It’s easy to see why the #snootchallenge is trending on Instagram.
The stunt—in which a dog sticks his nose between a person’s fingers—is simply adorable. Make a heart shape with your hands, insert a silly puppy nose, and you’ve just struck social media gold.
But unfortunately, what’s good for Instagram isn’t always good for pets.
With the exception of some breeds who chase prey into tunnels or holes, dogs do not naturally put their noses into small openings. Teaching them to do so could be dangerous.
“Although the pictures of those dog noses are adorable, the ‘snoot challenge’ could pose some problems,” says Dr. Lauren Jones, a veterinarian based in the Philadelphia area. “Dogs trained to perform this behavior may choose to put their noses into openings that are too small when unattended and could become stuck.”
Some have suggested that the snoot challenge helps dogs become more comfortable having their faces handled, which could make vet visits less stressful. But that logic doesn't quite hold up, cautions Jones.
“Performing this trick with their owner in a comfortable home environment is very different than allowing a stranger in an unfamiliar environment manipulate the mouth or examine the face,” she says.
Although it’s best to decline the snoot challenge, teaching your dog to perform safe tricks can be fun and beneficial.
“Training to learn new tricks provides a strong bonding experience between dog and owner, and mental stimulation for the dog,” says Jones.