Pet oxygen masks join firefighters' tools
POSTED: 6:28 p.m. EST, January 25, 2007
Story Highlights
Masks can be used on dogs, cats, guinea pigs, even birds
Animal advocacy groups and pet-products suppliers donate the masks
Campaign inspired by firefighter who told of frustration trying to save pets
CLARENDON, Vermont (AP) -- Fire helmet? Check. Gloves? Check. Axe? Check. Pet oxygen masks? Check.
Increasingly, little oxygen masks for pets are becoming standard equipment for firefighters. Hoping to save cats, dogs and other pets caught in house fires, animal advocacy groups and pet-products suppliers are equipping departments all over the country with them.
The cone-shaped plastic masks, which come in three sizes and fit snugly on snouts, can resuscitate animals suffering from smoke inhalation. They can be used on dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, even birds.
