Can you use an inhaler in a dog or cat?

Veterinarian, Dr. Amanda Steffen, explains how to use an inhaler to deliver medication to your pets.

Just as inhaled medication is used to treat respiratory disease (like asthma) in humans, inhaled medication is used to treat respiratory disease in dogs, cats, and even in horses!

Although it may seem difficult to give an inhaler to a pet, administering these medications is simple if you have the right equipment and a little bit of patience!

Conditions Treated With Inhalers For Dogs:

Inhalers may be prescribed to treat or manage a variety of diseases and conditions in dogs, including:

Canine chronic bronchitis

Collapsed trachea

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Severe allergies

The dose and frequency of treatment will vary depending on your dog’s condition and according to your vet’s discretion.

There are two main types of medications that can be prescribed as inhalers for pets: corticosteroids (such as Fluticasone) and bronchodilators (such as Albuterol).

Corticosteroids work to reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways, while bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles in the airways to make it easier for the dog to breathe. Inhaled medications pose a much lower risk of side effects from corticosteroids as opposed to oral or injected (systemic) forms of these medications.

This program is brought to you by Trudell Animal Health, makers of AeroKat and AeroDawg inhalers for pets