A Buckinghamshire dog owner says her beloved Bulldog has been given a new lease of life after taking part in a home study exploring the benefits of oxygen-rich spring water.

Nine-year-old George, a much-loved English Bulldog began struggling with his breathing as he grew older – particularly after walks or during warmer weather.

Like many flat-faced dogs, George was prone to heavy panting and long recovery times after even light activity, leaving his owner, Caroline Boyland from High Wycombe, increasingly concerned about his quality of life.

“At one point even short play sessions in the garden would leave him needing to stop and catch his breath,” Caroline said.

Flat-faced, or brachycephalic, breeds often have shortened airways, meaning their bodies must work harder during and after physical activity. For dogs like George, this can make everyday exercise more challenging.

Caroline spotted a call-out for flat-faced dogs to take part in a 90-day home study looking at hydration and breathing support. With only a handful of spaces available, she applied – and George was chosen as one of just ten dogs nationwide to take part.

The observational trial was run by OxyPet and involved supplying oxygen-rich spring water sourced from Cornwall, developed to support hydration in dogs, particularly those with breathing and recovery challenges.

At the time George joined the study, Caroline says his recovery times had noticeably increased, and she often found it upsetting to watch him struggle despite his enthusiasm to play.

A video filmed months before the trial shows George running around the garden before slowing dramatically, stopping frequently and breathing loudly as he tries to recover.

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

As part of the study, George drank the oxygen-rich spring water daily, with Caroline monitoring his behaviour, recovery times and overall wellbeing.

The water begins as natural spring water drawn from deep underground in Cornwall and is infused with additional dissolved oxygen using a specialist nano-bubble process. The aim is to support hydration, circulation and recovery – areas that can be particularly important for flat-faced breeds.

Unlike flavoured or supplemented products, the water contains no additives, focusing instead on hydration quality and oxygen availability.

Caroline admits she was initially unsure whether something as simple as changing George’s water would make a difference. But within weeks, she says she began noticing changes.

“His recovery time after walks became much quicker. Then the walks started getting longer,” she said.

“His behaviour when going out began to improve, and he was less reactive; his breathing became easier, and his energy lifted.”

She also noticed George appeared more willing to move, play and explore without needing to stop as often.

A second video filmed around eight months later shows a clear contrast. In the newer footage, George can be seen playing more freely in the garden and recovering far more comfortably after exercise.

“The difference between the two videos is incredible,” Caroline said. “You can really see how far he’s come.”

Caroline has since continued giving George the oxygen-rich water as part of his daily routine and hopes sharing his story will help other local owners of flat-faced dogs.

“I’d never considered how something as simple as hydration and more dissolved oxygen for dogs could go so deep,” she said. “But this was unlike any other water – it was delivering more oxygen, and I am seeing it firsthand.”

Lindsey John Taylor, 45, co-founder of OxyPet, said the study was designed to explore whether improved hydration and oxygen availability could support dogs with breathing and recovery challenges.

“George’s story is exactly why we started OxyPet,” he said.

“Flat-faced dogs face real, everyday challenges, particularly when it comes to coping with physical demand and recovery. This isn’t about replacing veterinary care, but about supporting dogs’ wellbeing in a simple, natural way.”

Caroline now hopes George’s journey will encourage other dog owners across Buckinghamshire to pay closer attention to hydration and recovery, particularly for flat-faced breeds.