FOUR legged residents and their owners can breathe a sigh of relief thanks to a charitable donation of oxygen masks for pets.

According to Smokey Paws, the charity that produces the masks, dogs often suffer from smoke inhalation in house fires as they attempt to hide inside the building.

Fire engines in Gloucestershire will now be equipped with breathing apparatus to treat animals with smoke inhalation.

The donation is being made by Stonehouse Dog Training Club along with Smokey Paws, which is a national charity working towards providing pet gas marks across the UK.

The breathing apparatus comes in three sizes and is specially designed to fit over the snout of the animal to deliver a better flow of oxygen.

As well as dogs, the masks have previously been used elsewhere to treat cats, rabbits, snakes, guinea pigs and ducks.

Stewart Edgar, chief fire officer at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Pets are valued members of people’s families and every effort is made to ensure they are accounted for during house fires.

“This new specialist equipment means we will be better placed to care for animals. By taking measures to provide oxygen for pets suffering from potentially lethal smoke inhalation we hope to reduce some of the emotional distress caused by house fires.”

Nigel Moor, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure said: "Our firefighters already do a fantastic job keeping residents safe from harm – including those of the furred variety.

"This generous and worthwhile donation will enable the team to carry out their work even more effectively and reduce cases of potentially fatal smoke inhalation affecting dogs, cats and other beloved pets.

“On behalf of human and canine residents in Stroud and beyond, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Smokey Paws and Stonehouse Dog Training Club.”

FOUR legged residents and their owners can breathe a sigh of relief thanks to a charitable donation of oxygen masks for dogs.

According to Smokey Paws, the charity that produces the masks, dogs often suffer from smoke inhalation in house fires as they attempt to hide inside the building.

Fire engines in Gloucestershire will now be equipped with breathing apparatus to treat animals with smoke inhalation.

The donation is being made by Stonehouse Dog Training Club along with Smokey Paws, which is a national charity working towards providing pet gas marks across the UK.

The breathing apparatus comes in three sizes and is specially designed to fit over the snout of the animal to deliver a better flow of oxygen.

As well as dogs, the masks have previously been used elsewhere to treat cats, rabbits, snakes, guinea pigs and ducks.