Hydrogen Therapy for Pets

Hydrogen (H₂) therapy — administered as hydrogen-rich water, in saline, or as gas — is emerging as a safe, natural, and non-invasive approach to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue damage in both humans and animals.

As the smallest and most selective antioxidant molecule, molecular hydrogen rapidly diffuses into cells, mitochondria, and even the nucleus — protecting tissues that other therapies cannot easily reach. Its effects are now peer-reviewed and experimentally confirmed across species such as dogs, horses, and livestock, showing tangible biological benefits without the toxicity risks associated with drugs or synthetic antioxidants.

Hydrogen therapy, once a scientific curiosity, has become a credible, evidence-based modality with applications ranging from performance recovery and metabolic balance to immune regulation and tissue repair.

Its exceptional safety, deep cellular reach, and broad physiological impact place it at the forefront of integrative and regenerative veterinary medicine.

More than a treatment, hydrogen therapy represents a new paradigm in animal care — one that supports not only healing and recovery, but also disease prevention, vitality, and long-term well-being for animals of all kinds.

Why It Works — The Science in One Line

Hydrogen doesn’t “over-suppress” the immune system like some drugs do — it selectively neutralises toxic free radicals while enhancing the body’s own defence mechanisms through pathways such as Nrf2, HO-1, and other antioxidant systems.

Expert Insight

Suhaku is honoured to be associated with Dr Kanichi Kusano, a distinguished veterinarian whose work with hydrogen therapy for animals – particularly racehorses – has demonstrated its promise for animal well-being.

“I first learned about hydrogen therapy in 2011 through a friend’s recommendation. After drinking hydrogen-rich water, I noticed a clear diuretic effect and a gentle warmth spreading through my body — an experience that immediately caught my attention as a veterinarian. Since then, I have continued to use hydrogen regularly, finding it especially helpful in relieving eye strain and fatigue. Research and my own experience suggest that hydrogen reduces oxidative stress and activates cellular function, helping the body restore its natural balance. When I applied hydrogen therapy to racehorses under my care, their recovery and overall condition improved remarkably. Through these experiences, I have come to believe that hydrogen offers unique benefits beyond conventional pharmaceuticals, gently supporting the body’s own healing capacity.”

Today I especially enjoy hydrogen inhalation, which provides a deep and lasting sense of relaxation and renewal. To me, hydrogen therapy is a safe, natural, and science-based approach that promotes cellular vitality, disease prevention, and lifelong well-being in both humans and animals.”

Dr Kanichi Kusano, BVetMed, PhD, DVM, MRCVS

Research: The Future

Dr Kusano has highlighted these key areas of current veterinary interest as hydrogen therapy becomes more established:

Horses (Equine)

Improved recovery after training or competition, reduced muscle soreness, enhanced oxidative protection, and faster recovery after being transported.

Dogs (Canine)

Faster wound healing and post-surgical recovery, greater mobility in senior dogs, improved vitality after heat stress or anaesthetics.

Cats (Feline)

Support for renal and urinary health alongside prescribed diets, and visible improvement in skin and coat condition with hydrogen-rich hydration. (All uses under veterinary supervision; formal evidence emerging.)

Other Animals

Field studies show improved growth, feed efficiency, and reduced oxidative markers in livestock and poultry. In aquaculture, hydrogen-enriched water supports growth, immunity, and stress tolerance.

Safety Profile

Hydrogen therapy has an excellent safety record. Excess hydrogen is simply exhaled, leaving no metabolic burden. Published studies in dogs and horses report no adverse effects on liver, kidney, heart, or behaviour. This makes hydrogen suitable both for ongoing antioxidant support and for short-term recovery during periods of physiological stress. Its potential extends beyond pets, offering a humane, non-pharmaceutical way to improve the welfare of animals in food production and care industries.

Scientific Evidence

Faster wound healing with hydrogen-rich waterJournal: Veterinary Sciences (MDPI, 2021).
Title: “Effects of Hydrogen-Rich Water on Wound Healing in Dogs” (Qi et al.).
Outcome: Significantly faster wound closure, greater angiogenesis, and reduced oxidative stress markers.
Protocol: 400 mL hydrogen-rich water orally, three times daily.
Protection against oxidative injuryJournal: Journal of Veterinary Research (2017).
Title: “Hydrogen Gas Therapy for Onion-Induced Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs” (Zhao et al.).
Outcome: Reduced red blood cell damage and improved antioxidant response.
Protocol: 0.2 mL/kg hydrogen gas, subcutaneous injection, once daily for 12 days.
Organ preservation during surgery (lung transplant model)Journal: Annals of Thoracic Surgery (2021).
Title: “Hydrogen-Enriched Preservation Solution in Canine Lung Transplantation” (Kayawake et al.).
Outcome: Dramatic reduction in ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Clinical relevance: Strong potential for surgical and critical care antioxidant protection.

