r/Pets

Had this dog in our family since 2020. For many years it had been a small household, Me, my mom, and this dog.

Im in my 20s, I live here to mainly help care for my mom as she’s older, weak with illness, but more importantly I also take care of the family dog. And recently, it had been more and more he was spending time with me. However,

Today my mom asked me to wash all of the blankets in the house. Not just a few, but all, and she told me after I washed them, she would “bag them up and donate them to the spca”… strange I thought, but it was wholesome I believed. And just her donated heavy winter blankets.

Then I realized as I started the washing machine, with every single blanket in it, that this dog of ours, wouldn’t have any on the bed. So I jogged upstairs from the basement, looked around the house and nothing. I went all over looking for him. So I went and woke up my mom and asked her where she was she responded…

“He’s gone, they put him to sleep and turned him into ashes, he’s gone”. She told me it had been several days and she never planned to tell me.

Im in a severe state of shock and trauma and sadness. I can’t stop shaking from the amount of adrenaline and anger I felt. She told me she brought him in, just regular vet visit, they diagnosed him with something that needed surgery and they told my mom the surgery would be fatal anyways.

In just the past few weeks we had been playing with new toys, exploring outside, with all of that fun..he was just coming up to me in the past weeks with the hugest smile. Like the biggest smile I’ve ever seen a dog. I don’t think it was his time to go, but it’s a choice I can’t go back in time and change.

He just seemed happy finally. Finally seemed settled, and expecting more in life. And that’s what hurts the most, is I had so many more plans for us, so many adventures. Love you so much buddy.

I have a remaining dog, who’s only a few years old, and was raised in this household since she was a puppy with this now dead dog, as her pack mate. Now, My dog has consistently been whining, when passing by the spots in the house he’d usually be, she’s pacing in circles and she is very uninterested in food, play or cuddles. What do I do genuinely? This is extremely hard to experience.

Thank you for any advice.

Quick question for the dog owners, if my dog hits his head a lot on the table and chairs. Is that like normal? Hes about to be a year old

I take care of a fair amount of stray cats in my yard. Earlier today 3 dogs, one big, one medium, ans one small were in our backyard and driveway. They seemed friendly enough, albeit one was barking at us, and one kf them had a collar. They did NOT belong to my neighbor, and he doesnt know where they came from either. They chased a cat and some of her kittens up a tree, and kept trying to eat the cats' food. I called animal control and left a voicemail about the situation since they are closed right now.

Did i do the right thing? I recently had to bury a stray kitten i was caring for who was found killed back on the 3rd, but I have no idea what did it. (His guts were out but he was whole aside from that, so whatever did it did not eat him). That event makes me feel like I am extra paranoid about their safety, but i've never called animal control before and am worried. I dont want anyone's pets to be hurt.

Update: it has been a few hours and Animal Control has not arrived. The dogs have not left either. I dont know what to do...

Update 2: Another neighbor is calling animal control as well. They are still in my driveway and have started barking at us. We found a dead armadillo behind them missing a middle area. I have not seen my cats, outside of the ones that the dogs chased up a tree, all day.

Update 3: 2/4 of the adult cats are found. They are eating in my patio for now. 3/5 kittens are in a tree, I do not have a way to get them down at the moment, but the tree is near the dogs, so they may be safer in there for now. The dogs are still in our driveway.

Update 4: Animal Control was closed for the holidays. A nearby kid called his dad who was a police officer. The officer called in some other police and they are currently getting the dogs away now. Not aure if they contacted animal control or are handling it themselves, but the dogs are finally out of my driveway. Jeez i posted this 8 hours ago...

Update 5: 3/4 Adult cats are accounted for, including the adopted one. 3/5 kittens are accounted for, 2 of which are in a tree right now. Will need to find a ladder to get them down as they seem to be too scared to climb down.

So this is a vent but if you've been in a similar situation please interact. And yeah tbis sounds like a typical suffering from success, my lobster's too buttery story but please hear me out.

