Vets and charities are urging people not to take part in the challenge which sees icy water thrown over their pet
Vets are urging pet owners to avoid a TikTok trend warning it can seriously harm their dog. Experts from animal charities including the RSPCA, Blue Cross and PETA have all urged people not to get involved with the latest push on the social media site.
Reminiscent of the 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge, which raised awareness for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), this current trend involves owners pouring ice-cold water over their unsuspecting dogs, often in an effort to capture light-hearted or humorous content. However Sean McCormack, Head Vet at Tails.com , is urging people not to take part.
He said: “While pet-related content is hugely popular and often fun to share, suddenly pouring cold water over dogs will cause shock and unnecessary discomfort, particularly if repeated for multiple takes. It's important to remember that dogs may not understand what’s happening, and most will find the experience stressful.
“It really baffles me that dog owners would even think to do this to their own pet dog, who loves, trusts and looks up to them as their apparent best friend.” With the trend gaining momentum, animal welfare charity Blue Cross has also shared a message on social media urging owners to think twice before taking part.
It said: “Please stop using your pets for likes on social media. Trends like these might seem like some harmless fun, but pets aren't toys to be exploited, humiliated or objectified for our own entertainment.”
TikTok, where the trend has been widely shared, has also included an AI-generated search advisory to highlight potential concerns and encourage responsible content creation. Sean added: “Just because something is trending doesn’t mean it’s safe or appropriate for every pet.
“Instead of chasing viral fame at the expense of a pet’s wellbeing, owners are encouraged to prioritise safety of their pup. There are plenty of ways to showcase pets on social media that are both entertaining and respectful of their needs”.
The expert explained why this trend poses serious harm to dogs. This is what he says:
Temperature regulation and cold shock
Dogs regulate their body temperature differently from humans, and a sudden dousing with icy water can cause a rapid drop in body temperature. This may be particularly uncomfortable (and potentially more serious) for smaller breeds, dogs with thin or short coats, puppies, and senior dogs.
In rare cases, especially if a dog has underlying health conditions, extreme cold exposure could trigger symptoms of hypothermic shock, including changes in heart rate, breathing, and circulation. While healthy dogs are generally resilient, it’s important to be cautious when it comes to extreme temperature shifts.
Respiratory risks
Pouring water over a dog’s head also increases the risk of water being inhaled. This is especially the case if the dog panics or gasps while the water is being poured.
This could, in some instances, lead to aspiration pneumonia, a condition that occurs when foreign substances like water, food, or vomit enter the lungs instead of the digestive tract. Though relatively uncommon, it can be serious if not promptly treated.
Psychological stress and behavioural effects
Unlike humans, dogs don’t understand the context of social media trends. A sudden dousing of cold water may be interpreted as a threat or punishment, potentially triggering a “fight or flight” response.
This can cause a surge in cortisol (the stress hormone) which may result in behaviour that’s out of character, such as snapping, growling, or increased anxiety. In some cases, it could lead to a lasting fear of water, buckets, or even create tension in the bond between dog and owner.
Ice cube injuries
While small ice cubes in water bowls can help keep dogs cool in warm weather, large or broken chunks of ice present a different concern. They may become choking hazards, or if stepped on, can injure a dog’s sensitive paw pads, or even cause a slip or fall for owners.
Additionally, dogs with sensitive teeth may find chewing ice uncomfortable or painful.
