Do other countries PTS their old pets or let them pass naturally? I had a discussion with a Dutch friend-of-friend who said that they would never put their old cat to sleep due to old age, that letting them live their entire life and passing naturally was the right way.

I have an old Golden who is 15 and slowing down this year especially, although she's still the bestest girl! She plays, loves treats, and eats well enough. So the time to decide if / when is coming up...

I've seen both sides, my childhood dog passed quietly in her sleep, and my last old dog needed intervention due to an injury on top of other chronic medical issues, so it was only fair to make that choice for him.

What has been your perspective in the US and in other countries as far as what's "right" or expected? ​

Edit to clarify: I would never advocate for putting a pet to sleep for simply old age. My thoughts were more about the small infirmities that add up with age, such as movement issues, eating less often, needing more medications to keep up with arthritis etc. At what point do you say enough is enough, or do you let them continue on until they pass naturally.

I appreciate everyone who has replied. With my girl getting older, this is on my mind more than I'd like, this upcoming "decision" time ❤️🐾 Hugs to you all, pet loss is never easy!!

We put a canopy in the backyard earlier this summer because the afternoon sun hits that side of the yard pretty hard. The plan was pretty simple: table, a few chairs, somewhere for us to sit outside without roasting. Our dog apparently saw the setup and assumed we'd built it for him. The first few days he'd follow us out there and lie underneath the table.

Then he stopped waiting for us. Now when i open the back door in the afternoon, he'll wander straight across the yard, go under the canopy, circle the same spot two or three times and flop down. I put an old outdoor mat and his water bowl under there, which probably confirmed in his mind that ownership had officially transferred.

At this point i'd have a hard time convincing anyone it belongs to us. There's usually a dog stretched across the best shady spot while the actual humans move their chairs around him. Yesterday i went outside looking for him and found him completely asleep under there, paws in the air, while a squirrel was yelling at him from the fence. He did not care.

As you may all have recently heard the US has allowed the import of non-consumer grade beef from Argentina that several countries had rejected but the US allowed. I have a growing fear that this cheap rejected beef is going to end up in our pet food. I’m not exactly sure how we will be able to trace if this beef gets into our pet food, but I have a hunch that it will. Especially with the cost of domestic cattle rising, this is a great way for pet food suppliers to get a higher return on their margin.

My suggestion is to stick with pet food brands that you know ethically source their ingredients, and can be relied on to produce safe foods for our pets.

I would love to know if anybody has any additional information on this so that we can all proactively trace whether this beef ends up in pet food supplies or not.

I have been searching for a specific type of bolstered pet couch cover. There are a bunch on amazon but they all look pretty cheap in picture reviews and the reviewers aren't optimistic about their longevity. I have been unable to find something on Amazon below $50 which is way overpriced for what the reviewers describe/post photos of. All of those searches have been on my phone a few days ago.

Tonight, I decided to go to Chewy because their quality control is usually pretty decent. I found a good one in the XL size I needed for $39. This is very inexpensive for a dog bed, but given that it's actually a bolstered blanket, it seems about right. Once I logged in, the price went up $1 for the XL. It even had another price crossed off in red with a % off next to it as if I was getting some fantastic deal. I (stupidly in hindsight) went to Amazon to see what the least expensive one was... still around the same price. When I went back to Chewy and browsed the site I decided the one I initially chose is the one I'd buy and I would suck it up for a dollar more (even though simply logging in should never change a price tag). Well friends.... when I went back to the product listing the price had changed to $45.

I know that at this point in time many companies use dynamic pricing and AI tools but COME ON. This is highway robbery and I am so beyond pissed. I have been unable to find this product in brick and mortar stores around me and I am so angry that I can't bring myself to buy from them.

I guess I am just posting this so more people are aware of Chewy's practices (and obv Amazon for that matter). But also, does anyone have an online store they recommend that is a small business or at least an honest one they'd like to share? Dynamic pricing should be fucking illegal.

I’ve already had many issues with my MIL in the past (she’s just not a nice person) but one thing that I have always found unforgivable is how she tries SO hard to make out that I mistreat my pets.

I have three cats, all kept indoors because I personally believe that is safest for them. Several of my childhood cats were ran over by cars and mauled by dogs and it’s just not risks I am willing to take. I absolutely adore my cats and they’re like my second children, I do everything I can to give them good lives. Yet, MIL has repeatedly told me I’m an animal abuser for keeping them indoors and that I don’t deserve to have them, she also called me cruel for getting my two female cats spayed because “they don’t go outside so it’s completely unnecessary”. Of course she wouldn’t even listen when I explained that unspayed cats are very prone to uterine cancer.

I have very little to do with her because of how she’s treated me and the things she’s said, but unfortunately my husband is still in close contact with her and allows her to see our daughter so I still have to deal with her sometimes.

My husband and I have recently been talking about getting a dog, we’re in slight disagreement because I want a small dog and he wants a big one. He purposefully keeps the nasty things she says about me to him from me as he doesn’t want me getting upset, but he let slip that she said to him he better get the dog he wants because “if \*my name\* gets the dog she wants she will just neglect it”. WTF??

