Senior Pet Talk | for dogs + cats

Is there anything you can do to help your pet with dementia? More than you might think! In this episode, Dr. Amanda shares stories, research, and treatment options that may help support brain health and improve some dementia-related symptoms in dogs and cats, including approaches you may not have heard of before.

She discusses:

• The gut-brain connection and how the gut microbiome may relate to cognitive health
• Studies exploring the connection between gut bacteria and dementia
• Early research on fecal microbiome transplants in dogs
• How traditional Chinese veterinary medicine looks at brain health as part of the whole body
• Food therapy and why dental health, digestive issues, and pain should be considered when pets show dementia-like signs
• Why some gut-based treatments can be more challenging in cats, along with other approaches being explored
• Herbal formulations used to support cognitive function and calmness
• Cody’s experience with acupuncture

If your dog or cat has dementia and you’ve been told there’s nothing you can do except wait for it to progress, this episode is for you. There may be more ways to support your pet’s comfort and cognitive health than you realize. Tune in to learn about options you can discuss with your veterinarian.

LINKS

• Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebies
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

TIME STAMPS

00:00 - What pet dementia really looks like
02:09 - How the gut affects brain health
07:50 - Studies on microbiome transfer
08:28 - Why brain health starts with the whole body
12:34 - Exploring fecal transplants and ozone therapy
14:45 - Herbal support for pet dementia
21:42 - Acupuncture and Cody’s story

Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

Did you know there’s a way to set up your home that can support your aging pet’s brain? Today, Dr. Amanda talks about how the right home setup can help improve quality of life for senior dogs and cats dealing with dementia, or cognitive decline.

She discusses:

• Ways to adapt the home and daily routine to support senior dogs and cats with cognitive decline
• How nightlights and a smaller, safer sleeping area can help
• Enrichment activities that provide mental stimulation, including puzzle feeders, treat searches, scent games, toy rotation, and more
• Options for pets with limited mobility, such as stroller walks and physical therapy
• Balancing enrichment with routine and predictability
• Why it helps to keep furniture, food and water bowls, and litter boxes in familiar places
• Practical home modifications to improve safety and comfort
• Why routine blood pressure checks matter for senior cats

Listen in to learn how to set up your home to support your pet and their brain health.

LINKS

• How do I know if my pet has dementia? Listen in here!
• Or missed the episode on pheromones? Catch it here!
• Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebies
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

TIME STAMPS

00:00 - Introduction to home setup for aging pets
01:48 - Floyd's story and lessons learned
04:03 - Practical modifications: nightlights and space reduction
06:12 - Signs of dementia in pets
08:08 - Behavioral enrichment and senior dog classes
09:47 - Enrichment activities: puzzle toys, scent games, and more
12:09 - Home safety: lighting, gates, and environment consistency
14:09 - Activities for cats: puzzle feeders, bird watching, and more
16:05 - Physical therapy and routine for cognitive health
17:58 - The importance of routine and predictability
21:52 - Blood pressure in senior cats

Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

What should you know as a pet parent when it comes to medications for dementia? Today, Dr. Amanda gets into medications and other supportive options that may help with the signs of the disease.

She discusses:

• Common symptoms of dementia
• The one U.S.-approved medication for canine cognitive dysfunction, selegiline, including how it’s used, how long it can take to see an effect, and the kinds of signs it may help most
• Possible side effects, and the need to consider interactions with other medications that may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome
• Other symptomatic treatments, including trazodone and gabapentin
• Supplements and supportive options like melatonin and pheromone products for dogs and cats

Listen in to hear the medication options, what Dr. Amanda has seen, and what she recommends as an integrative veterinarian.

