Client Resources

What is the AeroKat Inhaler Spacer?

The AeroKat inhaler spacer is a specially designed chamber that attaches to a metered dose inhaler (MDI) to help deliver medication to your cat's lungs. The spacer ensures that the medication is properly inhaled by the cat, maximizing its effectiveness.

Components of the AeroKat Inhaler Spacer

Spacer Chamber: A cylindrical tube where the medication is held temporarily.
Mask: A soft, face-fitting mask that goes over your cat’s nose and mouth.
Flow-Vu Indicator: A small, movable flap on the spacer that helps you see if your cat is breathing in the medication.

How to Use the AeroKat Inhaler Spacer

Prepare the Inhaler: Shake the inhaler as instructed by your vet.
Attach the Inhaler: Insert the inhaler into the back end of the spacer.
Fit the Mask: Place the mask over your cat’s nose and mouth, ensuring a snug fit.
Administer the Dose: Press the inhaler to release the medication into the spacer.
Monitor Breathing: Watch the Flow-Vu indicator to ensure your cat is breathing in the medication. Typically, you’ll want your cat to take 7-10 breaths.
Repeat if Necessary: Depending on your vet’s instructions, you might need to repeat the process for multiple puffs.

Benefits of the AeroKat Inhaler Spacer

Effective Medication Delivery: Ensures that the medication reaches deep into your cat’s lungs.
Ease of Use: Designed to be user-friendly, making it easier for cat owners to administer medication.
Reduced Stress: The mask and spacer design is less intimidating for cats compared to other methods.
Visual Confirmation: The Flow-Vu indicator helps you confirm that your cat is inhaling the medication properly.

Tips for Success

Training: Gradually acclimate your cat to the mask to reduce anxiety. Start by letting them sniff it and giving treats.
Calm Environment: Use the spacer in a quiet and calm environment to minimize stress.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward your cat with treats or affection after each use to create a positive association.

By using the AeroKat inhaler spacer, you can help manage your cat's respiratory condition more effectively, ensuring they receive the full benefit of their medication. Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions regarding dosage and frequency.

Resource Guarding in Dogs

Resource guarding in dogs is a common behavior where a dog becomes protective over something they consider valuable, such as food, toys, certain people, or even a particular spot. Understanding and managing resource guarding is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of both the dog and its owners.

Signs of Resource Guarding

1. Growling: The dog may growl when someone approaches their valued item.

2. Baring Teeth: A more intense sign where the dog shows their teeth as a warning.

3. Snapping or Biting: The dog might attempt to snap or bite if they feel their resource is threatened.

4. Stiffening: The dog's body might become rigid when someone gets too close to their guarded item.

5. Hovering: The dog may position themselves over the item, trying to block access.

6. Eating Faster: When guarding food, the dog might start eating rapidly if approached.

Causes of Resource Guarding

1. Instinct: It's a natural behavior rooted in survival instincts where resources are scarce.

2. Past Experiences: Dogs that have experienced scarcity or competition for resources may develop guarding behaviors.

3. Breed Tendencies: Some breeds have a higher propensity for guarding behavior.

4. Fear or Anxiety: A dog that feels insecure might guard resources more intensely.

Managing Resource Guarding

1. Prevention:

• Early Socialization: Proper socialization can help reduce the likelihood of developing resource guarding in your pet.

• Training: Teach commands like “leave it” or “give” to ensure the dog can relinquish items safely.

2. Behavioral Modification:

• Desensitization: Gradually getting the dog used to people being around their guarded item without feeling threatened.

• Counter-Conditioning: Changing the dog's emotional response by associating the presence of people with positive experiences (e.g., treats).

• Trade-Up Games: Offering something of higher value in exchange for the guarded item to create positive associations with giving up resources.

3. Professional Help:

• Behaviorist: Consulting a certified dog behaviorist or a professional trainer can provide personalized strategies and guidance. See our attached list of trainers.

• Veterinarian: In cases where anxiety or other medical issues might be contributing, we can discuss medications and diagnostics that may be helpful.

Tips for Owners

• Stay Calm: Reacting calmly can help de-escalate a tense situation.

• Avoid Confrontation: Don’t try to forcibly take the item away, as this can increase aggression.

• Establish Boundaries: Teach the dog appropriate behaviors around resources and reinforce them consistently.

• Observe Body Language: Learn to recognize early signs of discomfort to intervene before escalation.

• Safe Feeding Practices: Feed the dog in a quiet, secure place to reduce stress and competition.

When to Seek Help

• Increased Aggression: If the dog’s behavior escalates despite efforts to manage it.

• Safety Concerns: If there is a risk of harm to people or other pets.

• Persistent Issues: If the resource guarding behavior does not improve or worsens over time.

Resource guarding is a manageable behavior with the right approach and consistency. Understanding the root causes, managing your pet's fear & anxiety, and employing effective training techniques can help foster a safer and more harmonious relationship between a dog and its family.