A charity caring for disabled dogs says oxygen-rich water has helped support some of its most vulnerable animals during the recent heatwave.

Broken Biscuits, a specialist animal welfare charity supporting disabled and mobility-impaired dogs, has been trialling OxyPet water across its 22 resident dogs after receiving a donation of a huge tank of water.

With temperatures soaring across parts of the UK in recent weeks, the charity says hydration has become even more important for dogs already dealing with kidney, liver and continence problems.

Tim Giles, co-founder and trustee of Broken Biscuits, said: “Many dogs come to us with renal and bladder infections, struvites etc, which we have to dissolve with diets and lots of water to flush out.

“Water plays a big role in our day-to-day care and management programs and the purity of the water plays a significant role in this.”

OxyPet is an oxygen-infused spring water made using Cornish spring water and nano-bubble oxygen technology, designed to support oxygen availability, hydration and recovery in dogs.

Broken Biscuits says it has now started introducing the water across all resident dogs, with particular interest in how it may help brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs and pugs, which can struggle badly in warmer weather due to breathing difficulties.

Giles said: “What interests us about OxyPet is that it is at its essence an incredibly pure source of water which is important for disabled dogs with potential kidney and liver issues.

“We are confident that this alone will be beneficial for our dogs and we are keeping an open mind about the effects of the oxygenation and are genuinely curious about the results.”

Many of the dogs at the charity are incontinent and require intensive daily support, including bladder expression several times per day and medication to help digestion and bowel movements.

Giles added: “Our dogs are encouraged to drink a lot of water to flush out anything nasty and they genuinely seem to like the taste of OxyPet.

“Being well hydrated also helps with our dogs who require medication each day to help them poo. The water helps soften it and makes it easier to pass.”

The charity says hydration is particularly important for paralysed dogs and those suffering from kidney and liver complications.

Giles said: “Paralysed dogs often suffer from kidney and liver issues and hydration is critical to helping to flush out toxins and aid recovery from UTI’s etc.”

Broken Biscuits, which operates through donations and self-funding from trustees, also said support from companies can make a huge difference to the dogs in its care.

Lindsey John Taylor, 45, from Wickford, Essex, co-founder of OxyPet, said the company was proud to see the water being used to support disabled rescue dogs during the recent spell of hot weather.

He said: “Broken Biscuits does incredible work with dogs that require enormous amounts of care and support every single day, so to hear the water is helping them during the recent heat has been really rewarding for us.

“We created OxyPet to help dogs live more comfortably, particularly those already facing physical challenges, so seeing it used in this kind of environment means a lot.”

The charity has become known for its work supporting disabled dogs, wheelchair schemes and helping owners better understand long-term care and mobility issues in pets.

Cassandra Carney, co-founder of Broken Biscuits, said: “The pet industry talks endlessly about puppies. We’re here for the reality of a pet’s whole lifetime.”

She added: “Disabled pets do not need hiding away, speaking over, or reducing to ‘sad stories’.

“They deserve representation, accessibility, quality care, adventure, friendship and dignity just like every other dog.”

Carney said the charity hopes more people begin to understand that disability does not stop dogs from enjoying a happy life.

She said: “A dog using wheels can still race around a field. A blind dog can still explore. A senior dog can still have adventures.

“Supportive care is not giving up - it’s helping animals continue living fully.”

Find out more at https://www.oxypet.co.uk