Dog’s Side Eye When Owner Stops Petting Him Leaves Internet In Stitches

A TikTok video featuring a golden retriever’s hilarious reaction when his owner stops petting him has gone viral, leaving viewers in stitches.

The video, shared Wednesday under the username @retrievernamedgus, shows the pup, Gus, giving his owner a dramatic side eye as soon as the petting stops, perfectly capturing the moment with a mix of confusion and mild indignation.

The poster, Abby, 23, from Atlanta, Georgia, told Newsweek: “Gus is two years old and has been giving us side eyes since he was a puppy. He loves watching TV and being right by my side no matter what I’m doing.”

A caption shared with the video reads: “The side eye when I stopped petting him.” Followed by: “Serious about our pets around here.”

This behavior, while amusing to viewers, highlights a common trait in dogs.

According to WellPet, the side eye is when a dog shows the whites of their eyes, often as a reaction to feeling unsure, curious, or mildly irritated. Also known as the “whale eye,” a side eye can indicate a range of emotions such as discomfort, defensiveness, or curiosity.

This expression is a subtle yet clear way for dogs to communicate their feelings, often prompting laughter or concern from their human companions.

In the TikTok video, Gus’s side eye has garnered thousands of likes and comments from viewers who can relate to the playful nature of dogs and their sometimes dramatic expressions. This behavior is particularly common in breeds known for their expressive faces, such as golden retrievers.

Gus’s antics are not just entertaining but also indicative of the close bond he shares with Abby. Dogs often use body language to communicate their needs and emotions, and the side eye is one of the many ways they express themselves.

The video quickly went viral on social media, getting viewers from across TikTok. It has so far received over 126,500 views and 13,100 likes on the platform.

One user, whatdidyoujustsay_, commented: “That is an impressive side eye.”

Dawn19._ said: “You should be put in jail for stopping.”

Róisín added: “The cutest side eye.”

Another user, Sotiris Mavris commented: “Why you stop hooman?”

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.