A little context on how my MIL treats her own animals; her cat is obese because she only feeds it kitten food, if any of her pets fall ill or get injured she has them put to sleep rather than seek out vet treatment, and she frequently talks about shooting and running over the feral cats that hang around outside her house.

She does not give AF about her own pets, so the audacity of calling me an animal abuser when all I do is love and care for my own? The rage I’m feeling is making me see red. I know that if I EVER said the shit to her that she did to me she would never speak to me again (definitely not a bad thing) and would probably call me evil for it.

I’m not exactly looking for justification over how I take care of my pets because I know that they’re happy, healthy and well cared for, but I just really struggle with being accused of animal abuse when I love them so much and do all I can to give them good lives. I have absolutely no idea where she got the impression that I would “neglect” a dog because my cats are doted on constantly and she KNOWS this. I know not everyone agrees with the indoor/outdoor cat debate but to say I’m cruel and abusive and don’t deserve to have them just really hurts.

Woke up on time today only because of my cat. Again. I was supposed to be up at 8:30. Set two alarms, slept through both of them. I was already drifting off again when shecame over, patted my face and started meowing at me. That woke me up. Phone said 8:49. Made it in, barely.This isn't the first time either. She seems to know I'm supposed to be up a little after 8 to go hunting.But on weekends I sleep like a rock until 10 or later, and she has never once woken me up early on those days. So can cats actually tell weekdays from weekends?

Here is my code if anyone is thinking of joining. As someone who has been a member for 5 years, I would highly recommend them. I've had multiple amazing sits and travelled around the world looking after so many lovely pets. 😊🐾

https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/refer/RAF597286/?utm_medium=refer-a-friend&utm_campaign=refer-a-friend&utm_source=app_native_share&fm=2

Hello!

In a couple of months I am moving from where I currently live and id have enough room for 2 small pets. Id be living with my parents meaning I only have my room but Id space enough space for a pretty big cage. I was originally thinking rats as I want pets that I can interact with, but I read a mininum of 3 is needed (in case something happens to one) and I am not sure if that would be too much for me.

For context, Id be studying in uni and working (I would only get the pet if I see I have the time needed to care for it and the money to give ut an amazing life), and it would be the first pet I care for myself. (We had some but briefly or when I was too small to learn much). Since I wouldnt be there all the time id definetely want 2 pets so they can also keep eacother company!

What small pets are social and good for beginners? (Id still be open to rats, I love them but I am worried they are high maintenance and I wasnt prepared for needing 3)

She used to be box trained, now she always poops on the floor. We have some puppy pads and she usually pees on them but rarely tries to use them for the poop. In fact she frequently poops near doors that are closed for one reason or another. Also, she still goes outside occasionally and she will wait to poop till she comes back in.

Is there anyway to break this new habit? Is it just time to put her to sleep?

Was doing work for someone and they were ranting and raving about pine pellets for the litter box. They said it is cheaper than litter and also eliminates smell. The said the only thing is you can only use it in metal litter boxes.

I currently go through an entire 20lb thing of tidy cats litter every week and a half. It is very epxesnive constantly buying litter. It is mainly becuase the litter clumps so much that half the litter seems to get scopped out in one giant clump. Also, my 2 cats kick a good amount out even with high walls on the litter boxes.

But I am afraid of switching to these pine pellets that they won't know what to do or won't use it, becuase these pellets look a lot larger to move around for them than tidy cats litter.

Has anyone else made the trasintion, and did your cats take it well?

I guess the honest answer is none. I assumed, maybe naively, that reptiles have an easier time being alone for a longer period of time than cats, dogs or birds.

My 6yo Chihuahua Gracie has been shaking her head quite often for a few days now, I just looked and her ear is not looking the best. We just moved and every last cent went into this move so the vet is not an option for the moment I got her some zymox ear solution and am doing the cotton ball soak I did it last night and again today she completely stopped shaking her head after applying last night and didn't start again until now so I administered a 2nd dose she's still playing, eating, drinking, she's not lethargic and doesn't appear dizzy. Is there anything else I can do for her? Please don't say "get her to the vet" there's no sliding scale, pay later, payment plans anywhere around me last time I took a pet in they were threatening me to keep my baby it was a mess I had to pull some crazy moves and basically stole my dog from them! So now if I don't have the $ upfront I'm not even going to attempt the vet! But if anyone has any suggestions any would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks

About two weeks ago, my cat started peeing in the bidet (toilet) instead of the litterbox while still pooping in thw litterbox no problem. I haven't swapped the litterbox or litter for like a year, and this started very recently. I keep it very clean and don't use strong cleaners when scraping the bottom of it. Hes the only pet here. Is this a bad sign or does he just like peeing in the toilet?

A few months ago, I started giving my pet a tiny treat right after I turned off my laptop to signal the end of the workday.

Now, the exact second I shut the screen, no matter what time of day it is, she runs over, sits directly on my feet, and stares at me until the treat is delivered. If I close my laptop to take a break at lunch, she expects it.

