Are you having a “Bones Day” or a “No Bones Day”? Chances are, if you’ve spent any time on social media in the last few months you know exactly what we’re talking about!
Noodle the Pug is a TikTok star who gives advice and encouragement to millions of people around the world. The 13-year-old Pug has captivated the internet thanks to his owner Jonathan Graziano. On a TikTok account of over 4 million followers, Noodle’s posts include a pep talk to get your day off to a good start and a prediction of what kind of day it’s going to be. For Noodle, the world is divided into the categories of a “Bones Day” and a “No Bones Day.”
What is a “Bones” or “No Bones” Day?
A “bones day” means it’s going to be a productive day. Noodle indicates it’s going to be a “bones day” by putting his feet under him to stand when Graziano pickles him up from his very fluffy bed. According to Noodle, a bones day is a great opportunity to conquer tasks including things you have been procrastinating or putting off. Essentially, a bones day is a chance to focus, get motivated, and get things done.
A “no bones” day is indicated by Noodle going limp when picked up from his fluffy bed until he is placed back down. A “no bones” day doesn’t mean that you’re going to have a bad day. Rather, Noodle/Graziano explain it’s an opportunity to be kind and gentle to yourself, do some self-care, and not worry about all the things on your to-do list.
Noodle clearly has an amazing and trusting relationship with Graziano. It’s that connection and the encouragement that has captivated and inspired millions of dog lovers around the world to look to this senior Pug to predict what kind of day they are going to have.
@jongrazplan accordingly 🔮🦴🔮 ##nobones ##bonesday ##pug ##adoptdontshop ##noodletok♬ original sound – Jonathan
Why Do Dogs Get Floppy?
Not all dogs will get floppy when picked up the way that Noodle sometimes does, but it is a natural behavior for some dogs. When puppies are young it’s very natural to go still, floppy, or limp when picked up. If a mother dog needs to move puppies, she instinctively knows to pick them up by the loose skin at the scruff of the neck. If you’ve ever seen puppies getting carried around by their mother, most puppies go limp when they feel their feet leave the ground and get carried around.
Note, you should never carry your dog around by the scruff of their neck — for adult dogs, this is not only painful, but it can lead to injuries. When they reach adolescence and adulthood, many dogs will stop getting floppy when picked up. Depending on their personality and comfortability with being handled, other dogs will continue to be floppy as adults when picked up. Small breed dogs often have a lot of experience with getting picked up in everyday life, and so often default to being relaxed or floppy when being held. However, some dogs regardless of size (my Newfoundland for example) will also go “no bones” style floppy when gently lifted.
@jongrazI think we all saw this one coming 🦴🔮 ##nobones ##bones ##pug ##noodletok♬ original sound – Jonathan
Having a No Bones Day?
Do you ever have a morning where you hit the snooze button, repeatedly? Just like people have days where we don’t want to get out of bed, our dogs can be the same way. Some dogs — if they are especially comfortable, deep sleepers, seniors, or just really enjoying their naps — may be reluctant to get out of bed. These dogs may good-naturedly be reluctant or refuse to get up even if picked up. This behavior is especially common for dogs who dislike wet or cold weather and who would rather keep snoozing than head outside on a walk. As long as your dog is physically able to get up when they want to, it’s not a cause for concern if your dog wants to roll over and keep napping.
Be Thoughtful About Lifting Your Dog
If you’re ever picking your dog up, especially if they are lying down, it’s important to make sure that you are cautious. Handling or picking up a dog who is asleep can be very frightening for the dog and can result in the dog getting startled. Startling a dog awake can result in the dog snapping, or even biting.
Even if you have a dog who is picked up regularly, or who is otherwise very comfortable with being handled, make sure your dog is awake before picking them up. When lifting, do so gently by making sure not to twist or tweak your dog’s back or neck while lifting. When you put your dog down, don’t drop your dog. Make sure they have their feet under them or are laying back comfortably. Remember, for our dogs, being picked up can be scary, stressful, and uncomfortable. If your dog doesn’t like being handled, avoid picking them up unless there is an emergency where you have no other choice.
Cause of Concern?
Noodle is clearly well cared for and not in any kind of distress. However, if your dog’s behavior changes and your dog begins sleeping more, refusing to get up, or if their mobility changes, it’s important that your dog be seen by a veterinarian. Similarly, if your dog is suddenly unable to stand on their own, this is a cause for concern and your dog should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. A significant change in energy levels or mobility could be a symptom of a serious medical condition, illness, or orthopedic injury.