A viral TikTok trend has sparked serious concern among veterinarians and dog behavior experts, who are warning pet owners to stop putting their faces dangerously close to their dogs while lip-syncing to a popular sound.
The trend, which involves owners confronting their pets with the phrase "talking smack," has been called out as risky and potentially harmful by professionals, including TikTok-famous vet "Cat the Vet."
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Cat the Vet’s Urgent Warning

In a now-viral video, Cat the Vet shared her reaction to one of these clips, urging users to stop the trend immediately. "It is not big, it is not clever, it is not funny," she said in the video.
"That dog is incredibly unhappy, it is going to bite you if you carry on like that, and I don't care if it's your dog and you trust it and think that it won't. There are children on this app who will copy you and get bitten in the face because they thought it was cool because you did it. Please stop."
What’s the Trend About?
The trend involves pet owners using a popular audio clip where a comedic voice confronts someone for "talking smack." While many TikTok users animate the audio by mouthing the words dramatically in front of a person, some have chosen to direct it at their dogs instead.
The problem? Getting up close and personal with a dog's face in this way can be incredibly stressful for the animal and may provoke a defensive bite.
Why Is It Dangerous?
Dogs, even those who are typically calm and well-behaved, can feel threatened when someone invades their personal space, especially in an animated or confrontational manner.
According to experts, this trend is a recipe for disaster, as it puts both the owner and the dog in a potentially dangerous situation. "Dogs communicate through body language, and when they feel cornered or stressed, they may react by biting," explained one dog behavior specialist. "This trend is essentially encouraging people to ignore those warning signs."
Viewers Share Their Stories
Cat the Vet's warning has resonated with thousands of viewers, many of whom have shared their own stories of close calls with dog bites. One commenter wrote, "I thought my dog would never bite me, but he did when I got too close to his face during play. It’s not worth the risk."
Another added, "People forget that dogs are animals with instincts. Just because they’re pets doesn’t mean they won’t react if they feel threatened."
A Risk for Younger Users
The trend also raises concerns about its influence on younger TikTok users. With millions of teens and children on the platform, there’s a real risk that they might mimic these behaviors without understanding the potential consequences.
"Kids see these videos and think it’s funny or harmless," said Cat the Vet. "But they don’t realize how quickly a dog can go from calm to defensive. A bite to the face can cause serious injury, and no one wants to be responsible for that."
Not the First Dangerous Pet Trend
This isn’t the first time TikTok trends involving pets have come under fire. Earlier this year, another trend encouraged owners to startle their cats with cucumbers, which experts warned could cause long-term stress and anxiety for the animals. The platform has become a hotspot for viral challenges, but not all of them are safe—or kind—to our furry friends.
What Should Pet Owners Do Instead?
So, what should pet owners do instead? Experts recommend focusing on positive interactions with your pets, like training, playtime, or simply spending quality time together.
"There are so many ways to bond with your dog that don’t involve putting yourself or them at risk," said Cat the Vet. "If you want to make a TikTok video with your pet, make it something that celebrates your relationship and keeps everyone safe."
The Final Word
As for the "talking smack" trend, the message from professionals is clear: stop. "It’s not worth the risk," Cat the Vet emphasized. "Your dog’s well-being and your safety should always come first."
Let’s hope this warning spreads far and wide—because no one wants to see a viral trend turn into a trip to the emergency room.
@cat_the_vet PLEASE stop posting videos like this! Do you want to be responsible for a maimed child?! #notsafe #doNOTtrythisathome #catthevet ♬ original sound - Cat The Vet