I love snuggling with them normally but it's summer, it's a billion degrees outside and even with the ac I'm in the least possible amount of clothing at home. They love snuggling and cuddling, even during summer they have to have at least a paw on my arm, leg or back. I guess it's not hot to them. And they come over when I'm in the middle of doing something or when I've just started, which can be very annoying as I have depression and trying to make myself start tasks is next to impossible.

They also do this right when my alarm is about to go off in the morning and I have to spend some time digging my phone from under them. They all flock to me, usually 2 at a time but sometimes 3, and it sounds cute and it is cute but it's hot and since I have almost no clothes on me, their claws dig into my bare skin when they make biscuits and knead. I get very frustrated and annoyed and I'm not usually like that with them.

Lately whenever they meow or want something I get annoyed and overstimulated even if I'm not doing anything. I get especially annoyed when my older cat meows for food 10 minutes after her feeder went off but she was too lazy to get up and eat, so now the other 2 cats ate all her food (happened a few times only but still annoying). Out of principle I didn't feed her this morning despite her meows and just put earplugs in- I don't care, she did this to herself. The feeder was like 3 steps from the bed and it's not like she's immobile or has difficulty moving. It's also lifted so she doesn't get reflux and doesn't have to bend her head so much. She's 12, but not disabled. Also this was at 9 am, the first feed was at 4 am and the next feed was at 12 so it's not like she was starving.

I feel like a bad cat parent because I love them so much but kinda don't want to interact with them that much lately, I've been through a bad breakup and idk my emotions are all over the place and my anxiety has increased significantly. I just get annoyed so easily by everything and it makes me sad, especially when I move my elderly cat from my chest because she's digging her claws into my boobs and I just can't take it anymore. I know she doesn't understand what she's doing and that makes me all the more sad and annoyed.

I'm also annoyed at my elderly cat because she keeps grooming her legs and belly. She had a staph infection there but nothing major and is receiving antibiotics, but those tiny wounds won't heal if she keeps chewing at them. And every time I hear that smacking sound I know she is chewing her legs and it drives me mad. I tried distracting her and it sometimes works but now she hides when she chews her legs cause she knows she shouldn't be doing that and it annoys me. I feel kinda petty and want to put her in a cone of shame so she can't chew the legs. I know it would be for her own good but I'd feel a bit vindicated, too, and wouldn't have to hear that smacking sound anymore.

It's petty, I'm beefing with a 12 year old cat about her chewed out chicken legs and two 2 year old cats about kneading on me. Anyway, thanks for coming to my TED talk.

My family dog is usually insanely hyper. She jumps all over me every time I come over, wiggles nonstop, and has absolutely no concept of personal space.
A few weeks ago I stayed with my parents for a week after my breast reduction surgery. I was moving slowly, sore, and obviously recovering. The crazy thing was that she was completely different around me.

She never jumped on me once. Instead of her usual chaotic greeting, she was incredibly gentle and almost seemed timid. She approached me carefully and acted like she knew she had to be extra cautious and extra sweet. It was such a dramatic change from her normal chaotic personality that everyone noticed it. It amazed me how quickly she realized that something wasn’t right with me and adjusted her behavior. 🥺 I love dogs so much.

Has anyone else experienced something similar with their dog after an injury, surgery, or illness?

I’ve been struggling with something that makes me feel really guilty, and I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this.

My dog is almost 11 years old. When we got him, I was 6. I’ve had him for most of my life, and growing up I loved him more than anything. I genuinely enjoyed every moment with him. Taking him for walks was something I looked forward to, I loved spending time with him, and there was even a period a few years ago where I would cry at night just thinking about the fact that one day I would lose him.

