Dogs are cute, adorable, and are often used on social media to gain tons of likes and followers, but how safe are some of these trends?
By Siddhika Bhat, certified dog trainer and behaviorist, founder of Wagabonding: Dog Training and Beyond
In the age of viral TikTok dances and Instagram challenges, it’s easy to get caught up in the race for likes and views. But let’s stop for a second and ask: when did the definition of “fun” shift to the point where we’re willing to compromise an animal’s well-being for a few seconds of internet fame? Does anyone ever stop to wonder—Does my dog actually want to be a Social Media Star? Spoiler alert: probably not.
This article shines a spotlight on some of the most popular (and downright ridiculous) dog trends that have unfortunately gone viral, encouraging behaviors that are uncomfortable, unnatural, and even harmful for our furry friends. Let’s take a moment to rethink the idea of fun and ensure we’re not trading our dog’s happiness for momentary social media fame.
4 Trends To Definitely Avoid Trying With Your Dog
Some social media trends push past being cringy and can actually be dangerous, to both your pet and you.
1. Kids Testing A Dog’s Boundaries
One of the most alarming trends on Instagram and TikTok right now involves kids testing a dog's boundaries. I swear, every time I see a toddler and a dog in one of these videos, my heart skips a beat—and not in a good way. This trend, which often involves kids climbing over dogs, pulling their ears, or even hitting them, is far from funny. It’s downright dangerous. Dogs are incredibly patient, but they have their limits.
If humans don’t step in to enforce boundaries, the dog might eventually take matters into their own paws—potentially resulting in a snap or bite. It’s not just unfair to the dog; it’s irresponsible parenting. These viral videos perpetuate the misconception that dogs are plush toys without feelings or breaking points, and the consequences of this could be tragic for both the child and the dog. Let's stop normalizing this behavior and teach our kids to respect animals instead.
2. Agitating Small Breeds
The agitating small breeds trend on Instagram and TikTok is a prime example of social media cruelty disguised as humor. While smaller dogs may lack the physical strength of larger breeds, they are not without limits—and they often reach their breaking point faster because people take repeated liberties with them. Picking them up, hugging them tightly against their will, or intentionally provoking them to growl for laughs is not just wrong; it’s damaging.
This behavior is the exact reason breeds like Chihuahuas have a reputation for being "snappy" or "temperamental." It’s not the breed; it’s the pet parent creating stress through constant boundary violations. Making a tiny dog growl for social media clout doesn’t just harm the dog—it perpetuates a toxic narrative about small breeds. Here’s a rule of thumb: before you provoke a small dog, ask yourself, “Would I do this with a Rottweiler?” If the answer is no, don’t do it. Dogs, no matter their size, deserve respect and understanding. Let’s stop turning their frustration into entertainment.
3. Overfeeding Dogs For "Fun" Or “ASMR”
The trend of overfeeding dogs isn’t just senseless—it’s cruel. Sure, feeding a limited and finite number of treats for satisfying ASMR crunch videos might be harmless, but overfeeding for the sake of TikTok fame is outright damaging. Riding on the back of your dog’s health to garner millions of views is an unfair trade-off.
This viral video of a dog being allowed to devour food straight out of the container amassed over 20 million views on TikTok. Even if we give the benefit of the doubt that this dog wasn’t fed anything else that day, encouraging such behavior can lead to serious health issues like bloating or choking, as well as behavioral problems such as food aggression.
Here’s another account that is focused solely on ASMR videos of a Black Lab eating. While the ingredients and quantity may be okay, the speed at which the dog is encouraged to finish his food, all to fit the video into a minute, raises serious questions. This reckless feeding style isn’t just bad practice; it could cause life-threatening conditions like bloating.
4. Dogs Competing To Eat
The trend of dogs competing to eat is a recipe for disaster when it comes to your dog’s well-being. The viral "Food Run Challenge" circulating on Instagram and TikTok involves humans racing against their dogs to reach a plate of food and then competing to finish it—sometimes down to the last bite of meat. While it might seem harmless or even funny, these so-called challenges inadvertently escalate a dog’s food aggression, teaching them to guard or defend their meals.
Another equally problematic trend is feeding an entire litter of puppies from a single source, forcing them to compete for food. What puppies experience during this critical developmental stage has lifelong consequences. Many dogs with food aggression as adults were made to compete for food during puppyhood. Behaviors learned at that age are deeply ingrained and incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to reverse.
Such trends may rack up likes and shares, but they ignore the lasting behavioral and emotional damage they can inflict on dogs.
Capturing the perfect social media moment with your furry friend at home.
5 Red Flag Trends
These trends may not be flat-out dangerous, but may still have implications that you may see in the near or far future and may be unaware of them now.
1. The Bark At Your Dog Prank
The bark at your dog prank might seem like harmless fun to humans, but to your dog, it's a bewildering and emotionally unsettling experience. Dogs bark at each other as a means of communication—whether it’s to signal excitement, alert to danger, or establish boundaries. When we mimic this behavior and bark at them, we’re throwing a curveball into their carefully tuned communication system. They don’t understand if it’s playful, aggressive, or something else entirely.
