George is nine years old, stocky, enthusiastic and – like so many English Bulldogs – a dog whose body sometimes cannot keep up with his spirit.

Like many flat-faced breeds, George has always had to work harder than most dogs simply to breathe. But as he grew older, his owner Caroline Boyland from High Wycombe began to notice that things were becoming more difficult. Even short bursts of play in the garden left him panting heavily, stopping frequently and struggling to recover.

“It was hard to watch because he still wanted to play,” Caroline says. “His mind was willing, but his body just couldn’t keep up.”

It is a reality familiar to many owners of brachycephalic breeds. Their shortened airways mean their bodies must work harder during and after even light activity, and for some dogs, everyday exercise becomes increasingly challenging with age.

A chance discovery

When Caroline came across a call-out for flat-faced dogs to take part in a 90-day home study exploring hydration and breathing support, she decided to apply. George was selected as one of ten dogs nationwide.

The observational study was run by OxyPet, a company producing oxygen-rich spring water sourced from deep underground in Cornwall. The water is infused with additional dissolved oxygen through a nano-bubble process, contains no additives or flavourings, and is intended to support hydration and recovery.

Caroline admits she was initially sceptical.
“I’d never really thought about how hydration alone could affect recovery,” she says.

While results will naturally vary between individual dogs, the trial aimed to observe changes in energy levels, recovery times and general wellbeing over a sustained period.

A visible difference

As part of the study, George drank the water daily while Caroline monitored his behaviour, exercise tolerance and recovery. A video filmed before the trial shows George running in the garden before slowing dramatically, stopping frequently and breathing loudly as he tries to recover.

Within weeks, Caroline says she began noticing gradual changes.

“His recovery time after walks became much quicker. Then the walks started getting longer,” she says. “His breathing seemed easier, and he appeared brighter and more comfortable afterwards.”

A second video, filmed several months later, shows George playing more freely and recovering more comfortably following activity.

“The difference between the two videos is remarkable,” Caroline says. “You can really see how much more at ease he is.”

The bigger picture

OxyPet co-founder Lindsey John Taylor says the study was designed to explore whether improved hydration and oxygen availability might support dogs facing breathing and recovery challenges.

“This isn’t about replacing veterinary care,” he says. “It’s about looking at simple ways to support overall wellbeing alongside it.”

Caroline has continued incorporating the water into George’s daily routine. For her, the experience has been reassuring.

For owners of flat-faced breeds, George’s story offers cautious hope that thoughtful adjustments to everyday care may help some dogs feel more comfortable in their own skin.