Vet issues warning over TikTok 'dog ice bucket challenge'
This trend sees owners pouring ice-cold water over their dogs, similar to the 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS awareness.
While many find this trend entertaining, Sean McCormack, head vet at Tails.com, has warned owners of its potential harm.
Mr McCormack 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 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."
This trend has caught the attention of animal welfare charity Blue Cross, which has urged owners to reconsider their participation.
TikTok, where the trend is widely shared, has also issued an AI-generated search advisory to highlight potential concerns.
Here are some reasons why this trend could be harmful to dogs:
Dogs regulate their body temperature differently from humans and a sudden dousing with icy water can cause a rapid drop in body temperature.
This can be particularly uncomfortable and potentially 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.
Pouring water over a dog's head also increases the risk of water being inhaled, especially if the dog panics or gasps while the water is being poured.
This could, in some instances, lead to aspiration pneumonia.
Additionally, 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 is out of character, such as snapping, growling or increased anxiety.
Mr McCormack added: "Just because something is trending doesn't mean it's safe or appropriate for every pet.
"There are plenty of ways to showcase pets on social media that are both entertaining and respectful of their needs."
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