LINKS

• Missed the core exercises episode? Catch it here!
• Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebies
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

TIME STAMPS

00:00 - Early signs of dementia in senior pets
05:21 - Selegiline for cognitive dysfunction
09:45 - Serotonin syndrome risks to know about
12:14 - Sleep aids for nighttime restlessness: trazodone and gabapentin
19:10 - Supportive supplements: melatonin and pheromones
24:44 - Integrative options for dementia care
26:42 - Final thoughts on medication and dementia

Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

Have you felt sad about losing your pet while they're still here? That's what Dr. Amanda and her special guest, Dr. Jen, a veterinarian and expert in end-of-life pet care, dig into today. They cover anticipatory grief, how pet parents can recognize it in themselves, and ways to stay present and support their pets through this difficult time.

Their discussion focuses on:

• What anticipatory grief is, and how it differs from post-loss grief
• Signs pet parents can recognize in themselves that they're grieving
• Tools and techniques to stay present with your pet
• The importance of creating a plan for end-of-life care and aftercare
• Cultural and personal beliefs about death, and how they shape pet care decisions
• Supporting family members and partners through pet loss
• The role of community and support networks in grief management

This episode is for anyone caring for a senior pet or facing end-of-life decisions.

LINKS

• Connect with Dr. Jenn on Instagram or on her website https://www.sagepaws.com/!
• Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebies
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

TIME STAMPS

00:00 - Introduction to anticipatory grief in pets
01:04 - What anticipatory grief is and how it differs from post-loss grief
03:35 - The emotions and uncertainty that come with anticipatory grief
07:13 - Signs you might be grieving before the loss
10:10 - Tools to stay present with your pet
15:12 - The role of rituals and memories
20:35 - Supporting yourself and your pet during end-of-life
27:14 - Planning for end-of-life and aftercare
33:59 - Personal beliefs and cultural perspectives on death
43:44 - Creating a meaningful goodbye

Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

Did you know that 28% of dogs and cats over the age of 11 have dementia? That's what Dr. Amanda is talking about today, focusing on nutrition and supplementation as practical ways to support brain health.

She covers:

• Prescription diets for dogs, including Hill's Brain Diet and Purina Pro Plan NeuroCare
• Which ingredients matter most
• Research showing improvements in learning, memory, and dementia-related signs, while noting results aren't identical for every pet
• For cats, the more limited brain-diet options available
• Why cats have different nutritional needs, and why home-cooked diets for cats require careful formulation and veterinary guidance
• A review of common supplements used for cognitive support

Listen in for more on nutrition and diet as it relates to brain health for your pet.

LINKS

• Want to learn more about DISHAALV? Listen to the episode!
• Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebies
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

TIME STAMPS

0:00 - Brain health in senior pets
1:18 - Nutrition for senior minds
5:16 - Prescription brain diets
8:29 - Key ingredients in brain diets
18:41 - Fresh food and what the research shows
21:58 - Cognitive diet options for cats
25:15 - Supplementing senior brain health
29:59 - Omega-3s and MCT support
33:26 - CBD, milk thistle, and more
36:02 - Tailoring care to each pet

Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

If someone said they could scan your 11-year-old pet, hand you a "biological age," and slow down their aging, would you buy it? In this episode, Dr. Amanda talks about longevity medicine in senior pets, walking through 7 reasons to be careful with anyone using the term "longevity medicine," and 6 questions you can ask instead to get to what will actually help your pet.

She discusses:

• Why we should be careful with the term "longevity medicine"
• Why the goal should be healthspan, not just lifespan
• Why the term itself is unclear
• How marketing can move ahead of the evidence, especially when studies get simplified or overstated
• The lack of FDA-approved drugs or supplements proven to extend a pet's lifespan
• The risk of over-testing and over-treating when age gets treated like a disease
• 6 questions to ask when you hear a longevity claim
• Why it's worth focusing on the basics that actually matter

Listen in for a reminder to focus on giving your senior pet a good life, not just a longer one.