This can leave them feeling confused, anxious, or even threatened. Imagine someone shouting gibberish at you with intensity—you’d be baffled and stressed, right? That’s exactly how your dog feels. Let’s leave the barking to the professionals (aka the dogs) and find better ways to get viral on social media!
2. The Stare At My Dog Trend
The stare at my dog trend is anything but funny for dogs. Dogs stare to communicate, whether it’s seeking attention, understanding our cues, or showing affection. However, leaning in close and locking eyes with them is not playful—it’s invasive and tests their boundaries. For many dogs, direct staring is a sign of challenge or threat, and forcing this interaction can make them uncomfortable, anxious, or even reactive. Respect their space and communicate in ways that build trust, not tension.
3. The Taylor Swift Dog Spinning Trend
Picking dogs up from under their arms and spinning them around is highly unnatural to them. It puts unnecessary strain on their joints, spine, and muscles, regardless of their age or size. The dizziness and disorientation this causes are equally unpleasant. Worse, many of these videos require multiple takes to perfect the camera angles, subjecting the dog to repeated discomfort. Dogs aren’t props—they rely on us to prioritize their well-being, not compromise it for social media virality. ( )
4. The #PutItInABun Challenge
The #PutItInABun challenge involves tying the dog's ears into a top knot. While some pet owners do this to help their dogs eat without ear interference, many participate just to jump on a senseless trend. Dogs use every part of their face—ears, whiskers, and nose—to navigate their food bowl efficiently. By restricting their natural movement, we disrupt this process.
Moreover, tying a dog’s ears can lead to physical harm. According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, trauma to the pinna (ear flap) can result in an aural hematoma—a painful condition where blood or fluid accumulates in the ear cartilage. This challenge is part of a larger, concerning social media trend where “fun” often translates to compromising animal welfare.
5. Forcing Dogs Into Costumes They Hate
Costumes are unnatural for dogs, often restricting their movement and preventing them from expressing themselves through body language—a critical tool for communication. For anxious or fearful dogs, wearing a costume can amplify their stress, leaving them overwhelmed and uneasy. Smaller dogs, in particular, often feel additional discomfort, as costumes can feel heavier or more restrictive relative to their size. What might seem like harmless fun can lead to unnecessary distress, irritability, or even long-term behavioral issues. If your dog isn’t a fan of dressing up and is visibly uncomfortable or scared, like this Frenchie in the video, it’s time to put the outfit away.
Share joyful outdoor memories with your pet—social media loves a great selfie!
3 Tips To Create Pet Content Responsibly
Creating fun, loveable, and likeable content starring your precious pet is absolutely possible (or, dare we say, paw-sible). Just make sure you're keeping your dog's best interests in mind.
1. Make Sure Your Dog Enjoys It
A joke isn’t funny if the other party has no idea what's going on, especially when that other party is an innocent animal. Creating funny, endearing, and eye-catching content can be done in ways that don’t compromise your dog’s well-being. Remember, it's not about getting views; it's about ensuring your dog’s happiness. Whether it’s a goofy trick or an adorable bonding moment, make sure the only thing wagging is their tail, not discomfort or confusion. Keep it fun, safe, and full of positive vibes for both you and your pup!
2. Think About Behavioral Implications
When creating social media content with your dog, always consider the potential behavioral implications. Pause and think about what your dog is experiencing in that moment. Reflect on how the activity might affect your dog's physical and mental well-being in the short and long term. Prioritize their comfort and happiness, and ensure that the content you create is a positive experience for both of you.
When in doubt, always ask yourself: "Would my dog enjoy this?" If the answer is no, it’s time to rethink the content.
3. Be Very Mindful Of What You Encourage On Social Media
Did you know that many content creators create content with an intention to make people angry, thereby encouraging them to engage? This is called rage-bait. Engaging with harmful content, even by leaving hate comments, only fuels the cycle and inadvertently supports the content creator. If you come across videos or posts that abuse or harm an animal, make sure to report them.
If the creator is someone you’ve been following for a while and this behavior is out of character, take the opportunity to educate them. A simple message can go a long way in raising awareness. Avoid engaging with content or creators who seek to gain popularity at the expense of their dog’s well-being. By actively choosing to support ethical content, you help create a positive environment for both animals and pet parents online.
The rise of viral trends that encourage uncomfortable, harmful, or outright abusive behavior toward dogs is a serious concern. As responsible pet owners and content creators, it’s crucial to be mindful of the message we’re sending, both to our dogs and to our audience. Always consider your dog’s mental and physical health before hopping on a trend, and don’t hesitate to report or educate others when you encounter content that crosses the line.
Let’s remember: our dogs’ well-being isn’t a prop for internet clout. Their physical and mental health should never take a backseat to fleeting viral fame.
Siddhika Bhat, Certified dog trainer and behaviorist and founder of Wagabonding.
For more information on keeping your dog healthy and happy, check out these articles:
Bite-Free Bonding: Your Guide to Child and Dog Harmony
Understanding Dog Behaviors: Spotting the Signs of Aggression, Anxiety, and Submission
Paws and Play: The Mutual Benefits of Dogs and Kids Growing Up Together