A Stoke veterinary practice has donated specialist pet breathing equipment to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue for pets caught up in fires.

Harrison Family Vets, which opened in Longton earlier this year, has supplied oxygen masks to be used to save the lives of dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals.

The equipment has been specifically designed so it is able to sit alongside existing breathing and emergency response kits in the fire service's vehicles.

Matt Humphrey, clinic director at Harrison Family Vets in Longton, explained that smoke inhalation can often be fatal for pets as it can damage their airways and cause carbon monoxide poisoning, meaning "every second counts".

Matt said: "This equipment will immediately improve oxygen levels in the bloodstream, helping to alleviate breathing difficulties, reduce inflammation, promote faster healing of damaged airways and ultimately it will prevent families suffering even more heartache.

"The reality is that without this equipment, firefighters can find themselves completely helpless when it comes to beloved pets that they rescue from smoke and fires, so we're very proud to make this donation to support their amazing work."

The equipment was donated by Harrison Family Vets in Longton. (Supplied)

Just last week, the fire service confirmed that a dog needed to be treated for smoke inhalation after a tumble dryer fire at a home in Blurton.

Longton Station manager, Chris Craddock, said: "We are grateful to Harrison Family Vets for their generous donation which will help us administer oxygen to pets who sadly suffer smoke inhalation during a fire.

"Unfortunately, pets are sometimes involved in house fires that we attend so this equipment will be used to save lives across Staffordshire."

The independent and family-owned veterinary group expanded into Staffordshire earlier this year, with the aim of offering high quality vet care at affordable prices, following a significant investment in its eighth cutting-edge veterinary practice, on Longton's Anchor Road Retail Park.

Kristie Faulkner, operations director at Harrison Family Vets, said: "I've seen how devastating smoke inhalation can be after two young Staffordshire Bull Terriers were once brought into a clinic after a house fire and they couldn't be saved. It was heartbreaking for everyone involved and their owners were completely devastated.

"Although we hope Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service never have to use these kits, it's reassuring to know that they have them there and they might prevent other pets having to suffer the same fate."