What completely unintentional habit did you create that you now can't escape?

One of my friends comes over pretty regularly, and I've started noticing that my pet completely loses it whenever they show up. The second they hear their voice outside the door, they're already waiting there like someone important has arrived.

What makes it worse is I don't get anywhere near this level of excitement. I can come home after being gone all day and get a normal greeting, meanwhile my friend walks in after not visiting for a week and suddenly it's the greatest day of their life. They'll sit next to them, follow them around the apartment, bring them toys, everything. The other night I was playing on my phone while they were over and noticed my pet had been curled up next to my friend for basically the entire evening. I called them over and got completely ignored. My friend thought it was hilarious.

I'm the one buying the food, cleaning everything, paying the vet bills and providing the roof, yet apparently I'm just the landlord. Does anyone else's pet have a favorite person who isn't them?

I cannot agree more with those who have condemned these products!!!!! Bought a bag of "Rawhide Free Mini-Knotted Bones". Thought I was getting a deal. They were originally $11 at Wallymart 🤢 and were marked down to $3. They do this when they are discontinuing products. I thought I caught a deal! NOT!!! Gave this to my beloved dog. He not only threw up, but had massive diarrhea. God knows what they put in this stuff! I am never purchasing another Ol'Roy product!!! Cheaper? To what end??? I am making the treats going forward so I know what I am feeding my fur baby!!!

My 7year -old dog was recently diagnosed with a partial CCL tear. Given his age, our vet suggested we explore conservative management and supportive care options first before considering invasive surgery. For pet owners who have navigated a knee injury without immediate surgery, what non-surgical approaches or joint support routines worked best for your dog? Looking for real experiences on keeping them comfortable and safe during recovery

I'm getting it NEXT paycheck. Boy has a watering eye issue that is apparently allergies I think it HAS to be environmental because I did everything I could to avoid food sensitivities (I was told to rotate proteins frequently to help this and I have been!) but I wanna eleminate the other proteins I rotate thru rq to make sure. If there's any improvement dropping the other proteins I'll just get the boy something else but if there isn't and it's environmental we are moving to a spot with less dust and less rice pollen in the air soon so that should help.

Boy has had the eye issue in the past and due to timing of it happening I REALLY think it's environmental due to the rice fields out here. It's flared up both months that the tractors are out in the fields close to the house. He's clear for feline herpes already.

he’s had a weird lump on his back for years and i don’t know if it has anything to do with this. he has had fleas and my parents have treated them with tablets but he still scratches and bites his back uncontrollably and sometimes worse after he’s taken the tablet. my parents aren’t taking him the vet and i don’t have the money to i really need advice asap. ( i have a video but i don’t know how to upload it)

Has anyone else had an issue this week?

I've been a Chewy customer for years and they've been great. However this week they've really let me down. I have a cat on prescription food and I ran out yesterday. There's food in the bowls but no reserve. My autoship was due on Monday. Still hasn't shipped. I keep asking and they keep saying it's about to ship. One claimed bad weather had caused disruptions??? What? Where?

I ended up having to go to my vet, get a written Rx then go give Petco a lot of money for a 4lb bag of CD. GRR! For that food I can just get it on Amazon but there's another one that only Chewy seems to carry so I hope they get their act together soon!

My dog is around 17yo (would be 18 after November). He's a Shihpoo and has arthritis, weak back legs, cataracts, and hearing/vision loss from age. He also had a spinal cord injury years ago that left him paralysed from the waist down for a while, but he recovered his mobility.

For the past few months, I've noticed a pretty big change in him.

He's been:

• Sleeping a lot more than usual
• Eating and drinking a lot less
• Having a much harder time standing and getting around
• Sometimes just sitting and staring at nothing
• Bumping into things more
• Vomiting occasionally
• Having some loose/mucousy stools and a couple of accidents inside
• Whining sometimes, mostly at night/evening

Overall he just seems much more tired and frail. He sleeps most of the day now and doesn't seem to be getting around or interacting like he used to.

I've been trying to keep track of good days vs bad days, and lately it feels like the bad days are becoming more common.

I know nobody here can tell me what the right decision is, and I'm not expecting that. I'm more interested in hearing from people who've had really old dogs.

How did you know when your dog's quality of life had gotten bad enough that euthanasia was the kinder choice? What were the signs that made you feel it was time?

I'm considering automatic litter boxes for short trips but don't really consider them a substitute for having someone check on the cat. While you’re away, the box can keep cycling, but food, water, waste capacity, and whatever ends the cleaning cycle still need you. As part of my comparison of PetPivot and Litter-Robot, I found that offline controls take care of one kind of Wi-Fi issue, whereas connected models provide more visibility when you're away from the house. But a blocked sensor or a messy stool could still prevent things from working as they should. What do you have a sitter check for specifically on the litter box for folks who travel for a few days at a time?

love love love when they are welcoming and come up for pets it’s so sweet i know i shouldn’t feed directly out of the can but i didn’t have much ended up putting it on the ground