Pit Bull Getting Ready for -30C Walk Wearing Socks and Shoes Melts Hearts

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A video of a woman getting her dog ready for a walk in minus 30-degree Celsius temperatures has gone viral on TikTok, with more than 9.1 million views.

In the footage, the American pit bull can be seen having winter clothes put on to go and play in the snow. The caption reads: "She's a drama queen if we don't do this."

Dog in snow
Stock image of a chocolate Labrador in the snow. Dogs can enjoy the wintry weather, but precautions should be taken to ensure they do not develop hypothermia or frostbite. FarArden/Getty Images

TikToker Moira Bryan, based out of Alberta, Canada, can be seen kitting out her dog with socks, a hoodie, boots, a gilet and a fleecy hat to protect her from the bitter temperatures. One user commented: "When you have to go outside in -30 but you aren't a husky."

According to HuskyAdvisor.com, huskies can withstand temperatures as cold as -60 degrees Fahrenheit (-51 degrees Celsius), although they do feel the cold and often have to build up a tolerance to these extreme temperatures. Winter temperatures in Alberta can drop as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius) for short periods.

The Smithsonian Magazine online reports that modern sled dogs from across the Arctic can trace their ancestry back to Siberia, "according to a new genetic study that dovetails with archaeological evidence. Today's familiar breeds such as huskies and malamutes are descended from a lineage that was well-established in Siberia 9,500 years ago and has been critical to human survival in the Arctic ever since."

Extreme weather shouldn't stop your dog from getting the exercise and exposure to the outdoors that it needs. However, various precautions should be taken to stop your pet from developing certain weather-related conditions such as hypothermia and frost bite.

Animal Wellness Magazine offers the following tips for keeping your dog safe in the cold.

Limit the Time They Spend Outdoors

"Just like us, pets can fall victim to frostbite. To prevent this painful injury, don't let your pup stay outside for more than a few minutes, especially if the temperature dips below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 degrees Celsius). Even if your dog is conditioned for cold weather, it's best to save those long walks for warmer days."

Clear a Path for Them in the Yard

"If the snow is deep, shoveling a small path and space in the backyard will make his potty breaks much more comfortable. These clearings will also prevent him from getting balls of ice and snow in between his paw pads, which can be painful!"

Keep Them Leashed

"Winter poses many hazards that can bring harm to an unleashed dog. Frozen ponds, for instance, might not be frozen enough to support your pup if he decides to wander onto the ice. Avalanches are another very real threat in some locations. Plus, if his nose gets the best of him, he could become lost, a tragedy you don't want to experience any time of year, let alone when the temperatures are below freezing."

TikTokers were delighted at the pit bull's cold-weather gear, with user britt writing, "The little hat, this just made my day."

Sky Cameron commented: "Thank you so much for keeping you animal safe not a lot of people do or even know the environmental dangers for their pets while the seasons change."

TikToker karrenaxoxo wrote that "it's a fight to get my husky back home since he simply REFUSES wish I could dress him cute & warm like this!!"

About the writer

Leonie Helm is a Newsweek Life Reporter and is based in London, UK. Her focus is reporting on all things life, from abolishing the monarchy to travel to aesthetic medicine. Leonie joined Newsweek in 2022 from the Aesthetics Journal where she was the Deputy Editor, and had previously worked as a journalist for TMRW Magazine and Foundry Fox. She is a graduate of Cardiff University where she gained a MA in Journalism. Languages: English.

You can get in touch with Leonie by emailing l.helm@newsweek.com


Leonie Helm is a Newsweek Life Reporter and is based in London, UK. Her focus is reporting on all things ... Read more