A TikTok video of a Staffordshire terrier refusing to accept a treat from his owner has gone viral, racking up over 1 million views and nearly 350,000 likes.
The clip, posted by owner Sophie (@sophiedanielle95), shows her brown‑and‑white dog bouncing from side to side across the floor—almost like he’s dancing or performing the pendulum step seen in boxing.
Despite Sophie holding out a treat and repeatedly asking if he wants one, the dog hesitates dramatically, clearly torn between desire and suspicion.
Text over the video explains the reason for his reluctance: “when he doesn’t trust me because I did his flea treatment yesterday but tricked him with a treat.”
Eventually, temptation wins and he takes the treat—though viewers were quick to sympathize with his internal struggle.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the U.S. is home to more than 300 flea species—something commenters seemed to understand all too well as they joked about how long dogs ‘hold grudges’ after treatments.
“They never forget..” one user wrote. Sophie replied: “No they don’t he hated me for about a week when I took him to the vets for an injection.”
Another viewer joked: “He had to check out every angle just to be sure,” while a third added: “Poor guy, he’s so conflicted.”
How to Stop Fleas From Taking Over Your Dog—and Your Home
While the dog in the video doesn’t have fleas, the American Kennel Club (AKC) stresses that prevention is essential.
Fleas may be tiny, but they can wreak havoc on dogs and quickly spread through a household. Their bites trigger itching, allergic reactions, skin infections, and in severe cases, tapeworm or anemia. And while fleas prefer animals, they’ll bite humans when desperate, sometimes transmitting disease through bites or contaminated flea dirt.
A major challenge is their rapid life cycle. Adult fleas live on pets and lay eggs that fall into carpets, bedding, and furniture. These develop into larvae, then pupae protected in cocoons that can remain dormant for months before emerging as adults. Because treatments target different stages, understanding this cycle is key to eliminating infestations.
Preventing and Treating Fleas on Dogs
Veterinarians recommend year‑round preventatives—such as collars, topical treatments, or oral medications—to stop fleas before they spread.
For dogs already infested, fast‑acting shampoos or prescription products may be necessary. A veterinarian can help determine the safest and most effective option for each pet.
Clearing Fleas From the Home
Eliminating fleas from the environment takes persistence and can require several months. Experts advise:
- Washing dog bedding, soft toys, and household fabrics in hot, soapy water.
- Vacuuming carpets, floors, upholstery, curtains, and car interiors frequently and discarding vacuum bags outdoors.
- Using a flea‑control spray or fogger that targets all life stages, or hiring a professional exterminator.
- Treating the yard and keeping grass trimmed to deter wildlife that carry fleas.
- Maintaining monthly preventatives for all pets.
- Limiting contact with unfamiliar dogs during warmer seasons can also reduce risk.
Newsweek reached out to @sophiedanielle95 for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.