Benefits of drinking dissolved oxygenated water for older dogs

Abstract

Objective: Oxygen is an essential factor in the body. As dissolved oxygen is primarily absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, this study aimed to investigate whether oxygenated water (commercial: water 0) reduced serum lactate levels in old dogs under conditions of rest and exercise. Materials and Methods: Beagle dogs (n = 8), unneutered males (n = 4), and unspayed females (n = 4), aged 8.1 ± 1.3 years and weighing 12.2 ± 1.2 kg, considered healthy by physical examination and blood tests, were included in the study. Results: Oxygenated water (5 ml; Water 0, Inc.) was fed per 1 kg of body weight. The blood lactate level was significantly decreased in the group fed with O2 supplementation in the usual environment without exercise than in the control group (1.97 ± 0.19 vs. 2.63 ± 0.3 mmol/L). In addition, the blood lactate level after 30 min of walking was markedly decreased in the oxygen supplemented water-fed group than in the control group (2.46 ± 0.38 in the control group vs. 1.66 ± 0.21 mmol/L in the oxygen supplemented water-fed group). Conclusion: In this study, the efficacy and benefits of dissolved oxygen feeding were demonstrated in old dogs both at rest and after exercise.