When it comes to expressing affection towards our furry companions, saying "pet" seems like it falls a bit short. Luckily, there are plenty of synonyms for "petted" to mix things up. For example, "stroke," "caress," or "fondle" all get the point across without using the same old word. If you're feeling particularly fancy, "soothe" or "pamper" might fit the bill. Ultimately, as long as the intended meaning is clear and your pet is happy, the specific word you use is less important than the affection behind it. So go ahead and experiment with different synonyms for "petted" - your pet might even appreciate the variety.