All About Portable Oxygen Therapy for Our Canine Friends

Oxygen for Dogs: Portable Oxygen Therapy for Our Canine Friends

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Using a portable oxygen therapy, or any oxygen therapy for your dog should be treated just like any kind of oxygen therapy that a human patient would use. A veterinarian would determine whether or not your dog would need oxygen therapy. If need be, he or she would prescribe the amount of oxygen your dog needs.

You should never change your pet’s oxygen dosage without your vet telling you to, and you have to make sure that the oxygen is properly administered to your dog.

Why Do Dogs Require Oxygen Therapy?

Like us, our pets absorb oxygen through the lungs from the air-inhaled and then it gets transferred to the bloodstream. The heart circulates the oxygen-carrying blood to the rest of the body. This ensures proper oxygen saturation. The oxygen saturation can be checked by attaching a pulse oximeter to your pet’s paw, ear, or tail. A low oxygen level may cause hypoxia in dogs and oxygen level less than 93% should trigger oxygen therapy to provide the supplemental oxygen needed.

A dog would need oxygen therapy for various reasons including:

  • Difficulty in Breathing
  • Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
  • Fluid Buildup
  • Lung Cancer
  • Post-Surgery
  • Other Cardiovascular or Pulmonary issues

Oxygen Therapy Solutions for Dogs

If your dog is very sick, you can help make its life more comfortable by getting it something to increase the oxygen intake. There are mini oxygen conserver tanks that can be provided for our canine friends who need it, but you’ll have to get one from your veterinarian. Using one that is too large, or on too high of a setting can be harmful to your pet – yes, more than required oxygen-flow is also troublesome. This is why it is so important to stick with the setting prescribed by your vet.

There are several techniques to deliver supplemental oxygen. It could be through a dog oxygen mask or cannula. You might also be wondering how you would keep a nasal cannula or face mask on your dog intact. A neck cone will help stop him from pawing at the tubing and will prevent him from removing or damaging any of the parts with his teeth or paws. A surgical tape will help hold the nasal cannula in place. Just make sure you change the tape every day and clean out the tubing. You need to clean it every day; bacteria can quickly begin to form in the tubing. Your vet will likely show you how to attach the tape and keep the tubing clean.

Oxygen for Dogs: Administering Oxygen Therapy to Dogs and Canine Friends

Oxygen can also be provided through an oxygen cage, chamber or tent, through intubation, or by using an oxygen hood for a dog. Please consult with your vet the preferred method, level and duration of oxygen therapy for your dog.

The source of oxygen can be an oxygen tank, home oxygen concentrator or portable oxygen concentrator. The home oxygen concentrators for dogs are stationary devices for in-home usage, continuous oxygen flow and are low on budget. Whereas, portable ones, as the name suggests, are battery-operated mobile devices which can be carried outside. The concentrators make their own oxygen and do not require a refill.

Your dog can use a simple strap-like carry bag so they can carry around their oxygen tank or concentrator when they go outside or walk to their food bowl.

You might start to notice that your dog has gotten a little more energetic, like its old healthy self. This is because the proper amount of oxygen is being distributed throughout its body, and its muscles and organs can function more normally.

Being able to provide a sick dog with portable oxygen therapy is very helpful because he or she will be able to get up and move around and will likely feel more inclined to after using oxygen therapy for a while. Depending on the diagnosis, your dog might even be able to recover much more quickly, or at least be able to live a somewhat normal life, despite its illness.

We know how much our pets mean to us and we are willing to help by providing state-of-the-art oxygen devices. Our knowledgeable and experienced Oxygen Specialist can help you determine the appropriate oxygen concentrator to meet your pet’s needs.

Related Information

Sources:

Information on this page is for reference and educational purposes only. For more information about talk to your veterinarian.

Updated: July 20, 2023
Published: August 25, 2014

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Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.

Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

About Scott Ridl:

Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more. Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

106 thoughts on “Oxygen for Dogs: Portable Oxygen Therapy for Our Canine Friends

      • My dog has some sort of breathing problem which may or may not be caused by Lung cancer. I have an oxygen concentrator, what can I purchase to help her with her breathing?

        • Thank you for your inquiry. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

          • I have Yorkie who has CHF and just went through a bad episode. Vet put him on oxygen and most of his breathing and vitals improved drastically. After 12 hours away from oxygen, he seems to have started to get worse again. I’m interested in an Oxygen Therapy/Tank. Please contact.

          • Thank you for your inquiry. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

          • Hi. My dog is also diagnosed with CHF and after pxygen therapy at the vet partnered with some diuretics and vaso-dilators my dog’s breathing improved. I’m also interested in purchasing one for my dog. Please contact in your earliest convenience.

          • I have passed along your information to one of our oxygen specialists. To best assist you, please provide a phone number. You may also contact us at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com.
            We look forward to helping you.

          • My name is Sydney Abbott and my dog dunkin has chf. I’d like to try this for him but I’m not sure which one to get or how much ? Is this really helpful??

          • Hello, Sydney please check with the vet if supplemental oxygen will be helpful for your pet. We cannot provide medical advice. However, once we know the requirement we can suggest the best unit for your pet.

          • When I put the oxygen nose piece on my lab he constantly is breathing thru his nose very fast n it does not slow down,he’s uncomfortable with it,n doesn’t seem to help

          • Hello Joe, please check your lab’s oxygen requirement with the vet and also discuss what’s the best way to administer it – could it be an oxygen mask, oxygen tent, or something else.

          • Hi Margaret 🙁 my dog’s not doing so well and I am in desperate search for oxygen masks, chamber, tent or cage. I have emailed your sales representatives at mailto:sales@amsrco.com

            I’m leaving a message here in case my email was missed! If they could get back to me asap that would be great! Thank you so much! 😭🙇‍♀️

          • I have passed along your information to an Oxygen Specialist who will reach out regarding your request. Also, we can quickly answer your questions over a phone call. Please reach us at (877) 644-4581.

      • We got ours off of craigslist. We took a little York a Pooh to a specialist who gave our Yorky a Pooh a month to live. During treatment they said the oxygen concentrator help the dog breath so we ran out and bought one to extend his life. We are also trying to heal him holistically as he has lung cancer.

  1. HI I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW I CAN GET AN OXYGEN FOR MY DOG , HE BAS CONGESTUVE HEART FAILURE AND DIFFICULT BREATHING

        • Thank you for your inquiry, Ashley. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

      • Thank you for your comment, Kelly. We have worked with many patients and their pets. Feel free to give one of our Oxygen Specialists a call at 877-774-9271 for immediate assistance. I have also passed along your information and a representative will reach out regarding your request.

      • Thank you for comment, Maria. I will pass along your information to one of our Oxygen Specialists who will reach out to you regarding your request. For more immediate assistance, feel free to reach out to us directly via 877-774-9271.

    • I know its difficult, but can you please tell me if you’re dog still leaving please, mine has the same thing I want to know if I do this,will she live and be happy? Thanks

      • We hope for your pet’s speedy recovery. We have helped our clients by providing supplemental oxygen for their pets. In case you are looking for the same, our Oxygen Specialist would be happy to help you out. Please give us a call at (877) 644-4581.

    • You and me both? In the past year I’ve spent at least $10,000 on all her treatments, when i get home from vet I give medication around the clock, keep very close eye on her, her breathing, behavior etc,, so I really think I’m capable/qualified to give my dog oxygen? (Had for my mother for 15 years) so guess it comes down to money because my current cardiologist won’t prescribe and prior hospital wouldn’t, fewer visits less money. (FEWER DIFFICULTY BREATHING EMGERGENCY VISITS, FEWER ANXIETY ISSUES REQUIRING OXYGEN WHEN JUST IN FOR BLOOD CHEMISTRY CHECK, WITH A BETTER OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OUR PETS THAT VETERINARIANS ARE DEPRIVING US OF, WHAT HAPPENED TO DO KNOW HARM)?
      My 16 year old chihuahua has MMVD stage C needs a boost of oxygen once in awhile it really helps her every time I take her in for ck-ups they have to give her some because she gets stressed/anxiety, but no anxiety or stress ever happens at home. It’s really actually scary that veterinarian’s hold our pets life in their hands either by giving them way more money and time for oxygen treatment in hospital than many people can afford. I am disappointed, discouraged, disgusted and I just need a little oxygen for her once in awhile.
      G