LINKS

• Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebies
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

TIME STAMPS

0:00 - The longevity medicine debate
03:38 - Reason 1: Why healthspan matters more than lifespan
06:25 - Reason 2: There's no clear definition of longevity
08:13 - Reason 3: Evidence trails the marketing
12:28 - Reason 4: Why there's no proven lifespan drug
17:25 - Reason 5: Testing age as a disease
24:15 - Reason 6: Simple tactics you can do
27:08 - Reason 7: The longevity guilt trap
29:06 - 6 questions to ask before buying longevity claims
34:17 - Focus on the basics

Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

How do I love my senior pet the way they need? Today, Dr. Amanda talks about how caring for senior dogs and cats means adapting the way we show affection as their bodies, brains, and preferences change.

She gets into:

• The grief and guilt that can come up when pets can no longer do the activities they once loved, and how to keep the bond in new ways
• Respecting their boundaries and staying connected through gentler interaction
• Practical ways to support senior pets, including sniff walks, stroller walks, rehab exercises, and more
• Enrichment tools like lick mats and snuffle mats for mental stimulation and a sense of purpose
• Why it's important to check for other causes of behavior changes, like pain or anxiety, before assuming it's just aging or dementia
• Predictable routines, especially in the evening, to help reduce stress and support pets with cognitive changes

If you're a pet caregiver, listen in for some encouragement to stay present, and a reminder that loving a senior pet well may look different than it used to.

LINKS

• Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebies
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

TIME STAMPS

00:00 - Why senior pet care is emotional, not just tactical
04:28 - Her personal experience with her heart dog, Floyd
09:49 - Gentle ways to bond with a senior pet
17:57 - Massages can be quality time together
21:40 - Brain games for senior pets
28:30 - Why predictable bedtime routines can help
35:29 - Loving a senior pet well doesn't mean loving them the same way you always have
40:53 - Cherishing the moment and staying present

Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

Is Librela safe for my pet? In this episode, Dr. Amanda talks about Librela for senior dogs, including what the drug is, how it works, and why it's such a debated topic.

She discusses:

• What Librela is
• Osteoarthritis and why it's so common in senior pets, and why pain management decisions can be difficult
• How we approach Librela treatment in practice, usually starting with other options first and using a multimodal plan
• The studies behind Librela, including placebo-controlled trials and head-to-head comparisons with Meloxicam and Galliprant
• Safety concerns and reported adverse events, including neurologic signs, increased drinking and urination, and more
• How we use Librela in specific cases, especially when other options aren't enough or aren't appropriate

Listen in if you want to make an informed decision and learn more about the risks and benefits of Librela so you can choose what's best for your dog.

LINKS

• Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebies
• Did you miss the move it or lose it episode? Listen in here!
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

TIME STAMPS

00:00 Introducing Librela
02:47 What Librela actually is
08:52 Human trials and FDA history
13:16 Does Librela work?
19:27 Librela safety concerns
30:04 Hidden conditions and side effects
32:38 Multimodal pain management
33:44 Dr. Amanda's approach to Librela
40:37 What are your thoughts on Librela?

Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

What are some safe exercises for my senior pet? In this episode, Dr. Amanda talks about how to help senior dogs and cats stay active and keep moving safely as they age.

She explains:

• Why movement still matters
• The importance of maintaining a healthy body condition and monitoring muscle condition over time
• How in-person rehabilitation evaluations can help, especially for pets with mobility issues
• Simple, safe exercises for both senior dogs and senior cats
• What types of movement or activity to avoid
• Integrative and rehabilitation approaches that can support long-term mobility

Muscle wasting and frailty in senior pets can be improved, and adding safe exercises into your pet's daily routine can make a real difference in their comfort and mobility. If this sounds like your senior dog or cat, this episode is for you.

