Flovent Inhaler for Cats and Dogs

Like humans, dogs and cats can suffer from asthma and bronchitis. The symptoms are similar too – wheezing, coughing, and restricted breathing. Prescription Flovent HFA is an inhaled steroid that decreases swelling and irritation of the airways and can help your pet breathe easier.

• Treats chronic bronchitis in dogs and cats and chronic feline asthma and sinusitis
• Flovent has no demonstrated side effects
• Most effective when used with the AeroKat or AeroDawg Aerosol Chambers

Flovent HFA (fluticasone) is an inhaled aerosol steroid that is proven effective in humans, as well as cats and dogs suffering from chronic asthma or bronchitis.  Your veterinarian can choose from three different strengths of Flovent for your pet.  A built-in dose counter on the canister makes it easy to track the number of doses left.  Using special feline and canine aerosol masks (sold separately) helps ensure that your pet receives the full dose of Flovent.

What you should know about the Flovent inhaler for pets:

• Flovent takes 7-10 days to reach its full effect.
• Be sure that the facemask you use to administer Flovent fits your pet properly – it should fit snuggly around the muzzle and corners of the mouth.
• Be sure to check the dose meter regularly to ensure your pet is receiving a full dose of Flovent.

Flovent Inhaler for Cats and Dogs

Veterinarians prescribe Flovent HFA for dogs and cats that are suffering from bronchitis, sinusitis, and, particularly, asthma.  This inhaled medication helps reduce swelling and irritation in the airways of the lung so your dog or cat can breathe. The active ingredient in Flovent HFA, fluticasone, is a corticosteroid that’s proven to reduce inflammation, a major cause of constricted, difficult breathing.

Flovent HFA is prescribe for dogs and cats to control:

• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Sinusitis

Flovent HFA is a medication designed for ongoing use to control chronic conditions such as asthma and to prevent symptoms including wheezing, restricted breathing, and coughing. It is not a quick-relief inhaler and should not be used to treat sudden asthma attacks. Flovent HFA takes up to 10 days to reach full effect so you must administer it to your pet regularly for your pet to benefit from the medication.

Flovent has a relatively low incidence of side effects but it may cause some throat irritation, tiredness, and dizziness. If you observe any of these in your pet, contact your veterinarian. Talk to your veterinarian about how Flovent HFA should be used to control your pet’s particular condition.

The Flovent HFA canister contains a built-in dose counter so you can track the doses you administer to your pet. The propellant in Flovent HFA, hydrofluoroalkane (HFA), does not affect the ozone layer.

Administering Flovent HFA is easier and more effective when you use an aerosol mask designed specifically for cats and dogs. These masks, which are sold separately, are designed to fit snuggly around the muzzle so your pet receives a full dose of the medication.  The AeroKat and AeroDawg aerosol chambers are designed to work with inhalers including the Flovent HFA inhaler.  Both come with masks of different sizes so you can ensure the correct fit for your pet. 

Procedure for first time users purchasing fluticasone/albuterol:

1. After your veterinarian has prescribed fluticasone (Flovent), albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin), or beclomethasone (QVAR), for your pet, place your order at VetRxDirect.com   2) During checkout fill out the requested information about your pet and your vet.
2. VetRxDirect will contact your veterinarian, usually by fax, for prescription authorization.
3. Once the prescription has been authorized by your veterinarian, the product(s) are shipped by GROUND SERVICE to your door. 
4. You will receive your order within two to five weekdays, excluding holidays, from prescription authorization. 

NOTE: Trudell Medical International and VetRxDirect do not endorse this protocol.

It is provided as guidance for discussion with your veterinarian.

Dr. Phillip Padrid’s Protocols:

Why Use Flovent in Cats and Dogs:

• No side effects! The inhaled steroid is not absorbed into the bloodstream
• It is equally potent to oral prednisone 1mg/kg bid  

INDICATIONS of Flovent in Pets:

• Chronic bronchitis in dogs
• Chronic bronchitis in cats (daily cough)
• Asthma with daily symptoms in cats
• Chronic sinusitis in cats
• Collapsed tracheas in dogs

WHAT ARE POTENTIAL PROBLEMS?

• The drug takes about 7-10 days to reach full effect.
• The face mask needs to be properly fit for the animal to ensure that the drug is being inhaled-it should snugly fit around the muzzle including the corners of the mouth.
• It is expensive.
• The pet parent may not be aware when the canister is empty, although, the dose counter on the product reduces this concern.

HOW TO USE Flovent in Pets:

• Rx the 220 mcg. Dose as one puffs into AeroKat BID.
• Dog or cat should breathe through mask and AeroKat for 7-10 seconds.
• If the animal is currently symptomatic and can tolerate short term prednisone, begin 1mg/kg bid oral prednisone for 5 days concurrent with Flovent, then d/c the prednisone.
• Demonstrate how to use the mask/AeroKat/drug in front of the owner, with their pet.
• Have them demonstrate the same technique to you, in the office, with their pet, by themselves
• This is a one person job
• If the pet is doing well after two months on the 220 mcg dose, decrease to 110 mcg for another month.
• The canister holds enough drug for one month if two puffs twice daily is followed.

You can find a human-labeled package insert which provides more detailed information on Flovent HFA Aerosol, Metered's indications, forms of administration, and side effects along with other clinical information by following the link below.

This information is written for product use in people, but may be helpful to you when giving the Flovent Inhalers to your pet.

Flovent (fluticasone propionate) Package Insert* 

Flovent's Package Insert does not take the place of instructions from your veterinarian. Talk to your pet's veterinarian or pharmacist if you do not understand any of the information provided in this document or if you have any questions about Flovent Metered Inhalers.

*This link opens in a new window.