Overview

• The #BarkYourMindChallenge on TikTok repurposes the Ice Bucket Challenge by pouring ice-cold water on unsuspecting dogs for viral content.
• Animal charities, including the RSPCA, Blue Cross, and PETA, have strongly criticized the trend, calling it cruel and exploitative.
• Veterinary experts warn that the challenge can cause hypothermic shock, respiratory issues like aspiration pneumonia, and severe psychological stress in dogs.
• TikTok has implemented AI-generated advisories to discourage participation and promote responsible content creation, but videos continue to circulate.
• The trend originated as a spin-off of a University of South Carolina mental health initiative, but its misuse has raised broader ethical concerns about animal exploitation in social media culture.