Warning over ‘dangerous’ pet trend sweeping social media

Animal experts are warning pet owners not to take part in a viral trend that currently has millions and millions of views.

Animal experts are warning pet owners not to take part in a viral trend that sees them spinning their cats, dogs and even rabbits around by their front legs.

Vets and animal protection agencies have sounded the alarm on the social media craze, claiming the movement isn’t safe and could potentially even be “dangerous”.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) said the videos, which are clocking up millions of views, are “completely inappropriate and will likely cause high levels of stress for the animals involved”.

While one registered veterinary nurse, known on TikTok as Jade The Vet Nurse, blasted the stunt, the New York Postreports.

She didn’t mince words, calling on pet owners to put their furry friends’ health before their follower count.

“Can we please stop this trend where people lift their cats, dogs, or rabbits by their front legs and spin them around in circles?” she pleaded in a video recently.

“This puts unnecessary strain on your pet’s joints and muscles and can make them feel dizzy and nauseous.

“Let’s be responsible pet owners and get rid of this trend.”

Jade, who has three dogs and three tortoises of her own, explained that the seemingly harmless twirl can lead to real harm — especially for small or fragile pets.

“This is not a nice trend for your pets. It can actually cause damage. By picking your animals up under the front legs, you put a lot of pressure and strain on the shoulders, the elbows, the muscles and the ligaments,” she said.

“I’ve literally seen people try and do this trend with large dogs, and I have seen people drop their dogs, which can cause injury.

Vets and animal protection agencies have sounded the alarm on a viral trend sweeping social media. Picture: TikTok

People are spinning their cats, dogs and even rabbits around by their front legs in videos. Picture: TikTok

“I have seen people do this with smaller dogs, and as they’re spinning their dog around, the dog is literally squirming because that is not pleasant for them.”

She went on to state it was an “irresponsible thing to do” and advised any one who had posted one of these videos to “delete it”.

“I know you watch them and they look cute and they look fun, but please, guys, think about our pets’ health and welfare first,” she concluded.

“If you see these videos pop up on your FYP (For You Page), do not interact with them, do not support them.

“You can just click to see you’re not interested in them, and please do not participate in this trend.”

‘Please stop’, Picture: TikTok

It’s potentially ‘dangerous’ for the animals. Picture: TikTok

Jade isn’t the only one who’s furious over the fur-flying fad.

The UK’s People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) warned that spinning pets by their limbs could result in joint or back injuries, the New York Post added.

“Limping and stiffness can be caused by several different conditions, the most common being minor injuries and arthritis,” the group said.

“It is important to take your dog to the vets even if their problem appears minor – some dogs are very good at hiding pain from their owner.”

Meanwhile, Daniel Warren-Cummings from the UK’s Cats Protection agency, told Metro: “At no point should an animal deliberately be put in a position to feel fear, anxiety, frustration or experience pain for the benefit of human entertainment.”

Bottom line? If you want your pet to go viral, try a cute costume — not a chiropractic emergency.

This article originally appeared on the New York Post and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as Warning over ‘dangerous’ pet trend sweeping social media