The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department has had special pet oxygen masks available for about a decade, so Nick Seminerio didn’t hesitate to use it while responding to a house fire in Chillum last week.

Crews had removed a dog out of the house, but first responders noticed it was displaying signs of smoke inhalation. It had trouble breathing, was lethargic and run down.

So the crews decided to use the pet oxygen mask, which is available to Hyattsville first responders and those working across Prince George’s County.

After about 15 minutes, Seminerio said, the dog appeared to be improving and was reunited with its family.

“The family was unfortunately fearing the worst,” Seminerio said. “To be able to get their dog back, let alone have it treated on the scene, so that they could avoid

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