But over the last 2–3 years something has changed, and I don’t understand why.
I still love him. I would never want anything bad to happen to him, and I care about him deeply. But walking him often feels more like an obligation than something I genuinely enjoy. I still like being with him, but I don’t feel the same excitement or emotional intensity that I used to.
What confuses me the most is that he’s getting older, yet I don’t remember the last time I cried because one day I will lose him. It makes me wonder if I’ve somehow become less attached to him, and that thought makes me feel awful.

Has anyone else gone through something similar with an aging pet? Is this just what happens when a relationship becomes part of everyday life, or could it mean something else?

nunca he tenido uno, así que me gustaría que me dijeran que es lo que debería saber para empezar 🥹
yyy quiero que me ayuden con el nombre, estoy pensando en aurora o holly

EDIT

Local pound was closed but turns out we had a key into the building (I’m local police) and off shift worker was able to help us out, we got the dog milk for him so he’s all set and looking to get an officer or someone else to take care of him if they want a puppy, thank you to everyone for helping with this!

Just rescued a baby puppy, possibly 1 month to 1.5 months, there’s no dog milk available in the area as every store is closed or doesn’t have it. I have cat milk and dog soft kibble, is he able to and if not what other food can he eat?

I picked up a bone yesterday from Petco to give my dog as a distraction while the fireworks are going off tonight. I work grave, so I gave her the bone while I got ready for work and when I came out of the shower I saw her eating the last piece...she ate the whole thing in <30mins. I know cooked bones are bad and I didn't think she'd eat the whole thing. Vets around me are closed...anyone have experience with this? I really don't know what to do...might be just staring at my google home camera at work monitoring her all shift.

The bone: Good Lovin' Hickory Smoked Mammoth Bone Dog Chew, 2 lbs.

Bliss: 2yo, 155lbs

Yesterday I was inspired to write this about my cat (to the tune of “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen). I’d love to know what others have written for their pets.

🎶Pu struts merrily down the hall / the bathroom he will go / ain’t no sound but the pad of his paws / for he is in the know/are you ready, hey!, are you ready for this? / have you gone pee when you need? / murder mittens are active now/ripping to the sound of the beat, yeah.

*dum dum dum*
Another roll bites the dust
*ba da dum dum dum*
Another roll bites the dust
And another roll gone, and another roll gone
Another roll bites the dust, hey ay
Hey, toilet paper’s through
Another one bites the dust, yeah🎶

How did you end up with your specific dog or cat? Or did they find you? What's their backstory? Why did you choose THAT one?

I put my dog down in April and am starting to feel like maybe looking again soon (I think I'll wait until closer to Fall). So it made me think of this question. I found my last dog on Petfinder at a foster home/rescue.

Go check on your pets! 🎇

Trigger warning for sensitive content..
My dog is okay now and resting comfortably but I went to check on him with the fireworks happening apparently 2 doors down and found that he was not only as far back in the tight corner of our tiny bathroom where the toilet is but he had the water hose wrapped around his neck and couldn’t get out. I looked around and saw the toilet seat was a bit askew and realized he had struggled to get out, his eyes were red and glossy and his breathing sounded strained and my partner and I panicked to get him free asap. Absolutely crushing situation and we called the vet and he is resting and breathing. 😓 all of this to say - please go check on your pets and loved ones! 🐾🎇

I have no control over this situation and I have no clue what to do. I was sent a video by someone of their family’s dog in a horrible state. The dog’s body is deformed and bleeding all over its back and what seems to be abnormal lumps and swelling on the spine area of the back. I was informed the dog hasn’t seen a vet in 4 years and is hardly fed or given water. Please do not remove this post

Doggo is bored out of his fluffing mind being cooped up inside (part cattle dog, hard to keep stimulated on a normal day). I will be forever grateful for suggestions on how to keep him busy for more than 15 minutes at a time!!

- He finishes puzzles in about 10 minutes.
- He loses interest in treats frozen in ice after 10 minutes.
- Playing fetch inside gets him excited and he whines for his leash to go outside.
- Furniture Parkour has lost its appeal.

