Owner not prepared for dog to change color: “so sad”

A TikTok showing a Staffordshire terrier’s fur changing from brown and white to grey has tugged at the heartstrings of thousands.

The video, shared by Abbie Watson (@abbiewatson40) on May 26, has already racked up over 181,500 views and 12,600 likes.

The short clip starts with a young, bright-eyed terrier sporting a rich brown and white coat. Then, in a flash, the screen cuts to the same dog—older now—with fur that’s turned almost entirely grey. “Nobody prepares you for the color change,” reads the text over the footage, echoing what many pet owners know all too well.

The transformation is subtle but powerful. There’s no dramatic music or flashy effects—just a quiet reminder of how quickly time passes. In the comments, viewers have shared their own stories of ageing pets, many admitting they’d never noticed the change until it happened.

Videos like this often hit hardest because they’re so personal. It’s not just about a dog’s fur turning grey—it’s about growing up alongside them, and the bittersweet beauty of watching them grow old.

Caring for an Ageing Dog Tips

As pets grow older, their needs shift. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Staffordshire terriers—and many similar breeds—typically live between 12 and 14 years. Below are a few ways to ensure they stay comfortable and content in their golden years, shared by the AKC:

• Create Cozy Rest Areas
  Add soft, easily accessible beds around your home—especially if you have hard floors—to protect joints and encourage relaxation.
• Keep Them Moving and Engaged
  Gentle daily walks and opportunities for mental stimulation can prevent stiffness and support emotional wellbeing.
• Use Ramps or Stairs
  Help your dog navigate furniture, stairs, or cars more easily with ramps or steps to reduce joint strain.
• Watch the Temperature
  Older dogs are more sensitive to heat and cold—use fans, AC, coats, and blankets to keep them comfortable year-round.
• Adjust Their Diet
  Senior dogs may need fewer calories or more targeted nutrition. Work with your vet to manage their weight and dietary needs.
• See the Vet Regularly
  Frequent check-ups can catch age-related issues early, from arthritis to weakened immunity—potentially improving both quality and length of life.

TikTok Reacts

Hundreds of users have commented on the post and many feel the same.

“Makes me so sad, my baby’s face is all white,” said one user, and another agreed: “I know exactly what you mean. My tan boy went so grey around his face and muzzle and you really can’t prepare for it.”

“Aww, it’s heartbreaking seeing a dog getting old,” said a third user.

Newsweek reached out to @abbiewatson40 for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

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