An urgent warning has been issued by an animal healthcare professional concerning a viral trend on TikTok that involves spinning pets in a manner deemed hazardous. Jade, a registered veterinary nurse and popular TikTok user known by her handle @jade.the.vet.nurs, has amassed over one million likes by raising awareness about the health and safety of pets. She voiced her concerns in a recent video shared on the social media platform, aiming to dissuade pet owners from participating in the risky behaviour prevalent in online videos.
Jade, who is a mother to three dogs and three tortoises, specifically addressed the trend where pets, including cats, dogs, and rabbits, are picked up by their front legs and spun around in circles. She cautioned that this practice can inflict significant strain on pets' shoulders, elbows, muscles, and ligaments, potentially leading to feelings of dizziness and nausea in the animals.
In her video, Jade highlighted the risks associated with this trend, stating: "Can we stop this trend where people are picking up their cats, dogs, rabbits under their front legs and spinning them around and around in circles? This is not a nice trend for your pets. It can actually cause damage." She elaborated on her observations, noting that larger dogs are sometimes dropped during such stunts, resulting in injuries, while smaller breeds often squirm in discomfort during the spinning.
Jade identified certain breeds, particularly French bulldogs and dachshunds, as being especially susceptible to injury from this trend. She labelled the trend as "horrible" and strongly advised those who may have participated to reconsider their actions, urging them to delete any related videos. "I know you watch them and they look cute and they look fun," she stated, but flagged the importance of prioritising pet welfare over social media validation.
In her concluding remarks, Jade encouraged viewers to maintain a vigilant stance against this trend, urging them to refrain from interacting with such content on their For You Pages, and not to partake in the behaviour. She underlined the imperative of always placing pets' health and wellbeing above the pursuit of internet fame.
In light of these concerns, pet owners are advised to remain observant for signs of discomfort in their dogs, such as limping and stiffness, which could indicate underlying issues with their legs or back. According to guidance from the PDSA, these symptoms could stem from minor injuries or more serious conditions such as arthritis. They emphasize the necessity of consulting a veterinary professional even when symptoms seem minor, as many dogs adeptly conceal signs of pain.
With Jade's plea resonating across social media, the veterinary community continues to highlight the need for responsible pet ownership and the dangers associated with trending behaviours that could jeopardise animal well-being.
Source: Noah Wire Services