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General
An inhaler spacer, also known as a valved holding chamber or inhaler spacing chamber, is designed to help deliver medication from an inhaler to the lungs. Animals cannot use inhalers on their own due to coordination and anatomy barriers; spacers like the AeroKat*, AeroDawg* and AeroHippus* chambers make it easy to give pets the medications they need to relieve their respiratory symptoms.
The AeroKat*, AeroDawg* and AeroHippus* chambers help deliver medication directly to your animal's airways by suspending the medication released by an inhaler long enough for them to breathe in.
Yes, Trudell Animal Health chambers are designed to be used with metered dose inhalers (MDIs). The inhaler releases the medication, while the inhaler spacing chamber holds the medication for your animal to simply breathe in. We do not recommend using the device outside of its intended application, as this can impact its effectiveness.
Using our Products
Your Trudell Animal Health inhaler spacing chamber will arrive assembled, with two mask sizes (for AeroKat* and AeroDawg* chambers only) to choose from. Simply attach the mask to the valve containing the green Flow-Vu* Indicator, ensuring the base of the mask sits flush against the ridge of the outside ridge.
Follow the step-by-step instructions included in the device packaging. Each package comes with clear assembly guidelines and diagrams.
All Trudell Animal Health inhaler spacing chambers consist of a mask, valve, chamber, and green end cap.
- Remove the mask from the barrel by simply pulling it off.
- Disconnect the valve from the chamber by twisting counterclockwise and pulling to release.
- Pull the green end cap off the end of the chamber.
- Remove the inhaler cap and shake
- Insert the open end of the inhaler into the green back piece of the spacing chamber
- Gently apply the mask to the animal's face
- The AeroKat* and AeroDawg* masks should fit snugly to cover the nose and mouth, but not the eyes
- The AeroHippus* mask should seal over one nostril
- Depress the inhaler to administer one puff
- Watch the Flow-Vu* Indicator to count the appropriate number of breaths
Follow your veterinarian or pharmacist's instructions for dosing guidance on your specific brand of inhaler. See our step-by-step guides on how to use the AeroKat*, AeroDawg* or AeroHippus* chamber.
First, ensure the mask is fitting comfortably on your cat's face. You'll know the AeroKat* chamber is delivering medication when you see the Flow-Vu* indicator move when they breathe. With each inhale, the green flap will open, and it will close shut upon exhaling.
Learn how to Teach Any Cat AeroKat* with our instructional videos and follow the user manual.
Cleaning & Care
Regular cleaning is important to prevent medication and bacteria from building up. Simply disassemble the device and place them in a clean container with warm water and a small amount of dish soap. Let them soak for 15 minutes, then rinse, shake out excess water, and let air dry vertically for at least 12 hours before next use.
Regular cleaning helps prevent medication buildup and ensures consistent delivery. With regular use, we recommend cleaning your AeroKat*, AeroDawg* or AeroHippus* chamber weekly. If treats are placed inside the mask during the training period, it should be washed prior to the next use.
Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the device. A solution of mild dish soap and warm water should be sufficient to soak off residue inside the chamber without scrubbing. Avoid scrubbing the inside of the barrel, only use a soft cloth to gently wipe away residue if necessary. Do not boil, sterilize or put AeroKat*, AeroDawg* or AeroHippus* chambers in the dishwasher.
Store your device in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight. After cleaned and fully dried, keep the chamber in a protective container when not in use.
With regular use, Trudell Animal Health chambers should be replaced every 12 months or when there are signs of wear or damage that could affect performance.
The barrel of your AeroKat*, AeroDawg* or AeroHippus* chamber should be accepted by many curbside or drop-off recycling programs across Canada and the United States; check your local recycling guideline, then discard of the masks, valve, and green back pieces before putting the barrel in the recycling bin.
Animal Inhalation Therapy
Yes, inhalation therapy is safe when properly administered with veterinary guidance. It's a well-established treatment method for respiratory conditions in animals, helping them get symptom relief without the side effects of oral and injected medications.
Watch for signs like increased respiratory rate, coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Always consult your veterinarian if you notice these symptoms, as they can help determine if inhalation therapy is appropriate for your pet's condition.
Treatment session length can vary depending on your pet's treatment plan and comfort level; our anti-static chamber and anti-leakage valve can keep medication particles suspended long enough to allow a fully-trained pet to take 7–10 breaths.
Actual times may vary depending on your treatment plan. Refer to your veterinarian's instructions and the recommended dosage guidelines provided with your animal's inhaler.
Troubleshooting
The Flow-Vu* indicator is simply to help you count the number of breaths your pet has taken through the chamber; it does not affect the actual delivery of medication as the indicator doesn't prevent the valve from opening and closing.
Cleaning the device once weekly and shaking the excess water out of the device may help the indicator to move again, as water trapped in the indicator area, or a wet indicator can prevent the indicator from moving back and forth. Try this method to free the Flow-Vu* indicator from a stuck position.
- Place your AeroKat*, AeroDawg* or AeroHippus* chamber standing up with the green back piece on a counter.
- Place the palm of your hand on the mask and push the mask back towards the chamber.
- Remove your hand abruptly and the negative pressure created by this movement will cause the indicator to move forward.