A vet has warned dog owners not to take part in a viral TikTok trend which could lead to them being bitten.
While dogs and viral videos tend to go hand in hand on the popular social media app, experts have sounded concerns about owners taking part in the ‘bark at your dog’ challenge.
The trend has racked up 269.4million views on the hashtag #barkatyourdogchallenge, and an additional 125.1million views at #barkatyourdog.
But the reactions from dogs have been worrying for pet professionals who have pointed out that their body language shows them to be ‘uncomfortable and stressed’ - and could even lead to an attack.
In the videos, which mostly share a similar concept, owners sit inches away from their pet and let out a barking sound.
The camera then captures footage of the animal’s reaction, which varies from jumping, to barking back and widening their eyes.
Sarah James, Vet Nurse at Bought By Many, has warned that this ‘unkind’ trend can be confusing for dogs, and should be avoided for fear of being bitten or attacked.
She said: “People have their own pet parenting styles and it’s great to share the fun we have with our pets, but ultimately, making your pet feel stressed or uncomfortable is unkind and could undo years of trust or training or in the worst case scenario, a bite or attack."
For dogs. barking can mean anything from positive, ‘let’s play’ to defensive ‘get away from me or else’ feelings, and the unclear communication could leave them feeling uncomfortable.
Sarah added: “Some dog behaviours can be interpreted as cute or funny, but basic behaviour cues often tell us something else entirely. Some of the dogs in these videos look really concerned.
“Yawning, lip licking and showing whites of the eyes can be signs of stress or anxiety and could be a way of a dog showing they are feeling anxious or threatened.
“Invading personal space with unexpected behaviour like a bark can also be really confusing.
"A bark on its own is not enough to communicate reliably - dogs always need tone, body language and other communication clues.”
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