Dog Pretends to Have Injured Eye, Internet in Hysterics Over Why

Dogs often beg for a taste of your meal, but one canine has taken a different approach—and it worked.

In a viral TikTok video shared by owner Sharley Mendoza (@sharleymendoza), her dog, Max, appears to have a sore eye, but he doesn’t need medical assistance to cure it. Instead, a much cheaper alternative does the trick—in the video, Mendoza can be heard sympathizing from behind the camera before asking: “Do you want more ham?”

His reaction quickly went viral, gathering 1.3 million views as his eyes instantly widen, and his tail begins to wag as he prepares for a meaty treat.

Newsweek reached out to @sharleymendoza for comment via email. We couldn’t verify the details of the case.

The January 11 clip has left the internet in stitches, with users praising Max for thinking outside the box to get what he wants.

Captioned: “Apparently ham makes his eye feel better 🤣 Anybody else’s dog pretend to be hurt?” the video has received over 221,000 likes and countless comments from dog owners who can relate.

“OMG, I just witnessed a miracle,” said one comment, which received 42,000 likes.

“Give him an Oscar,” demanded another user.

It turns out Max isn’t the only pet with acting skills.

A third commenter shared: “I thought my dog was the only one! Spent $300 at the vet just to find out she’s dramatic!”

A fourth user wrote: “One time, my dog faked a leg injury for a French fry.”

Sometimes, dogs even put on a show for things they can’t eat: “My dog fakes a limp when I give other dogs attention,” said a fifth comment.

Can Dogs Eat Ham?

If dogs had their own way, they would eat everything and anything their owners consume. However, many foods simply do not agree with them and can lead to serious consequences.

While ham isn’t one of those foods, the American Kennel Club states that it isn’t the healthiest option for them. Ham is high in sodium and fat, so while an occasional small piece is fine, it shouldn’t become a regular treat.

Chicken, on the other hand, is a healthy and safe food for most dogs and is a common ingredient in dog food, offering a good source of protein.

However, some dogs may be allergic to chicken, so it’s important to monitor for any adverse reactions.

Additionally, cooked chicken should always be served without bones. Cooked bones can splinter easily, posing a choking hazard or potentially puncturing a dog’s internal organs, which can be life-threatening.

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.