Inhalations are an effective method to relieve respiratory issues in your dog or cat. They deliver beneficial substances directly to the airways, promoting fast and targeted relief. However, administering inhalation to a pet can seem tricky if you're not familiar with the best practices. In this article, learn step-by-step how to do it safely.
Essential Equipment
To perform a steam inhalation, you’ll need
- a bowl of warm water (never boiling, to avoid burns),
- a clean towel or cloth,
- a blanket,
- a travel carrier or a small enclosed space: this helps concentrate the steam around the animal,
- a few drops of cat-safe essential oils. Consult your vet, as some essential oils should be avoided for cats.
Step by step: how to proceed
- Choose a quiet spot: set up in a room where your pet feels safe. Avoid noisy or overly exposed areas.
- Prepare the steam: pour hot water into the container and add the products recommended by your vet.
- Position your pet: place your pet in their carrier or any other small, enclosed space. Set the bowl of hot water outside the carrier, just in front of the door. Cover everything with a blanket.
- Let it work: allow your pet to breathe the steam for about 5 to 10 minutes. Reassure them with your voice.
- Remove the bowl of hot water and set it aside before releasing your pet. Once they’re out, make sure to dry their fur thoroughly to prevent them from ingesting any of the diffused substances.
If you have one, you can also use a nebulizer. Place your cat in its carrier, as described above, and thread the hose through the door bars. Cover with a blanket. For operating instructions, refer to the user manual.
Why Are Inhalations Useful?
Inhalations are particularly recommended to help soothe respiratory airways in cases of coughing or inflammation, to thin nasal secretions and promote their clearance when the nose is blocked or congested, and to support recovery from respiratory infections, such as coryza in cats.
This method also helps moisten the respiratory mucous membranes, which is beneficial