I feel awful, but the "real feel" is 117°, so being outside after 7am for anything other than a quick potty isn't an option.

Please help. He's chewing on my hair as I type this and I'm thinking of joining him...

ETA: I'm on the 3rd floor of an apartment, so a pool or other yard stuff isn't an option :/

Sorry for the long post. Long story short, we have a 12 year old poodle that had a medical emergency a few weeks ago. She had difficulty breathing, was lethargic, had runny stool, stopped eating, was coughing and horking all day. We brought her in to our vet, they did an ultrasound, saw that there was water around her heart, and shortly after drained the liquid from her heart…

She made a good recovery and since then, she’s been way more active and back to her normal self and I haven’t seen any signs of regression.

When we went for our first appointment, they said they were not able to determine the source of the water in her heart.
Last week we did a second ultrasound and the results were again inconclusive.

Three days ago they did an ultrasound at an animal hospital (I wasn’t there) but they told my husband that they found a massive tumour on her heart and that they recommended us to do another surgery to drain the fluid and then euthanize her in three days…

- They didn’t show my husband any image of a tumour, they just confirmed this verbally and through the report sent with the hospital bill

- If it was a massive tumour, why wasn’t this picked up by the past two ultrasounds?

- She was completely fine when she went in (no heavy breathing, alert, ate in the morning) so why are they making it seem like we’re on a race against the clock to euthanize her?

- If they recommend her to be euthanized in three days, why suggest that she undergo another surgery?

Don’t know what to believe. They’re a business at the end of the day and they exist to make profit. I’m worried that they’re not being fully truthful about our dog’s health to make a profit. I don’t know if what they’re saying are lies, the truth, or some manipulation to money gouge. I’d love a second opinion from a different hospital, but again that’s super costly.

What do you guys think about the situation? Is there anything that I can do to be certain or something I’ve overlooked?

My cat spends his days outside. However, due to this he almost always goes to the bathroom outside so we can't check to see if he does. But due to the fact he is always outside should we assume he likely has worms and give him a deworming treatment regularly?

It’s for a copywriting exercise. Thankss in advance!

I live in a gated society. These cats aren’t pets but they live in the backyards and parkings here. Obviously they aren’t vaccinated. I’ve been feeding a cat for three weeks now. She scratched me a week back, very small scratch, but I bled. Right now another cat scratched me, small scratch again, but I bled. Scratches were not longer than my nails. Should I get a post exposure rabies shot?

My partner has a cat. My family has medium dogs. I love both but I dream of adopting a hammy one day 🐹 she says she's planning on adopting a second cat when we move out together but she'd alternatively choose a Chihuahua or smaller dog.

I don't know anyone with a mix of these pets in an enclosed space or a small backyard. I've known many people with both cats and dogs and they get along fine but mine are aggressive so we stopped at two. Basically I don't know how one is supposed to introduce these species and if it'd be a good choice. I would do my best to protect the hammy or have them in separate rooms but I wouldn't want to stress it.

It's not urgent, I'm just starting to plan and take everything in consideration before I keep dreaming it's going to happen one day.

Ugh, i’ve been stressed out of my mind for weeks because my new landlord has this strict no-pets policy, and i just couldn’t imagine giving up my cat. She’s literally the only thing keeping my anxiety in check lately tbh. I started looking into how to legally keep her with me, and omg the internet is such a minefield. There are all these sketchy websites screaming about "official ESA registration" and selling certificates that have zero legal backing. Luckily i found out that landlords aren't required to accept those registries at all, so I'm glad I didn't waste my money on them.Anyway, i ended up going through a proper evaluation with a licensed therapist to get my emotional support animal letter. I was so terrified the landlord would reject it or cause a scene, but they accepted it without a single issue yesterday. The relief is unreal, i can finally sleep at night. If you’re going through this, just please make sure you get a real emotional support letter from a professional and don't waste your time with those online registry sites.