What is an Aerosol Chamber?
Inhalers are commonly prescribed for dogs, cats, and horses to treat multiple 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 that 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 that 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 that 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
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
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
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 with 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!
This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health.
