- Home
- Dog Treatments
- Nasal Catheter in Dogs

- The dog’s head will be tipped back slightly, allowing 2% lidocaine solution to locally anesthetize the nasal mucosa.
- Two to three minutes after the lidocaine is infused, 1-2 drops of phenylephrine is infused to decrease nasal cavity swelling and decrease the chance of hemorrhage.
- The sterile catheter is placed along the side of the patient’s head, from the nostril to the vertical ramus of the mandible in order to measure the appropriate length. A section of folded tape is placed at the length measurement to serve as a depth gauge and suture anchor.
- A few drops of 2% lidocaine is placed on the tip of the catheter and passed into the nostril. The nasal catheter is passed slowly into the ventral nasal meatus making its way into the nasopharynx.
- Once the catheter is properly placed, the anchor (section of tape) will be sutured to the dog’s skin just caudal to the nasal planum, with a loop of the exterior catheter section looped underneath.
- The length of the catheter that remains out of the nasal cavity will be taped and sutured to the midline of the dog’s forehead (in the same fashion as stated previously). For brachycephalic dog breeds, the length of the nasal catheter will be taped and sutured to the cheek rather than the midline of the face.
- The oxygen hose is then attached to the end of the nasal catheter and anchored to the neck using a neck bandage and tape. This neck anchor prevents the dog from pulling out any sutures of the catheter itself.
- The oxygen humidifier (oxygen tank) is attached to the oxygen hose and the administration of oxygen begins.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.

