A rescue terrier who spent years battling allergies, skin problems and digestive issues is still enjoying life at the age of 15 after his owner says switching to a more natural approach transformed his health.
Freddie was adopted by Clare Reader-Jenkyns, from near Bridgwater, Somerset, in 2011 after she and her then husband promised themselves they would rescue a dog after moving from Cardiff.
Although the terrier cross quickly won them over with his charm, it soon became clear he had a long list of behavioural and medical problems.
Over the years, Freddie suffered from chronic skin irritation, stomach problems, food intolerances and grass allergies. to both food and grass. He was treated with steroids, Apoquel, immunotherapy and Cytopoint while Clare searched for ways to make him more comfortable.
Everything changed when the former dog groomer found herself spending evenings researching canine nutrition and welfare.
She gradually changed Freddie's diet, reduced medication under veterinary guidance where appropriate and introduced a range of natural approaches to support his health, including OxyPet, an oxygen-enriched hydration product made using nano-bubble oxygen infused Cornish spring water.
Now aged 15, Freddie continues to enjoy life despite kidney disease and even made what Clare describes as an "amazing recovery" after developing vestibular disease last year.
Clare said: "It completely blew my mind that there was a natural way to solve Freddie's medical issues.
"I'd always been a firm believer in veterinary pharmaceutical medicine and never questioned anything a vet told me.
"Over the years, and with guidance from a holistic vet and our
conventional vet, I gradually took Freddie down the natural route."
After finding a diet that suited Freddie, Clare says she began noticing significant improvements.
She said: "Once I figured out the best diet that suited him, his gut health improved, which had a direct impact on improving his skin and condition.
"He hasn't had any flare-ups over the last few years and only gets a bit itchy at the start of spring with the new grass, which is manageable."
Clare first discovered OxyPet through the ‘No Bull’ natural canine health group and decided to introduce it into Freddie's routine.
She said: "I heard about OxyPet through Facebook last year. I initially enquired about my friend's dog, but I thought there was no harm in trying Freddie on it too.
"Freddie only has OxyPet to drink, fresh and also with his fish bone broth, either warm in the winter or frozen in the summer, which he loves.
"Although I have air conditioning in my bedroom for the hottest days, Freddie has coped really well through last summer and this year's summer."
Last year Freddie also developed vestibular disease, leaving Clare fearing the worst.
She said: "I honestly thought it was the end, but with help and support from vets and OxyPet, Freddie made an amazing recovery."
Karla Pearson, 51, director of OxyPet, said: "Freddie's story is a wonderful example of how owners are increasingly looking at their dog's health in a more holistic way.
"We've always said OxyPet isn't about replacing good veterinary care. It's about supporting dogs alongside the fantastic work vets and other professionals already do.
"Clare's dedication to Freddie over so many years is incredible, and we're delighted OxyPet has become one part of his daily routine."
Despite Freddie's advancing years, Clare says he continues to remind her why she never gave up.
She said: "Freddie has constantly challenged me and, thanks to him, I am more knowledgeable about canine behaviour and nutrition.
"Once I knew better, I could do better, and we've both benefited from that."