LINKS

• Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebies
• Did you miss the protein episode? Listen in here!
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

TIME STAMPS

00:00 Quick check-in and getting started on safe senior pet movement
04:12 Why arthritis and muscle loss are so common
05:59 Protecting joints and muscle as pets age
09:12 Simple exercises for dogs
17:05 Simple exercises for cats
20:18 Setting up your home to support movement for cats
21:20 Integrative options for mobility
22:50 Wrapping up

Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

Is this lump a problem? Today, Dr. Steffen covers how to evaluate skin masses, lumps, and bumps on senior pets, and why you shouldn't assume a mass is harmless based on appearance alone.

She explains:

• Why terms like "tumor" or "mass" don't automatically mean cancer, but a meaningful number of skin masses can be cancerous and should be checked
• What pet parents can monitor at home, including how keeping a monthly record with photos and notes can help track changes and give your vet better information
• The rule of ones for dogs
• The 3-2-1 rule for cats
• The usual diagnostic steps, starting with a fine needle aspirate and, if needed, a biopsy
• Why early testing can make treatment easier
• How integrative options like herbs or other supportive therapies may come into play

Listen in if you have questions about lumps and bumps on your dog or cat.

LINKS

• Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebies
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

TIME STAMPS

00:00 Quick check-in and getting started on pet lumps and bumps
05:12 Why wait and see can backfire
08:32 Where integrative medicine fits in
09:40 Red flags to call your vet
11:00 The rule of ones and 3-2-1 for cats
13:35 More on mast cell tumors
15:44 Removing a new mass, starting with FNA
19:33 What a biopsy is and how it's done
23:06 4 things you can check at home
28:52 Integrative and holistic treatment options
30:49 Wrapping up and recap

Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

What should I check on my aging pet every month? In this episode, Dr. Steffen shares a once-a-month, 10-minute senior pet checkup she calls her Aging Gracefully checklist, something you can do at home to catch changes earlier in dogs and cats.

She covers:

• Why small changes can be easy to miss unless you track them over time
• Weight and body condition
• Eating, drinking, and gastrointestinal signs, and why trends matter more than single isolated events
• Litter box and bathroom changes, and how shifts in frequency, location, or amount of urination and defecation can be early signs of disease
• Mobility changes, including stiffness, difficulty with stairs, and trouble rising
• Gum and dental checks
• Eye cloudiness, ear discharge, skin and coat changes, lumps and bumps, nail changes, and lymph node checks
• Resting breathing rate and cognitive changes such as wandering, staring, getting lost, pacing, and altered recognition

Listen in for the simple things that can help you catch problems early, and help give your pet a longer, happier, healthier life.

LINKS

• Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebies
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

TIME STAMPS

00:00 Why monthly checkups matter more than you think
03:18 The key health indicators worth tracking
04:27 Rusty's diabetes diagnosis
08:02 Watching for weight and muscle loss
11:25 When appetite and eating habits start to change
14:32 Drinking, urination, and GI signs to watch
17:53 Litter box and movement changes in cats
22:38 Signs your pet might be uncomfortable or have mobility issues
27:09 Dental health and how to check their mouth
31:33 Checking breathing rate and respiratory health
34:03 Spotting cognitive changes and signs of dementia
35:18 Where to grab the free checklist and get support

Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

Is your home set up for your senior pet? Today, Dr. Steffen focuses on how a senior pet's home environment affects daily comfort and mobility. Senior pets spend most of their time at home, so layout and surfaces around the house can really improve their quality of life.

She talks about:

• Ways to make floors safer, especially hardwood and laminate surfaces
• Ramps, stairs, and stair treads for access to couches, beds, and different levels of the home
• Bedding recommendations and tips on where to place them
• Why furniture changes should be kept to a minimum, especially as vision changes
• The benefits of nightlights in dark areas, raised food and water bowls, and keeping essentials available on each floor
• For senior cats: low-entry litter boxes and other small home changes worth making

Listen in if you're ready to make some small home changes that can make a meaningful difference, are fairly inexpensive, and help support your senior pet's comfort and easy access around the house.

