Dogs are like family and treated like children by many owners, and it looks like one pup truly believes that she is a baby.
In a viral TikTok video, a woman can be seen sitting on the sofa, and there seems to be a commotion going on underneath her top. Then, the culprit—a Chihuahua—surfaces and dives straight back underneath the gray T-shirt. Newsweek reached out to @ldd2008 for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.
The on-screen text reads that her sister's tiny dog "loves skin to skin," and the clip quickly went viral, gathering more than 2.8 million views in just 24 hours. So far, the November 27 video of Sissy has over 532,000 likes and has sent internet viewers into a frenzy.
"Words cannot express how much I'd love for someone's dog to pick me and do this," posted one user, and another wrote: "I would pay a thousand dollars for this experience."
Sissy appears to be friendly, but the text also highlights how she isn't willing to get all close and personal with strangers. It reads: "If she likes you enough, she gets in your shirt."
A third commenter said: "There are not enough degrees on the planet for a Chihuahua to find warmth."
While skin-to-skin care typically involves placing a newborn directly on the mother or caregiver to help regulate the baby's body temperature, Sissy's tendency to snuggle up close may be her way of staying warm and cozy.
Chihuahuas and other dogs with little or no coat and low body fat aren't cut out for the cold, and they should have access to clothing when the temperatures drop, according to AKC Reunite.
How To Keep Your Dog Warm This Winter
The following tips have been provided by The American Kennel Club:
- Bundle Up: Small, delicate, or short-haired dogs, including larger breeds such as greyhounds, need a sturdy winter coat and fitted sweater for cold weather.
- Consider Age: Puppies and senior dogs struggle to regulate body temperature, so limit their outdoor time and keep them indoors as much as possible.
- Protect Paws: Use dog boots or paw protectors to prevent injuries and abrasions caused by ice and cold, just like sled dogs wear booties during races.
- Limit Outdoor Time: Protect dogs from frostbite, especially on earflaps and tail tips, by keeping them indoors during extreme cold, except for heavy-coated breeds suited to low temperatures.
- Watch for Frostbite Signs: Look out for frostbite symptoms, such as white or blue skin, if your dog must stay outside.
- Acclimate Gradually: Allow even indoor dogs to adjust to freezing weather with short outdoor romps.
- Engage Indoors: Keep dogs entertained and active indoors with fun games and interactive toys for mental and physical stimulation.
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