I think there was a way how to cure your pet, but when it was too late, you had to get another one.

The ideal pet was Pou on mobile. It never died and if you didn't have money to feed him, cure him or whatever you just need to play some minigames. Otherwise raising virtual pet is quite boring and Tamagotchi with its beeping was annoying.

Parents sure had an easier life with their kids when there were no microtransactions and internet. Kids are easy targets, but it's just stupidity of their parents if they allow them to buy some gaming stuff without their knowledge.