LINKS

• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

TIME STAMPS

00:00 - Introduction to the senior pet home environment
02:20 - Orthopedic beds and flooring considerations
06:01 - How flooring affects senior pets' confidence
08:20 - Using rugs, mats, and traction aids
13:21 - Training stairs and ramps for safe mobility
17:14 - Choosing the right beds and where to place them
20:02 - Safety tips for stairs, falls, and vision changes
25:32 - Lighting, accessibility, and home layout
29:21 - Litter box and feeding station setup
32:15 - Recap of key home modifications for senior pets

Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

Age is not a disease. We're back with Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Steffen and Dr. Hunter, where they continue digging into senior pets, sharing takes on tools, quality of life, integrative medicine, and common misconceptions.

They discuss:

• The practical challenges that come with aging dogs and cats
• The need for more at-home support, especially for larger pets
• How senior status is often met with denial from pet parents, and why it helps to prepare early for changes in mobility and lifestyle
• More quality-of-life conversations, including how owners define their non-negotiables and why their own limits matter too
• Integrative medicine, and how their views on it have changed over time
• How pain often shows up as subtle behavior changes
• Thoughts on clinic setup for senior appointments, including easier access and more time for exams

Listen in to hear their thoughts on managing aging pets and improving their well-being.

LINKS

• Follow WAG Vet on Instagram
• WAG Vet Website
• Want a deeper dive on supplements? Listen to the episode here
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

TIME STAMPS

00:00 - Why senior pets need more at-home support
05:34 - Talking through quality of life with pet owners
11:31 - Dr. Hunter's thoughts on integrative medicine
17:55 - Choosing supplements you can actually trust
23:21 - The biggest misconceptions senior pet owners walk in with
27:29 - Why dental pain is such a big source of discomfort
34:22 - Setting up the clinic for senior pets
37:37 - One thing to start doing tomorrow for your senior pet
40:24 - Wishing for a magic wand for dementia and arthritis
49:34 - Clinic memories and closing out

Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

What vets wish pet parents knew about senior pet care. In this first part of a 2-part series, Dr. Steffen is joined by one of her best friends and general practice vet, Dr. Terrence Hunter, who now owns his own practice, WAG Vet. They share experiences from veterinary medicine, explore senior pet care, and why thorough exams and client communication matter so much.

They chat about:

• Personal memories from their time in practice together
• Seeing senior pets in general practice, and how much of what he sees now is senior animals
• What senior pet parents often come in too late for
• Common senior pet problems not to be alarmed by
• Recognizing quality of life changes
• End-of-life conversations, cost discussions, and why senior appointments need more time

This is a great episode for hearing some common misconceptions pet owners have about aging pets, and the things vets wish you knew when it comes to caring for your senior pet.

LINKS

• Follow WAG Vet on Instagram
• WAG Vet Website
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

TIME STAMPS

00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Hunter
04:05 - Stories Dr. Steffen and Dr. Hunter share about working together
12:17 - Animal care stories involving goats and chickens
15:22 - What it's like seeing senior pets
17:11 - Subtle signs owners often miss
20:25 - What senior pet parents come in too late for
25:40 - Recognizing quality of life changes
28:38 - Normal aging signs vs. when to seek veterinary advice
32:59 - The hardest conversations to have with pet parents
40:21 - Making time for seniors in a practice setting
45:36 - Part one wrap-up

Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

How do I know if my dog is having a medical emergency? Last week was all about common cat emergencies, and today we're focusing on dogs. Dr. Amanda walks through 5 common emergencies she sees and the signs to watch for, so you can feel more prepared as a pet parent.

Including:

• Sudden collapse (fainting, internal bleeding, hemangiosarcoma): what it can mean and what to check first
• Bloat (GDV) and the warning signs
• Preventive gastropexy for high-risk breeds
• Pain flare-ups from arthritis, disc disease, or dental issues, and why having a "flare plan" with your vet matters
• Labored breathing and neurologic emergencies like seizures and vestibular disease
• How to check resting respiratory rate, spot abnormal gums, and recognize signs like head tilt or stumbling

Listen in for practical tips, warning signs, and why proactive care matters so much so that you can prepare and respond effectively for your pet.

