dogs.

What Causes Chronic Bronchitis in Dogs

The air passages between the nose and the lungs of any mammal are quite sensitive.  The windpipe, trachea, and the larger air tubes that lead to the lungs are prone to minor irritations. When the problem lasts for more than a few days, it may result in an inflammatory reaction in the smaller interior airways of the lungs known as bronchitis. This condition can be difficult to relieve and may result in several months of incessant coughing if left untreated.

Acute vs. Chronic Bronchitis in Dogs

The less serious type of bronchitis generally follows a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu and is relatively common during the colder months. Patients typically suffer from an unpleasant and persistent cough for about two weeks before the symptoms subside. By comparison, chronic bronchitis may be an early warning sign of a much more serious lung disease that must be treated as soon as possible.

Which Dogs are at Risk of Suffering from Bronchitis?

Just like their masters, dogs can suffer from either form of bronchitis. More often than not, the acute condition will resolve itself within a couple of weeks. But if your dog continues to cough for more than a month, see the veterinarian as soon as possible. The longer you wait the harder and longer it will take to treat the ailment.

Because their immune systems are either immature or too mature, puppies and older dogs are more susceptible to bronchitis than middle-aged pets. Although some cases are exacerbated by infectious agents or by common kennel cough, they rarely play a role, except in chronic cases that last for several months without treatment.

Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis in Dogs

It is not at all uncommon for domesticated animals to cough or gag, but when they have bouts of coughing that are triggered by excitement or activity, it may mean that their airways are severely irritated. The more serious the sickness the more your pouch will cough and gag and expectorate as a way to clear the throat and lungs. Your dog’s appetite should not be affected and his weight should therefore remain unchanged.

Complications of Chronic Bronchitis in Dogs

When chronic bronchitis is left unaddressed, it may permanently damage the lungs and even increase the risk of congestive heart failure. The most common result of chronic coughing is called emphysema, which is when the air sacs inside the lungs (also known as the alveoli) are enlarged, which can cause shortness of breath in our canine friends.

Treatment of Canine Chronic Bronchitis at Home

Whether we walk on two legs or four, most animals get sore throats from time to time. And when we do, we tend to avoid dishes that may aggravate our symptoms, such as spicy foods. An animal suffering from bronchitis can be sent into a coughing fit if anything irritates or tickles the throat or lungs.  This includes environmental agents, pollutants, dust, and cigarette smoke. While exercise is important and can actually expedite the healing process, don’t overdo it!

If your dog is overweight, he or she should be put on a diet, since excess pounds puts more pressure on the windpipe and lungs and makes it harder to breathe! It is also important to switch from a collar to a chest harness for the very same reason. A humidifier may also help soothe your dog’s irritated airways.

Medical Treatment of Chronic Bronchitis in Dogs

Whether the problem is an acute or a chronic one, your veterinarian may prescribe medications to reduce bronchial inflammation. If your pouch responds positively to these drugs, he or she may be placed on a bronchodilator, such as albuterol, which can help relax inflamed airways and reduce respiratory strain. This class of drugs can be quite beneficial to dogs suffering from retching, wheezing, and other airway spasms.

Flovent HFA (fluticasone) given with an AeroDawg Inhalation Chamber for Chronic Bronchitis in Dogs

AeroDawg Canine Aerosol Chamber

The AeroDawg is available for fast shipping from VetRxDirect.

The most effective way to fight a lung problem is with an inhaler, which is used to deliver a straight shot of a steroid directly into the lungs. Prescribed to humans for both asthma and chronic bronchitis sufferers, it is also effective on our pets.  But because it can be expensive, veterinarians often exhaust every other option before they prescribe Flovent. The drug is typically administered twice a day via an inhalation chamber called an AeroDawg  and may be taken in conjunction with an antibiotic, depending on the severity of the disease. Your dog’s veterinarian may also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs called corticosteroids that reduce swelling in the lungs and airways. Both treatments have their fair share of side effects but are typically quite safe.

Has your dog needed to use an inhaler and AeroDawg. Please share your experiences in the comments section below so we all can learn how to help dogs with chronic bronchitis.

Thank you,

Wes