This Dog’s Walk Took a Sharp Turn When a Cactus Got Stuck to his Head.
A simple walk with your dog is usually the best part of the day, but for one pet parent, it quickly turned into a moment of panic. Emily Michelle was out on an ordinary stroll with her dog when the unthinkable happened: her pup somehow got a cactus stuck to his head. (Watch Video Below)
Instead of panicking, Emily stayed calm and did exactly what her dog needed in that moment while removing the piece of cactus from her head. She later shared the experience on her TikTok account (@emilyymichelle), where the video struck a chord with millions. With more than 5 million views, her steady, thoughtful response has become an unexpected lesson for dog parents everywhere, proof that staying calm can make all the difference when things go wrong.
@emilyyymichelle he took it like a champ! the last photo kills me 😭😂 #dogsofttiktok ♬ original sound – emily michelle
When Staying Calm Makes All the Difference
It was a heart-racing moment for Emily, who was determined to help her dog without causing him any pain. At first, she nervously asked her friend if she should just yank the cactus out, but her dog’s immediate step backward made it clear he wasn’t on board with that plan, almost as if he was saying, “absolutely not.”
Instead, Emily slowed everything down. She gently calmed her pup, scratching his belly and reassuring him as she explained what she needed to do. “I’m just gonna do it, and it might hurt, but I’m gonna do it, okay,” she tells him softly. Remarkably, he sits still, placing complete trust in his mom.
After a deep breath and a careful countdown—three, two, one—Emily pulled the cactus out in one swift motion. Thankfully, it came out cleanly, leaving no wounds behind. Her dog walked away pain-free, proving that patience, calmness, and trust can make even the scariest moments turn out just fine.
Pet rescue advocate Rocky Kanaka remarks, “When moments like this happen, what matters most is the bond. That dog stayed still because he trusted his human completely, and that kind of trust is everything.”
How to Safely Help a Dog After a Cactus Encounter
Not every cactus encounter is the same, according to the veterinary biotech company, Gallant. A few spines in a paw are very different from needles near the eyes or mouth. If sensitive areas are involved, or your dog is panicking, it’s best to head straight to the vet. While cactus flesh isn’t toxic, the sharp spines can cause real trouble if left behind.
For minor run-ins, you can often help at home. Use clean tweezers, keep your dog calm, and gently pull spines out in the direction they went in. Expect a little bleeding, then apply antibiotic ointment to each spot.
Afterward, keep watch. Swelling, redness, pain, or low energy mean it’s time to call the vet. Most dogs bounce back quickly, and with a little caution on walks, future run-ins can be avoided.