    • Thank you for your comment, Alexandra. We here at American Medical have provided many a furry friend with an oxygen concentrator. I have passed along your information to one of our Oxygen Specialists. If you’d like immediate assistance you can reach them via 877-774-9271.

    • Thank you for your comment, Joe. The cost of the machine depends on which style of machine is required. Costs vary based on brand, medical setting requirements, weight, and more. If you’d like you can reach out to one of our specialists who can walk you through these questions to determine which unit is right for your situation and provide you the price. You can reach our specialists via sales@amsrco.com or at 877-774-9271.

  2. I had to put my dog down 4 days ago because I was told she needed oxygen therapy and the cost would be $1,500 a day!! I am heartbroken.

    • Thank you for your comment. I have passed along your information to one of our Oxygen Specialists who will reach out shortly regarding your request.

    • Thank you for your inquiry, Iona. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 877-774-9271 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com.

  3. Can you please email me information for my dog, Cavalier King Charlesvwho is medium size and has mitral heart problems and needs periodic oxygen

    • Thank you for your inquiry, Suzanne. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 877-774-9271 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

    • Thank you for your inquiry, Suzanna. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

    • I made my own oxygen mask with a funnel latex glove and duct tape. My mom has a oxygen compressor makes its own air..i administer it to my dog..1200 a day is stupod the vets make it hard on people..just gotta be resourceful..my dog doing great

      • I really wish I kinda lost my mom’s concentrater after she passed, I really could use for my 26 year old chihuahua now and then, with her MMVD Stage C knocking on heavens door, actually she’s really doing good , though I know she could have a much better quality of life with some oxygen support now and then.

  4. Our yellow lab 11 yrs old has PNEUMONIA with fluids in his lungs. At vet on oxygen. Tried several times to take off oxygen. He lasts about 6 hours then has to go back on oxygen. Would love to get information.

    • Thank you for your inquiry. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

    • my yellow lab has the pneumonia and currently at hospilatization, he is 7 months alomost and had difficulty to breath without the Oxygen. Do you have the machine that we can use from home and to make him survice? thanks

      • I have passed along your information to an Oxygen Specialist who will reach out regarding your request. Also, we can quickly answer all your questions over a phone call. Please reach us out at 888-387-5914.

    • Thank you for your inquiry. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

    • One of our oxygen specialists will be reaching out to you shortly. If in the meantime you have any questions please feel free to contact us at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com.

  5. Our Yorkie has pneumonia (2nd time) and May need oxygen again. Can you please advise the cost of oxygen. Do you have tents?

    • Thank you for your inquiry. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

  6. Would an oxygen concentrator work for a change in altitude? We are moving to Colorado and the elevation is 7,000. We have an English Bulldog

    • Thank you for your inquiry. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

    • Thank you for your inquiry. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

    • Thank you for your inquiry. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

  7. MY CHIA HAS AN ENLARGED HEART THAT APPPEARS (ON FILMS) to be pushing up on breathing vessel to heart and lungs. I have been referred to specialist but she gets so worked up, i am afraid she might not make it. Terrible car dog. Gets ALL WORKED UP AND GIVES HERSELF AN PANIC AND TURNS BLUE—TOO MUCH STRUGGLE!!!! hELP, WHERE DO i GET A pORTABLE OXYGEN TANK. ???

