Newsweek: Online Video of a Dog With Tiny Legs Being Lifted in a Backpack Wins Hearts
As seen in The Newsweek: The video, which was shared to TikTok on Tuesday by Vanessa Ruck, depicts Sky the dog attempting and ultimately succeeding in climbing into her owner’s bag while being taken for a bike ride in the forest.
Since being posted, the video has received 1.1 million views and more than 120,000 likes from TikTokers.
How Do I Know if My Dog Is Too Tired?
Although walks are crucial for a dog’s mental and physical health, it’s not uncommon for older dogs or breeds with small legs to get tired on long journeys.
Nell Ostermeier—a veterinarian and American Kennel Club (AKC) spokesperson—told Newsweek that dogs show obvious signs when they are too tired or uncomfortable to continue a walk.
“Typical signs include lagging behind on the leash, heavier or more consistent panting, dragging their hind feet and stopping to sit down or lay down during a walk,” she said.
Older dogs also need more help regulating their body temperature, so it’s extra important to monitor their activity level.
“In these cases, the pet owner won’t know until after the fact that it was a bit too much exercise,” Ostermeier said. “The dog will act sore, have difficulty getting up and down, appear stiff when moving, or sleep for a long period of time.
“If this happens, it means that during the next walk, exercise or pay session, the dog owner will need to be vigilant and end the session earlier.”
For dogs with weak or wobbly limbs, Ostermeier recommends booties with toe grips or traction. She also says owners of senior dogs should take their pet for a walk at least twice a day—one for joint lubrication and muscle strength, and another just for fun—but tailor the time limit to your dog’s age and mobility.
If your small dog is struggling, Ostermeier urges picking them up and carrying them home, especially if they have arthritis or a musculoskeletal condition.
“It is best not to push them and to give them a ‘lift’ instead,” she said.
‘My Chariot Please, Mummy’
Filmed during a break in a 10-mile bike ride through a forest, in the video, Vanessa asks Sky if she would like a lift, with the terrier trotting over. “The fact that she’s walked towards me means ‘Yes, mummy, I’m tired,'” Vanessa says. “She’s run a good couple of miles [and] she has teeny legs.” Sky then attempts to climb into Vanessa’s empty backpack, but can’t quite figure it out, jumping in, front feet first.
“You’re not doing a very good job,” Vanessa says to the dog. “Is this your ‘I’m tired’ attempt to get in the bag?'”
Vanessa then picks up Sky and drops her in bottom first, but she sits down in the wrong place. “I’m doing it on camera, and you’re doing it all wrong,” Vanessa says, laughing. Fortunately, the third time’s the charm, and once her dog is safely secured, Vanessa puts the bag on her back, and the pair hop on her bike. The bag has a gap for Sky’s head to poke through, with the terrier seemingly enjoying the ride.
For the rest of the Newsweek article see here.
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