LINKS

• Missed the cat emergencies episode? Listen in here!
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

TIME STAMPS

00:00 - Senior pet emergencies and why they matter
02:12 - Understanding sudden collapse and its causes
05:15 - Hemangiosarcoma
13:21 - Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, GDV) in large breeds
21:18 - Recognizing pain and managing flare-ups
25:43 - Breathing emergencies
28:56 - Neurologic emergencies: seizures and vestibular disease
34:52 - Preparing for emergencies and why quick action matters

Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

How do I know if my cat is having a medical emergency? In today's episode, Dr. Amanda Steffen walks through 5 common senior cat emergencies. If you've ever found yourself wondering whether you needed to rush to the emergency hospital or get to your family vet urgently because something felt off with your cat, this one's for you.

She covers:

• Respiratory distress, including heavy breathing, belly breathing, or panting
• Kidney disease is common in older cats and can present with vomiting, lethargy, and changes in urination
• Why cats not eating for more than 24 hours becomes serious quickly
• Saddle thrombus (aortic thromboembolism), where a cat suddenly can't use one or both back legs and may cry out in pain
• Diabetic ketoacidosis, especially in diabetic or newly diagnosed cats, which can cause vomiting, weakness, appetite loss, and more.
• How to have open conversations with your vet about symptoms, testing, and budget, and why quick action can make a major difference

This is a great way to know what to watch for and what to expect if you ever end up at the emergency vet with your senior cat.

LINKS

• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

TIME STAMPS

00:00 - Why senior cats need their own care considerations
02:20 - Signs and urgency of respiratory distress in cats
04:53 - Understanding normal vs. abnormal breathing rates
07:44 - Common causes of respiratory distress in senior cats
11:18 - What to expect if your cat is hospitalized for breathing issues
14:28 - Kidney failure symptoms and emergency response
17:13 - Diagnostic testing for kidney disease and GI issues
21:55 - Preventing kidney failure
22:23 - Inappetence and vomiting as emergency signs
27:21 - Saddle thrombus symptoms and emergency treatment
32:13 - Diabetic ketoacidosis in senior cats and its urgency

Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

Caregiver burden and exhaustion are real, even for pet parents. Today, let's talk about the impact caregiving has on you, not just your pet.

Dr. Amanda covers:

• The impact senior pet caregiving has on us as pet parents
• The caregiver burden in practical terms: missing social events, work interruptions, and the constant worry about leaving your pet alone
• Anticipatory grief, guilt, and hindsight bias, including how hard it is to make treatment decisions without knowing the outcome
• The challenge of deciding when it's time to let a pet go, and why that decision feels emotionally difficult even when it's made with care
• 5 ways to support yourself and your pet better, including making a flare plan
• Identifying end-of-life red flags in advance

Caregiving is hard, but no one has to do it alone, and that support can make the process more manageable. Listen in if you want to feel less alone and more understood in what you're going through.

LINKS

• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

TIME STAMPS

00:00 - The emotional impact of caring for senior pets
02:23 - Understanding caregiver burden and its effects
05:04 - What research says about stress and depression in pet owners
06:36 - Assessment tools for caregiver burden
10:26 - Why self-care and recognizing stress matters
13:17 - Understanding anticipatory grief and its effects
17:17 - Deciding when to consider euthanasia
21:32 - Living in the moment: your pet's perspective on pain and suffering
22:55 - The role of veterinary support and planning
25:09 - Creating a flare plan for emergencies
29:23 - Recognizing red flags in pet health
32:01 - Talking openly with your vet about end-of-life care
35:23 - Self-care tips for pet owners
38:24 - Asking for help and building your support team
40:07 - Final encouragement and self-compassion

Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

How much protein should my senior pet get? In this episode, Dr. Amanda discusses a common misconception: that protein should automatically be reduced as pets age. In reality, a lot of the time we actually need to be giving our seniors more protein, not less.