    • Thank you for your inquiry. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

  8. 12-3-18
    I have a 14 year old Boston Terrier who has health and life threatening bronchial, respiratory and lung issues. Please provide me guidance as to who to contact within your organization so they can provide the appropriate information to me as to how I can help my Boston Terrier enjoy a good quality life for her remaining time with me. Thank you for your assistance and timely response. God bless!!

    • Please feel free to give us a call at 888-360-9628. One of our oxygen specialists would be happy to assist you.

    • Please give us a call at 888-360-9628, and one of our oxygen specialists would be \happy to assist you. We look forward to helping you

  9. I have a small Yorkie aged 9. She had the Kennel cough vaccine in 2016 but was unfortunately allergic to it and developed Kennel cough. This has unfortunately started to destroy the small vessels taking oxygen to her lungs causing coughing episodes which are becoming more frequent. She has oxygen periodically at the vets which does help. Could you please email me costs etc. Many thanks Mary

  10. My 12 yr old Daschunds has stage 4 heart mummer and just spent 2 days in oxygen tent at local Vet Hospital, with diagnosis of CHF with fluid build up around heart. The prognosis is possible a year before the last stages. The oxygen could be a life saver for him. Please provide me more information and cost involved in acquiring.

  11. Goimg to high alltitude. .. colorado in june. Dog has enlarged heart and breathing problems and occas passes out. Can oxygen help on the trip. Will be there for 5 to 7 days.

    • Hi. I think that is a question for your veterinarian. Like humans, higher altitudes can impact breathing but for dogs coming to elevation and the impact is left to the professionals to answer.

  12. Just call Oxygen4pets.com 813 770 7958
    We ship the 02 machine with a clear ICU cage
    We are the ONLY providers in the United States

    • The only with the oxygen4pets is they require a prescription as well, I don’t know what veterinarians will prescribe, though really wish I did.

  13. I have a 2.8 pound poodle that has collapsing trachea. And has a hard time breathing. I’m looking for an oxygen tent and amount of oxygen he should be receiving.

  14. How much ‰ of oxygen should I give my 24 lb beagle with CHF? I have a regular oxygen machine for humans which can regulate % of oxygen up to 93%.

  15. My 10-1/2 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was diagnosed with a heart murmur a few months ago and, since then, on occasion, he seems to have difficulty breathing. Today, I took him to the emergency vet where they administered oxygen to him which seems to have helped immensely. I’m wondering if that would be something for me to consider having at home for these type of occasions. I don’t have a lot of money but would be willing to work something out if it keeps him healthy for a few more years.

    • Our Oxygen Specialist would be happy to help you out with your requirements. Please give us a call at 877-644-4581.

  16. I have a 6 lbs Pomeranian who was diagnosed w/ heart murmur & enlarged heart. She had difficulty breathing esp at night. How much is your smallest portable oxygen machine got my dog?

  17. My 14 yr old Yorkie has CHF with fluid in lungs and is in renal failure for 2 wks now per blood work… because of her age and only 3.4 lbs has lost weight this year from 5 lbs all her life to 3.4 and not gaining.. is her time almost up or would taking her into a emergency clinic and put on oxygen in tank for 3 days help her to where all she will need is maybe heart meds after that or will she need oxygen the rest of her life

    • Our Oxygen Specialists would be happy to understand your requirements and advise the way forward. Please give us a call at 877-644-4581.

  18. I have a chihuahua who has a blood clot to the lung. i have the tank but i dont have the oxygen the he really needs. where do i buy a concentrator that doesnt cost an arm and a leg.

    • We have some gently used machines in our inventory and we do offer some great financing plans. We are happy to answer any questions you have, please give us a call at 877-644-4581.

  19. I have a premature litter of puppies and I currently have medical oxygen tanks that I rent and use, but I would like to replace with concentrator. Do you have any available now?

    • Yes, we have home oxygen concentrators that will serve your needs. We can quickly answer all your questions over a phone call. Please reach us out at 888-387-5914. We are open seven days a week.

    • We cannot give any medical advice; please consult with your vet. They are the qualified experts to assess the condition and provide the treatment.

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