Tears at dog checking on senior pup sibling “whining in his sleep”

A video showcasing a tender moment between a pup and a senior dog has captured the hearts of users on TikTok.

The video, posted by @motherofshepherds_, has garnered over 174,000 views since it was shared on July 11. The clip shows a dog called Sasha checking on her senior canine sibling, Jake, who appeared to be distressed while asleep. Text overlaid on the video reads: “Our senior dog was whining in his sleep…Sasha was so concerned.”

In the video, Jake, the elderly dog, is seen resting on a couch, seemingly asleep. Sasha approaches him, gently nudging her nose against Jake’s face before stepping back. In a later comment, the poster said Jake was “dreaming,” noting that he “was crying in his sleep and she [Sasha] was so concerned.”

A caption shared with the post says: “She’s such a good girl. Our senior pup was named Jake, and we lost him last year 3 months after losing Riley, so this video is so precious.”

This touching interaction highlights a common trait among dogs—particularly older ones—who often exhibit changes in behavior as they age.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says aging can bring about a decline in a dog’s memory, learning ability and sensory functions, such as sight and hearing. “As they age, our dogs often suffer a decline in functioning,” the ASPCA says. These changes can alter their social relationships with humans and other pets, leading to behaviors that might be misunderstood as simple signs of aging.

In an article for the VCA animal hospital chain, veterinarians Ryan Llera, Krista Williams and Robin Downing emphasized that “old age is not a disease” but can lead to various health issues.

Pain in aging dogs can manifest in subtle ways, such as a reluctance to move, difficulty getting up or changes in sleep patterns. The veterinarians wrote: “Decreased stamina on walks or while playing is often misinterpreted as a sign of old age.”

Dogs may also exhibit less interest in activities they once enjoyed, as well as decreased tolerance for touch or grooming. Such behaviors may indicate underlying conditions like osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism or cognitive dysfunction, Llera and Williams said in another article for VCA.

As dogs age, they require more specialized care to maintain their quality of life. Senior dogs need regular veterinary checkups to manage potential health problems, including dental disease, kidney disease and heart conditions.

“The earlier a problem is identified, the more successful treatment is likely to be,” Llera and Williams said. Monitoring changes in a dog’s behavior, appetite and physical capabilities is crucial for early detection and treatment of these conditions.

‘Sweet Soul’

The viral TikTok video brought numerous reactions from other users who were touched by Sasha’s compassionate behavior.

One user, Zandy, commented, “Sweet soul….loving on her. Precious,” while judydominguez855 wrote, “What a sweetheart. This warms my heart.”

Mike Mendias said, “That is such a beautiful thing she was watching over her buddy, that’s love because that’s what we need.”

Another user, Maria Jo320, said, “Sasha is such a loving soul.” Lindy loo added, “That’s pure caring.”

Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. The video has not been independently verified.

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