A video of a dog owner highlighting how easy it is to look after a small pup has gone viral on TikTok.
On December 23, user @alexascudillo posted the clip, which has since garnered more than 349,000 views—with many dog lovers commenting on its humor, charm and relatability. The pup featured is a long-haired Chihuahua called Teddie, the poster added in the video’s comments section.
The clip begins with the owner saying, “Everyone has a lot of things to say about those small dogs.”
She then lifts her arm to show Teddie, who pokes his head out from the sleeve of her shirt. “But this is how easy it is to take care of them,” she continues, holding her sleeve closer to the camera. “This is where he’ll be all day.”
The clip shows Teddie comfortably nestled in the sleeve before briefly crawling out, only to snuggle back in. “And he chose to be here,” the woman adds, holding the sleeve close to her face and giving the pup a kiss. She ends the video with a smile, declaring, “It’s this easy.”
Newsweek has contacted @alexascudillo for comment via TikTok. This video has not been independently verified.
Caring for Small Dogs
Small dogs are typically considered to weigh about 20 pounds or less, veterinarian Heather Hoffmann wrote in a September 2020 PetMD article.
Hoffmann said, “One of the benefits of having a small dog is that they have a longer life expectancy, and therefore, we get to have them as our companions for a significant amount of our lives.”
On average, small dog breeds live to about 11 to 13 years of age, the veterinarian said, adding, “Of course, there will be some dogs that live much longer, and unfortunately, those that will pass away sooner than that.”
Hoffmann said small dogs had poor temperature regulation compared to larger breed dogs, so they might appear to get colder easier or overheat faster.
“If your dog shakes in cold weather or air conditioning, you may want to invest in a doggy sweater or jacket to prevent heat loss. Dogs that are at risk for overheating in hot temperatures will benefit from staying indoors or in a cool, shaded area with access to plenty of water,” the veterinarian advised.
Small dogs can also be “predisposed to certain health conditions due to their breed and genetic influences,” Hoffmann said. Below are some of the most common health issues seen in small dog breeds, as outlined by the veterinarian.
- Tracheal collapse, a condition that can make it difficult for air to enter the lungs
- Patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap gets moved out of its normal position
- Mitral valve disease, a heart condition that causes blood to flow backward through the heart chambers instead of forward and into the body
- Intervertebral disc disease, a condition where the dog has a slipped, herniated, ruptured or bulging disc
‘The Cuteness’
Teddie’s laid-back demeanor and the demonstration of his care routine resonated with TikTokers, who flooded the comments section with adoration.
One viewer captured the sentiment of many, writing: “Omggggggghhhhhh the cuteness. I can’t take it ugh!!! I have a little 6lb chihuahua and she basically lives inside my fleece atp it is literally the best.”
“This dog is RICH rich,” another added, while a user commented, “Miss ma’am, you win mother of the year.”
“I’ve always been a big dog person,” a commenter said. “Recently rescued a 4-pound Pomeranian and wow, I love me a small dog now.”
Another wrote: “I’ve converted so many people who only liked large/extra large dogs to liking very small ones. I have 2 yorkie mixes (5&8lbs) and everyone falls in love with them even if they ‘hate’ small dogs.”
A stock image of a small dog being held inside a person’s sweater.
iStock / Getty Images Plus
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