She covers:

• Why protein restriction isn't supported by current research for most healthy senior pets, and how it can contribute to muscle loss, frailty, and a shorter lifespan
• How muscle wasting impacts senior pets, such as reduced mobility, slower recovery, and more
• Why cats and dogs can lose significant muscle mass with age, and why early nutrition changes matter
• Protein needs for senior pets, including gram-per-kilogram guidelines and how they shift for dogs and cats
• How to read food labels and why dry matter calculations matter, especially for wet, homemade, or fresh diets

Listen in to learn more about senior pet protein needs, and how muscle loss can be improved through diet changes, easier-to-digest protein sources, and other supportive care.

LINKS

• Missed the first episode? Listen in here!
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

TIME STAMPS

00:00 - Introduction to senior pet nutrition and common misconceptions
02:19 - How muscle wasting affects lifespan and quality of life
03:05 - Reevaluating protein restriction in healthy senior pets
06:07 - Specific dietary needs for senior dogs
08:27 - Specific dietary needs for senior cats
09:15 - Reading pet food labels
11:39 - Recommendations for dry food, wet food, and more
15:30 - Muscle loss in cats and how protein can help
19:23 - Easier proteins for senior pets
21:39 - Muscle loss affects more than mobility
23:18 - The exception to adjusting protein
25:00 - Final thoughts on restricting protein in senior pets

Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

How do you choose a good supplement for your pet? Today, Dr. Amanda talks about why pet supplements can be so confusing for senior dog and cat parents, especially since many products make big claims without much behind them.

She covers:

• Why terms like "natural," "organic," and "holistic" aren't regulated in veterinary supplements, so they shouldn't be taken as proof of quality or effectiveness
• 3 things to actually look for in a supplement, including the NASC seal and a certificate of analysis (COA), plus why to watch out for proprietary blends, missing lot numbers, and products without matching test results.
• Why it's worth involving your veterinarian before starting supplements, especially for pets with conditions like diabetes, pancreatitis, or thyroid disease, or those already on medications

Listen in if you're curious about what to look for and what to ask for when it comes to pet supplements.

LINKS

• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

TIME STAMPS

00:00 - Understanding the confusion around pet supplements
05:26 - Key things to consider when choosing supplements
5:51 - What the labels really mean
9:10 - Certificates of analysis, explained
12:22 - Why you should tell your vet everything
16:22 - Your supplement checklist
18:03 - Choosing the right supplement
22:07 - Final thoughts on pet supplements

Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

What should a senior cat vet visit include? Today, Dr. Amanda is back with another vet visit episode, but this time all about cats and what to ask for during your appointments.

She discusses:

• Why senior pet care is an investment, and why routine monitoring often means blood work, urine testing, and other diagnostics every 6-12 months
• Common early clues: weight loss, reduced activity, litter box changes, changes in appetite or drinking, and more.
• The key routine checks to request, starting with body condition score and muscle condition score
• Basic diagnostics, including CBC, chemistry panel, urine testing, and blood pressure measurement
• Thyroid testing, SDMA for earlier kidney screening, and ProBNP for heart muscle injury
• Integrative exam approaches, including Chinese medicine assessments like tongue, skin, heat, trigger points, and overall demeanor

Listen in so that when you go in for a veterinary visit with your cat, you'll know what to ask, what to advocate for, and what tests you should be running.

LINKS

• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

TIME STAMPS

00:00 - Senior cat care basics
02:40 - What to ask at vet visits
09:53 - Key routine checks: body and muscle scores
15:17 - Blood tests to request
18:19 - Urine and blood pressure checks
23:03 - Thyroid and kidney screening
26:05 - Imaging for cancer detection
28:34 - Advocating for your cat at the vet
32:04 - Eastern medicine exam approaches

Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.