In Japan, pampering pets has been taken to an all new high in the form of oxygen bars for dogs. With more dogs in Japan than children under the age of ten, businesses have jumped on the doggie bandwagon in search of ways to get pet owners to spend their almighty yen! Air Press, a popular chain of oxygen bars for people, opened its first doggie oxygen bar in Tokyo. As explained by Tsuyoshi Hirano, the owner of OWND (Oxygen, Water, Nutrition, Detox), “If you do not live in a city, you can let your dogs run around freely, but in Tokyo, home space is very limited while dog walks are only occasional, so it [is] difficult for dogs to stay in good condition without this extra health support."
The Process
Unlike the human machines, doggie oxygen bars are chambers -- not tubes inserted in the nostrils. The Japanese have gone the extra mile by building the chambers in the shape of dog houses where oxygen is pumped in for 30 minutes. A typical treatment runs 2,100 yen (approximately 18 U.S. dollars), and owners claim their dogs love it. According to a Reuters News story, pet owner Umekichi Sakon said, "My dog is usually kind of lethargic. After he comes [to the O2 Bar] though, he is enthused and barking with vigor." In the United States, pet-friendly establishments seem to be still in their infancy, but people who pamper their pets seek them out to help with allergies or just to let their dogs breathe good air.
Like oxygen machines in hospitals, oxygen bars filter out carbon monoxide and other chemicals and then deliver a flow of 85% - 95% oxygen into your pet’s body; normally, you and your pet inhale only 21% oxygen from the environment! Your choice of aromatherapy drops can be added, and according to Andrew Schmidt of The Art of Oxygen Bars based in Colorado, “It can have a calming or healing effect [on your dog].”
Health Benefits
Since oxygen plays a vital role in blood circulation, the assimilation of nutrients, digestion, elimination of toxins and helps cellular regeneration, O2 could be helpful to K9s. An informal poll of veterinarians presumes that although there is probably no harm as long as the oxygen concentration is regulated, the gas could be a little drying to canine airways if not properly moistened. For out-of-shape pooches and ones not adapted to changing altitudes, oxygen, they feel, could prove beneficial on hikes.
Veterinarians use Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) on dogs to aid with a wide range of infections, bone conditions, snake bites, trauma, swelling, sepsis and shock. Essentially many of the same treatments for conditions that humans have, are being used on animals. The rising application of HBOT has spawned a Veterinary Hyperbaric Medical Association.
Other Products
In addition, numerous oxygen-containing products are filling the shelves and claim to promote healing and reduce symptoms of wounds, skin diseases and infections, intestinal viruses and respiratory problems as well as for oral hygiene and cleaning raw food. Patte Purcell, Director of o2planet.com puts oxygen drops into her pet’s drinking water.
O2 Does a Body Good
Just remember, dogs and humans can survive without food and even water for a few days, but without oxygen…we cease to exist. Check with your Veterinarian, but if your pooch is dog tired; hounded by the hubbub of life or just one pooped pup, look around to see if a doggie O2 Bar is coming to a street corner near you!
