Oxygen Masks for Pets

It is estimated that about 60 million American homes house a pet of some kind. Homeowners are primarily responsible for care and safety of these animals. However, in cases where the life of homeowners themselves is endangered, there is little scope for the survival of these animals. A good example of this situation is a house fire. House fires are a common cause of domestic accidents in the US. Most pets die due to inhalation of poisonous fumes erupting from the fire. In the absence of oxygen masks, there is little hope for the resuscitation of these pets. Fortunately, fire departments all over the country have awakened to the need of oxygen masks for animals and have subsequently incorporated them in their paraphernalia.

Need for Oxygen Masks for Pets

Every year about 40,000 pets fall prey to house fires. In most cases of house fires, the owner is either not present in the house or is unable to help his pet. Oftentimes, homeowners stick a note regarding the presence of a pet in the house, to notify firefighters. The type and breed of the animal is also mentioned. However, in an incidence of a house fire, the foremost priority of the firefighters is to safely take out all the human occupants in the house. Nonetheless, firefighters often make valiant attempts to save the pets in the house. The task of getting the pets safely out of a burning house is often complex because the frightened pets tend to hide in the house, thereby making it difficult for the firefighters to find them. Lot of crucial time is wasted in finding the animals and when they are found, they are often in a state of unconsciousness. If fresh oxygen is not supplied to these animals immediately they are at the risk of losing their lives. In the absence of oxygen mask, it is simply impossible to revive the animal from the state of unconsciousness.

Use of Human Oxygen Masks for Pets

Oftentimes, firefighters attempt to use human oxygen masks for animals. However, these masks do not fit the animals due to their muzzle. Also, the size of human masks is a big hindrance while using them on smaller animals like squirrels and birds. Even oxygen masks for kids are ineffective in supplying oxygen to the affected animals. Hence, one cannot think about using a human oxygen mask for pets. Many a time firefighters try placing the oxygen hose near the snout of the animal to help it take oxygen, however, this method is also rarely effective. Makeshift oxygen masks may provide some help to these unconscious animals. A Styrofoam cup is placed on the snout of the animal with an oxygen hose attached to it by the means of a small hole at the bottom of the cup. This makeshift oxygen mask forms the basis of special oxygen masks available commercially for pets.

Special Oxygen Masks for Pets

The type of oxygen masks that are commercially available for animals are conical in shape with a rubber seal on the top. The seal ensures a snug fit. They come in three sizes small, medium and large. The firefighters are equipped with all the three sizes at any given point of time. The variable sizes of the masks ensure that they fit snugly on the snout of the pet, irrespective of its type. A pipe attaches the conical mask to the oxygen tank. Although, these oxygen masks are very simple to use, the firefighters are provided special training for their correct usage upon animals. These masks are purchased from donation money because the laws prohibit using tax payers' money for buying gear that cannot be used for saving human lives. Hence, many animal societies and charitable organizations are coming forth to help fire departments with the purchase of oxygen masks. Sets of three oxygen masks in varying sizes which are available for $65 each, are often donated to fire departments by pet owner associations.

Thus, oxygen masks for pets serve as a great aid in saving the lives of pets under the above mentioned conditions. They are a must in every fire department of each town in the country.