Exercise recovery and antioxidant supportJournal: Journal of Equine Science (2013).
Title: “Effect of Hydrogen-Rich Water on Thoroughbred Horses During Maximal Exercise”
(Tsubone et al.).
Outcome: Lower oxidative stress markers post-exercise (↓ d-ROMs, ↑ antioxidant potential).
Protocol: Single pre-exercise hydrogen-water administration via nasogastric tube.
IV hydrogen-saline infusion before simulated raceJournal: Scientific Reports (Nature Group, 2015).
Title: “Intravenous Hydrogen-Saline Attenuates Oxidative Stress in Racing Thoroughbreds”
(Yamazaki et al.).
Outcome: Suppression of DNA oxidative injury marker 8-OHdG.
Protocol: 2 L IV saline with ~0.6 ppm dissolved hydrogen, pre-exercise.

Growth and metabolic enhancement in largemouth bassJournal: Fishes (MDPI, 2024).
Title: “The Effects of Different Concentrations of Hydrogen-Rich Water on Growth Performance,
Digestive Ability, Antioxidant Capacity, and Gut Microbiota of Largemouth Bass
(Micropterus salmoides)” (Yuan et al.).
Outcome: Increased body weight, feed efficiency, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant capacity,
and beneficial gut microbiota.
Significance: Demonstrates the potential of hydrogen water to enhance aquaculture health and productivity.
Viral infection protection in zebrafish modelJournal: Virology Sinica (2022).
Title: “Nano-Bubble Hydrogen Water as an Effective Therapeutic Agent Against Inflammation Caused
by Viral Infection in Zebrafish” (Li et al.).
Outcome: ~40% lower mortality, inhibition of viral replication, reduced expression of inflammatory
cytokines (IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α), and decreased ROS accumulation.
Significance: First aquatic animal model showing hydrogen’s antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects.

Improved metabolic profiles and reduced kid mortality in goatsJournal: Small Ruminant Research (2024).
Title: “Hydrogen-Rich Water Supplementation Improves Metabolic Profiles and Reduces Kid Mortality
in Peripartum Gyr/Cu Goats” (Kuru et al.).
Outcome: Enhanced maternal metabolism and significantly reduced neonatal mortality.
Significance: Early evidence of hydrogen’s benefits in large ruminants.
Review on livestock applicationsJournal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (2024).
Title: “Review and Application of Hydrogen in Regulating Production Performance, Stress Tolerance,
and Gut Microbiota in Livestock” (Luo et al.).
Outcome: Summarises studies showing improved growth, stress resilience, and gut health across
livestock species.
Significance: Expands hydrogen’s potential use beyond companion animals into production animal health.

Learn More

To explore hydrogen inhalation for pets or to rent a Suhaku Home Hydrogen Machine, please contact:

Location

Suhaku Space
Suhaku Space – South Kensington

38 Thurloe Pl South Kensington
London SW7 2HP

Schedule

Mon to Fri 10am-8pm
Sat & Sun 10am-6pm

Contact Us

[email protected]
+44 (0) 739 5289 728

"It was my first time trying hydrogen therapy, and I was surprised by the results that was beyond my expectations. The blood flow improved, the cells in my body seemed to revive, and I was able to get rid of my fatigue and woke up refreshed the next day."

Yuko. M

"So happy that Japanese hydrogen therapy came to the UK finally. It helps to ease my migraine I’ve been suffering for ages and also my psoriasis condition is much better now."

Yuriko. M

"An oasis of calm in a busy world. I have been regularly having the zen treatment which has helped me feel more relaxed and sleep better. Well worth having regular sessions."

Maggie. B

"This is the first, best and only place to go. It’s helping me with my immune system, improving various ailments. Regular treatments are making a difference."

Rachel. F

"Today I feel less pain and my movements have returned, I no longer take medication, not to mention the other benefits that go far beyond the treatment for my disease. This is all thanks to hydrogen inhalation therapy."

Ana A.